CHOOSING A POODLE PUPPY
They're all so delightful which ball of fur do you choose? The cute cuddly black or the white with the doleful eyes? Now's the time to think sensibly. The poodle puppy you choose is going to be part of your life for a long time to come. It should be healthy and content and a pleasure to introduce to your family home.
We recommend purchasing a poodle puppy from a reputable breeder, not from a pet shop or worse still a market stall. There's no guarantee that these puppies haven't been mass produced in cruel conditions and may have behaviour difficulties. Yes, you might be helping to save a poor puppy but you'll also be putting money into the hands of the rogue breeders and encouraging them to continue.
A Kennel Club recommended breeder is by far the best place to find a new puppy. You may have to travel some distance to find the poodle of your dreams but it will be worth it.
Take a list of prepared questions with you. It's far too easy to forget important things when you're surrounded by cute clambering bundles of poodle puppies. Ask about health of the parents, vaccinations, feeding, previous customer references, grooming and anything else you need to know about caring for poodles. You're likely to be dealing with an expert so make the most of their knowledge.
A good breeder will also ask you some in-depth questions about your lifestyle, home and previous experience of dogs. Be prepared for this as the breeder is doing this in the interest of the puppy, to ensure they will be taken good care of.
When selecting your puppy choose one that is confident and alert with bright eyes and a shiny coat - all signs of good health. The puppy should be playful, not shy and be quite happy to be handled.
Puppies should be seen with their mother and the rest of the litter. Be wary of a puppy that has been separated. The place they're kept in should be warm, clean and dry, showing they've been looked after well.
The breeder should show you the pedigree history, vaccination records and have evidence that the parents have been tested for common poodle diseases. Any breeder that says this is not necessary should be avoided.
A reputable breeder will give you any advice you need and be prepared to talk to you after you've taken the puppy home if you have any problems. They should tell you what food the puppy has been eating (look for best quality, not cheap brands) and give you a supply to take home.