Best In Show: Competition Poodle Breeders
Poodle breeders love their Poodles. Though the intricately clipped and coiffed appearance of the Poodle may bring ridicule from other breeders, most Poodle breeders support this interesting and unique-looking breed. Poodles are thought to have originated in Eastern Europe or France. They are the official dog of France and are often called French Poodles, though their French roots are still debated today. The French are ultimately given credit for the Poodle having bred the dog into its three sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard.
Poodles are gun or water dogs. They were used historically to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl from water. The breed enjoys playing in water and the name Poodle is related to both the German word Pudel, which means splashing or water and the English word puddle, which is a pool of water. The intricate fur clip seen on competition Poodles today has a utilitarian origin. Poodles were clipped to make them more mobile in water. Some of their heavy fur was shaved to lighten them and fur was left around joints to keep the Poodles warm in water.
Good Poodle breeders are aware of Poodle breed standard characteristics. They breed Poodles that have the best genetic makeup and pedigree and do not breed Poodles with genetic defects. Some of the traits desired in Poodles are dense, curly or corded fur, delicate limbs, graceful, straight muzzles, small, oval feet, dark eyes, an alert expression, intelligence, loyal temperament and elegant carriage. Some of the traits that breeders do not wish to see in Poodles are gross hyperactivity, aggression and medical conditions such as anemia, allergic conditions, gastric, kidney or thyroid problems and cancer.
Poodle breeders may specialize in Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodles. Each Poodle has requirements in height and weight. Toy Poodles must be six to nine pounds and a maximum of ten inches in height, miniature Poodles must fifteen to seventeen pounds and eleven to fifteen inches in height and standard Poodles must be forty-five to seventy pounds and over fifteen inches in height at the shoulder.
Buyers should approach Poodle breeders with a list of questions. Good Poodle breeders will also have questions for buyers. Buyers must first educate themselves on Poodle information and history so they can verify whether breeders know what they are talking about.
Unfortunately, this is necessary to distinguish the good breeders from the many disreputable breeders working only to make a profit. Buyers do not want to buy a puppy mill Poodle, which is a Poodle born and raised in a cage borne of parents who have been neglected, over-bred, and often abused. Backyard breeders continuously breed adult dogs with no regard for the health or happiness of the parents or puppies.
Buyers can avoid bad breeders by asking to visit the kennel where puppies are born and raised, requesting documentation of Poodle pedigree and medical records, and by asking breeders if they broker or sell puppies to pet stores. Good Poodle breeders will never treat a puppy as merchandise to be shipped and sold to anyone.
About the Author: Lisa Collins enjoyed researching Poodle breeders. There are a number of questions buyers can ask to distinguish between bad and good Poodle breeders. This article will provide Poodle information and information on what questions to ask Poodle breeders.
More articles by LCollins
Print Article | Download PDF | 12 views | Mar 17 2008
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