Question:
Hey all! I am new here so just saying hi and I have a a question too. I have been researching dogs for about 2 years now, I thought I wanted a german shepherd, but thought that breed would be a little much for me right now. I was trying to decide when the right time was to get a dog too, and thought this could be a good time because, I was talking to a lady that lives pretty close to me that was walking her brown toy poodle. We started talking and it turns out that she is going to breed her with her white male toy poodle, they are both akc registered, and she asked me if I wanted one of the pups. I didnt know what to say at the time.
But now that I have thought about it this could be good. So here are a few facts about my life style to see if you all think that a toy poodle puppy would be right for me. I live in a medium sized house with a medium sized yard, I want a dog that is hypoallergenic because my mom is allergic to cats, but we are not sure about dogs yet,so I would reather be safe than sorry. The puppy would probably be in the kennel for an hour or so, but someone will more than likely be home through out the day. I am looking for a small dog so it will be easier to handle. Thats all that I can think of right now. If you have any questions for me please ask I want to be 100% sure about this before I get a pup.
Thank you for reading this.:)
Answer:
I think a toy poodle would be great. But before you get the pup, make sure your mom gets to meet a poodle at some point. Depending on the severity of her allergies, even a poodle might be too much for her.
And I think it's a good idea to stay away from the German Shepherds. Firstly, they shed a lot, which would be bad for your mother! They're wonderful dogs, but not usually recommended for first-time dog owners.
Answer:
To me there's a far cry between a German Shepherd and a toy poodle. Maybe you could fill us in more on your age etc. As far as your Mom's allergies, I would really check out with dogs before you head into this. ( with any breed ). I had a buyer once who wanted one of my pups, but mentioned her husband might be allergic... I had him come out many times and be around all my Goldens before selling. He passed and they owned their beloved Golden until last fall when she went to the Rainbow Bridge at 14 years.
Answer:
Thank you for the information. I am only 14 but this account on this website is pretty much my whole family they just asked me to do it, since they arent really good with computars. As with my mom we know she is allergic to cats that was our only concern, but she has been around dobermans, polish lowland sheepdgs, and a couple mixed breeds, and thats about it.
Oh yeah my parents both had shepherds when they were growing up, well my dad had a number of dogs so he is pretty experienced. But it has been a long time since he has had one.
Answer:
I would say, toy poodle is the best choice. Poodles, maltese and bichons are great dogs especially for people with allergies. Our first dog is a poodle, we still have her (Melon).
We got her when I was 10 years old and she became my best friend ever since. It is so easy to take care of them. They are great companion too:) the only thing that you should keep in mind is grooming -its not a big deal though- . other than that, I should say if i were you, I would go for a poodle:)good luck with your decision
Answer:
Bring your mom over to the ladys house acople times and have her play with the poodles. I know my mom is allergic to short haired dogs and not long haired. It's odd. We have a papillon.
Anyways, does this lady show her dogs?
Have they both uptained their champion title yet or close?
Have they been tested for common health concerns associated with the breed?
How long has she been breeding her dogs?
How long has she been showing (if she does)?
If you don't know the anwsers to these question you should ask her before getting one of her pups. You will be shaving yourself a big heart ache in the long run.
Answer:
You will be shaving yourself a big heart ache in the long run.
Are the pups free? Chances are they are not top show quality (other than health thats not important IMHO). If she is going to breed her dogs no matter what then the pups have to go some where at if you are willing to give them a good home...Great for you and the pups. Just realize if her breeding dogs have "issues" your dog will most likely have issues. Regardless they still need a good home.
Allergies...My wife is very allergic to cats but has zero problems with dogs. I would echo the opinion about having your mom go over to play with the parents, its a good test for her allergies and a chance for you to get a second opinion on the dogs.
Toy Poodles are almost a can't miss breed for companionship (I had one as a child and it became my mothers) They are super sweet and smart. What are your hobbies? Toy Poodles aren't very big so you have to be protective of them when you go places (Hiking, around other dogs etc...) But in your house and in the backyard they will work of time to make you feel loved and happy.
At your age you are coming up on some very big changes (growing peer involvement, College, work etc...) how will this puppy/dog play into your plans? This dog should easily be there for your 30th birthday and beyond, have you thought about the time commitment? Will Mom be willing to take over your role with the dog if your social, educational or work life pull to hard on your time?
That puppy will bond very strongly to you. The puppy's life will revolve around the time it spends with you.....be very careful entering such a emotional contract with a dog at your age if Mom is unwilling to take over for you.
If you are ready....a Toy Poodle will be the best and most unconditional friend you will ever have!
Answer:
I'm a bit bias on this subject since I'm totally in love with this breed. :p
I have 2 Toy Poodles and for us they are the ultimate little breed. They both are very affectionate, loving and some times too smart for their own good. I find that properly socializing them and finding a good breeder that places good temperament as one of the important factor in her dogs a must. Over spoiling them can lead to unwanted behavioral problems. I love my little guys but find it important to let them know I'm boss, if I didn't they rule the roost. "lol" I received my first Toy Poodle when I was 16, not much older then you. He was sweet boy and lived to be 14 years old. It broke my heart when he passed away. Good luck in your search for this adorable breed.
Answer:
I find that properly socializing them and finding a good breeder that places good temperament as one of the important factor in her dogs a must. .
Even if these puppies aren't the best bred, don't you think they should get a chance at a good home too? It sounds like this lady is going to breed her dogs regardless and several puppies in need of a good home will most likely be produced.
I realize that dogs bred without the perfect parents can be more work and worry but if she doesn't adopt them.... who will? I wouldn't pay for them, thus encouraging a Back Yard Breeder (If that is even the case) but if she is going to give them away...why not. For no money but the start up vet bills you can have a dog who needs a good home and will love the heck out of you.
Answer:
Even if these puppies aren't the best bred, don't you think they should get a chance at a good home too? It sounds like this lady is going to breed her dogs regardless and several puppies in need of a good home will most likely be produced.
I realize that dogs bred without the perfect parents can be more work and worry but if she doesn't adopt them.... who will? I wouldn't pay for them, thus encouraging a Back Yard Breeder (If that is even the case) but if she is going to give them away...why not. For no money but the start up vet bills you can have a dog who needs a good home and will love the heck out of you.
I was just giving her my opinion on the breed because the OP had asked “do you think a toy poodle is right for me?” I never said for her not to get one of the puppy’s from this lady and we have no idea whether it’s going to be a free pup. We’re all going on assumptions here until we get more info.
I originally thought I had purchased my pups from a good breeder till I've learnt more on it (thanks to the internet and forums like these) and thousands of dollars later in vet bill in the first 2 years with one dog showed me that there's no such thing as a free dog. (even though I did pay for them). And sure, all dogs deserve a great home who's loved, I wouldn’t be fostering poodles if I didn’t think so.
Answer:
You make a great candidate for a Toy Poodle.
Answer:
I never said for her not to get one of the puppy’s from this lady
I wasn't flaming you... I was just trying to let the OP know that every dog deserves a crack at a good home. Sorry if it sounded like I was flaming you.
we have no idea whether it’s going to be a free pup.
Your right, for some reason when I first read her post I thought the lady said she could have one (implying free) but I just reread her post and I see it says "would you like one" which doesn't imply free at all. :o
Answer:
I wasn't flaming you... I was just trying to let the OP know that every dog deserves a crack at a good home. Sorry if it sounded like I was flaming you.
Your right, for some reason when I first read her post I thought the lady said she could have one (implying free) but I just reread her post and I see it says "would you like one" which doesn't imply free at all. :o
I think every dog desirves a home also but you can't promote BYB, if that is infact, what this lady is. We'll have to just wait and get more info from the OP about this breeder before we can make assumptions.
I'm not directly this to the OP's situation but overall I think you should get a dog from a BYB if it promotes the breeder to keep breeding. I love all dogs,(purebreds and mixes), but I would buy a dog from anything less than a responsible breeder. That being said I can still uptain a dogs that were the product of irresponsible breeding by going to a rescue or shelter. That way I give a dog in need a home and don't support the cycle to continue.
Answer:
I wasn't flaming you... I was just trying to let the OP know that every dog deserves a crack at a good home. Sorry if it sounded like I was flaming you.
No problem, all is good! I was just answering your question.:D
Answer:
Bring your mom over to the ladys house acople times and have her play with the poodles. I know my mom is allergic to short haired dogs and not long haired. It's odd. We have a papillon.
Anyways, does this lady show her dogs?
Have they both uptained their champion title yet or close?
Have they been tested for common health concerns associated with the breed?
How long has she been breeding her dogs?
How long has she been showing (if she does)?
If you don't know the anwsers to these question you should ask her before getting one of her pups. You will be shaving yourself a big heart ache in the long run.
No, does not show them. Yes, they have been tested for common health concerns. She has been breeding for about 3 years.
Thank you for all of you kind answers to my questions.:)
Answer:
Yes, they have been tested for common health concerns
Does she have proof of genetic testing for the genetic, inherited diseases like retinopathy and other things Poodles are prone to? How about temperament testing?
I would recommend you look on this forum, probably in the breeding section on what it is that makes a reputable breeder. If she is not a reputable breeder, you can end up with more problems and although all dogs deserve a loving home, when you buy a dog from a back yard breeder or pet store/puppy mill, who does not go through the proper procedure of breeding, you are supporting them... and meanwhile....all kinds of dogs are being put to sleep or living a life of misery in a shelter with no real home or family. They could have been adopted instead to make their numbers lower.
A reputable breeder shows their dogs and has titles to prove that they measure up to the standards set forth for that breed. Experts in the breed judge this. Their conformation needs to conform explicitly to the breed standard. If it wavers, the breed deteriorates and is no longer able to do what it was designed to do... and skeletal and other problems will start appearing. This is why showing dogs is done. I realize that there are exceptions to this and unfortunately some breeds are suffering which are being shown. But over all, it's something to go by. You need some kind of frame work.
Only breeders who are interested in bettering the breed as a whole, should breed. If their dogs are not exemplary and can not add anything to improving the breed, they should NOT be bred. There are breeders out there breeding the best of the best and those are the people who should be looked at for a new pup. They strive to erradicate health problems by genetic testing, extensive pedigree study to find the best match which will compliment their dog, not just grab some dog down the street who happens to be AKC registered. AKC registered doesn't mean much at all. There are lots of dogs with "papers" who are very substandard.
If you don't care about having a better chance of a healthy, fine, superior dog, then I would recommend going to a shelter and finding a cute little fluff ball. There are lots of them. Or a purebred rescue. But if you're going to go the purebred, puppy, breeder route, please don't support someone who doesn't breed for the sole purpose of making a litter better than the last AND improving on the breed as a whole.
Look up the diseases that plague Poodles and ask her if she tests for these and ask for proof. Ask about the dogs in the pedigree, what did they die of and at what age? (of course, you can't know for sure if someone is telling the truth) Ask to see titles for conformation (champion) as well as working titles...obedience, agility...something. Ask to see a pedigree, get a copy. Take it home and see what breeders (Kennel names and dogs) are in the pedigree. Follow the trail. See what those breeders' dogs have done in the way of titles, who have they mixed with. See if you see a name popping up all over the place. Reputable breeders won't hook up with someone who isn't.
You can also go to shows and talk to people in the breed and find out a lot of info. If someone's name keeps coming up, they may just be a fine breeder.
It doesn't cost more to get a very well bred dog than it does to get a byb (back yard breeder) dog. You very well may end up paying a whole lot more in vet bills and heartache. I know.....been there, done that.
Good luck!
You can find out more if you go to the parent club of the breed. Poodle Club of America, I think it's called. Also do a search...."How to find a reputable dog breeder." Get familiar with the genetic diseases of Poodles. I know they can have a few.
Good luck. You are wise to be researching this ahead of time. Good for you!
Answer:
[QUOTE=hops]No, she doesn't show them.[QUOTE]
Without showing them, as an eariler poster explained there is no way to determine whether or not they fit the standard for the breed.
Now you are thinking, what do I care if the dogs parents are champions and fit their breed standard? I don't plan on showing the puppy or want to breed it. I just want a pet.
Here's why it matters to you.
If the dog doesn't match the breed standard it is likely not to have the qualities that make that breed unique. (Aka the qualities that make you want that breed to begin with.) Like fur length,weight, temperament, and.....drum role.......**hold your breath**........hypoallergic hair! (sp?) That one thing alone can cause you not to be able to keep the dog. It is worth the extra offer to go to a different breeder who shows them. You are going to be paying alot of money for any dog, one way or another, why not shop around?