Getting A Poodle

The original Poodles were water dogs used for retrieving. To this day, their conformation and the texture and pattern of their coats reflect the purposes for which they were bred. Miniatures and Toys have been bred down from the larger Poodles and they exhibit the same general characteristics. The Poodle is an active, intelligent, ruggedly-built dog that is at the same time elegant and refined. Well-bred Poodles in all three varieties have steady, happy temperaments, hardy constitutions and they are easily trained. A Poodle is a "person" and he expects to be treated as one. Each one is a character and for that reason they make wonderful companions.

Poodles are also one of a few hypoallergenic dog breeds and are an excellent choice for people with allergies to other dogs or animals. Their unique coat hardly sheds and is easily maintained with regular grooming. Recently, Poodles have been mixed with other breeds in an attempt to capitalize on their nonshedding coat, but many of these Poodle mixes have shedding coats and need frequent grooming.

Poodle Sizes

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• Toy Poodle: 10 inches and under at the shoulder.
• Miniature Poodle: over 10 inches and not over 15 inches at the shoulder - most are in the 13-15" range.
• Standard Poodle: over 15 inches at the shoulder - most are in the 22-27" range.

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A Poodle should be a member of the family. Prospective owners of Poodles should be equipped to provide a fenced-in area in which the Poodle can exercise or be prepared to walk the Poodle regularly on a leash. Poodles permitted to roam are likely to be stolen or killed. Poodles require regular clipping and grooming; a dexterous owner can readily learn how to groom his own dog or he can take the Poodle to a professional grooming shop. Poodles are not finicky eaters, unless made so by indulgent owners. They thrive on simple, prepared dog foods.

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Finding a Poodle

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The best place to buy a Poodle is from a reputable Poodle breeder. A reputable breeder tries to produce the ideal Poodle as described in the Standard of the Poodle. He or she plans breedings to produce a sound, healthy dog, excellent in conformation and temperament, one which will be both an ideal show dog and an ideal companion. This breeder has spent much time and effort in study, breeding and selection; his or her breeding program is based on accumulated knowledge of which dogs to use to produce the best Poodles. Not all puppies in a litter will satisfy the definition of a show prospect. Maybe in a litter only one or two puppies will be retained for showing; the others will be classified as "pet puppies." The differences will be so small that only an expert judge will be able to make the distinction; the eyes may be a bit too light, the tail a bit gay or the hocks a bit straight. All Poodles in the litter will display essentially the same characteristics, the same quality of construction, personality and health. For a pet price, a prospective buyer can purchase a well-bred, professionally raised Poodle, backed by the integrity of the breeder, accompanied by health guarantees and testing, AKC registered bloodlines, helpful advice, instructions and the enduring interest of the breeder in the welfare of the dog.

Our "Breeder Directory" page has contact information of PCSEM members who are reputable and responsible Poodle breeders that abide by our club's by-laws. 

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Puppy mills and pet shops, and/or those who exploit the popularity of the Poodle in order to make a fast buck, sell their dogs as early as they can be weaned. These "breeders" are not concerned with temperament, hereditary faults, quality or the health of the dog and its predecessors. They are simply interested in so many puppies that they can sell for so many dollars. They do not bother about medical care nor health testing. They are not interested in what happens to the dog after it is sold. Although the puppy may be accompanied by a pedigree or AKC papers (eligibility for registration with the American Kennel Club), this is not a guarantee of health, disposition or quality.

Having purchased his or her beautiful Poodle from a reputable breeder and having noted all the helpful instructions, friendly advice and health guarantees from the breeder of whom the Poodle has been purchased, the new owner should check out publications recommended by The Poodle Club of America, Inc., subscribe to one or more of the magazines and, if interested, begin to build up a reference library. Whether a Poodle owner becomes involved in the intriguing but complex hobby of breeding and exhibiting Poodles, or takes pleasure in the happy association of a companion dog, the new owner will find the Poodle one of life's great delights.

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Illustrated Study of the Poodle Breed Standard

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