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Is The Poodle Right For You?
Research the breed thoroughly to determine whether a poodle is right for you, your family and your lifestyle. The poodle needs more care and attention than most other breeds.
As a potential poodle owner, you must consider two important facts-
Human Companionship is Required
Your poodle wants to be with you-included in all family activities and treated with the same kindness and respect as any other fmaily member. Treat your poodle right and you'll have an adoring, intelligent and stable companion for many years to come.
Frequent Grooming is Essential
Most allergy sufferers can live with a poodle because of their virtually non-shedding coat. This comes with a price-a constant cycle of brushing, combing, clipping and trimming-the poodle is one of the most expensive breeds to maintain. Good grooming will not only keep your poodle looking good, she will be healthier.
Before getting a poodle, ask yourself some important questions.
- Are you willing to make your poodle a member of the family and take her needs and desires into consideration when making family decisions?
- Are you able to devote the time necessary to raise your poodle puppy and meet your adult dog's exercise and grooming needs?
- Can you keep a fairly consistent schedule so your poodle knows when to expect her walks, meals and playtime?
- Can you afford the professional grooming-or-Will you learn how to groom your poodle? Even if you take your dog to a professional groomer, are you able to spend 2 to 5 hours home grooming each week?
- Are you able to provide the veterinary care your poodle requires?
- Are you committed to caring for a poodle her entire life-which could be 15 years or more?
If you are hesitant about making any of these commitments, you shouldn't get a poodle. You don't want to end up in a situation where neither you or the dog is happy.
Where To Look For Your Poodle
You're ready to make the commitment and start looking for your poodle. You'll need to decide on size, color, gender, and whether you want an adult or a puppy. Then, where do you find your poodle? If you want a puppy who will grow to be in good health and sound temperament you should buy from a reputable breeder. If you want to adopt an adult poodle, breed rescue groups and your local animal shelter are good options. It is best to avoid pet stores and breeders who only seem interested in making money.
Find A Reputable Breeder
The best place to buy your poodle is from a breeder who genuinely cares about their dogs and are not in the breeding game for the money.
When a good breeder has a litter, the puppies become the focus of the breeders life. A good breeder will know each puppy as an individual, ask you many questions and help you choose the right puppy for your family and lifestyle.
A good place to start your search for a reputable breeder is the Poodle Club of America. The PCA has a code of ethics their members must follow. All poodles used for breeding must be tested for hereditary defects common to the breed. Proof of this testing must be made available to puppy buyers.
Poodle Breed Rescue
Twenty-five percent of dogs that end up in shelters are purebred dogs. Poodle Rescue is a purebred rescue system that works hard to help poodles in need.
Many poodles find themselves the unwitting victim of unfortunate circumstances. Whatever the reason for a dog entering Poodle Rescue, once it does, the rescuers work through a series of steps to place the dog in the right home.
Specific procedures and policies (designed to protect the dog) vary to some extent, from one Poodle rescue organization to another.
Each dogs individual history and needs are accessed, and the ability of the adopters to meet the needs and challenges of a particular poodle are examined.
To locate a RESCUE or BREEDER REFERRAL person in your area, visit The Poodle Club of America website. Click on your state on the map at the bottom to the page. A list of affiliate clubs with names and phone numbers of their RESCUE and BREEDER REFERRAL persons will appear.
