What to Look for When Searching for Your New Poodle Puppy?

Choosing the right Poodle puppy is very important for you and your family. Here are some suggestions to help you with this daunting decision.

If you are purchasing from a breeder…

Observe the area where the Poodles are kept. It is a good idea to visit the Poodle kennel and observe the conditions in which puppies are being kept. Make sure that all the puppies are living in clean conditions. A puppy kept in unsanitary conditions may be at risk for health problems. You should also look out for puppies with a thin or sick appearance. Remember that if one puppy is sick, other littermates may be ill as well.

Ask for the parent’s health history. A serious breeder should be able to provide you with any certificates they have about screening tests they put the parents through. Hip dysplasia, joint problems, and eye problems like cataracts are common hereditary conditions in Poodles dogs. It is important to be aware of any potential health problems that may occur down the road.

Ask for the puppy’s health history. If your puppy is older than 6 weeks, he or she should already have some vaccines and deworming. Ask the breeder for your puppy’s preventive medicine history, which should include the vaccine or dewormed type, as well as, the information of the veterinarian who administered these medications.

If you are adopting from a local Poodle rescue…

Review the puppy’s history. Deciding to adopt a rescued Poodle is an admirable decision, and your new puppy will be grateful for this for the rest of his/her life. Before bringing your new pet your home it is important to know as many details about his/her life as possible. Remember that many Poodles placed in a rescue or shelter were abandoned or abused in previous homes, and this may lead to behavioral problems that you should be familiar with.

About The Author
Dr. Stephanie Flansburg-Cruz practices mixed animal veterinary medicine and she has a special interest in shelter medicine and animal welfare. Stephanie enjoys volunteering at local animal shelters, reading, writing and traveling.