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The Poodle is a highly
intelligent breed that thrives on human interaction and makes
a wonderful companion. One of the greatest aspects of the
Poodle is that it comes in three distinctly different sizes
and in a variety of colors. Poodles seem to take readily to
obedience and agility training, and are enjoying roles as
hospital therapy dogs, hunting dogs, and down home life mates.
They are also appreciated for the fact that they do not shed
and seem to be tolerated to a higher degree by allergy suffers.
All this coupled with an air of independence and a great sense
of humor makes the Poodle one of the most highly sought after
purebred breeds.
Buying on Impulse
The
decision to buy a dog should be the most educated decision
you can make. At all costs, avoid making a decision to buy
an animal based on emotions of the moment. That can be anything
from sympathy for the animal (I had to get it out of that
mess it was living in.) to pressure from the family (Please,
Daddy, please, please, please...) Dogs can live for a significant
number of years so it's extremely important that you purchase
the right animal for your circumstances.
Three
Variety of Poodles
Those
interested in the Poodle should be aware there are three varieties
of Poodles;' Toy, Miniature, and Standard. There is
no officially recognized Poodle variety such as a "Royal"
Standard, a "Tea Cup " Toy or a "Tiny Toy"
Poodle. These are all just marketing terminologies
to facilitate the sale of animals that are in reality just
dramatically over or under in size from the norm.
Toy
Poodle- The Toy is the smallest of the three varieties
of Poodle. For the conformation show ring the Toy should be
no larger than 10" high at the shoulder. This more diminutive
variety of Poodle is particularly well suited to apartment
life or as a traveling companion for retired people.
Miniature
Poodle- The Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized animal
limited to 15" high at the shoulder for the show ring.
Still it's a sturdy compromise between the Toy and the Standard,
suitable both to apartment life as well as the hardy lifestyle
of a family with children.
Standard
Poodle- The Standard is the largest of the three varieties
with no restriction on size. Typically Standards will be about
21" to 27" high at the shoulder with the females
usually a little smaller than the males. Being a larger, more
substantial animal, the Standard will usually require a little
more room to roam than the other two varieties
Considerations
Be
realistic- Certainly the size of the animal and perhaps
what color it is can be important considerations when it comes
to purchasing a companion animal. However, every breed has
advantages as well as some disadvantages. For example, the
Poodle is not a low-maintenance animal in that it requires
regular, periodic grooming, some of which most people can
do themselves, and some they perhaps can not. A buyer needs
to learn as much as they can about any breed in which he or
she is interested. Purchasing what you thought was a vision
can often end up being a nightmare, both for you and the animal.
Buyers need to educate themselves before making a purchase.
Health
Issues- Animal health is equally important to consider,
and we're not talking about the health of the animal at the
time of purchase. While that's certainly important, there
are longer-term considerations as well. Genetically-inherited
disorders (some of which do not manifest themselves for several
years) are present in virtually every line of living creature
in the world and Poodles, unfortunately, is no exception.
All three varieties
of Poodles have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, progressive
retinal atrophy, cataracts, seizure disorders, thyroid disorders,cushings
and von Willebrand's disease. Other genetic disorders occur
in each variety as well
The
Toy and Miniature Poodles are susceptible to a couple of orthopedic
problems called Legg-Perthes and Luxating Patellae. The Standard
Poodle may be afflicted with gastric torsion (bloat), sebaceous
adenitis with hyperkeratosis, or with an auto immune disorder
such as Addison's disease or auto immune hemolytic anemia.
Hip Dysplasia-
Description-This
is a malformation of the hip joint wherein. The animal experiences
pain and discomfort in movement and can exhibit symptoms of
lameness.
Method
of Diagnosis- radiography (x-ray).
Certification-There
are three registries available for certifications; OFA, GDC,
and Penn-Hip.
Progressive
Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Description
-PRA is a gradual deterioration of the retina of the
eye. Initially the animal will exhibit night blindness and
eventually will experience total loss of sight.
Method
of Diagnosis- ophthalmoscopic exam (CERF) or electro-retinagraph
(ERG) by a veterinary ophthalmologist and DNA marker test
by OptiGen (PRCD) .
Certification-
annual examination and registration with Canine Eye
Registry Foundation (CERF), plus DNA marker test by OptiGen
(PRCD) and registration on OFA database.
von Willebrand's
Disease (vWD)
Description-
Inherited bleeding disorder.
Method
of Diagnosis- DNA
test is available thought Vet gen and Genesearch.
Certification-
Test
results
Thyroid
Malfunction-
Description
(various)
Method
of Diagnosis:
Blood test
Certification:
Normal
thyroid levels
Patellar
Luxation (Slipped Stifles)
Description:
Dislocation
of the kneecap from abnormal structure of the stifle joint,
as well as muscles and tendons.
Method
of Diagnosis: Radiograph
(x -ray)
Certification:
Results
from Veterinary orthopedic specialist exam.
Legg-Perthe's
Disease
Description:
Losses
of blood supply to the cap of the femur bone in the hip joint
leading to deterioration of the joint cartilage.
Method
of Diagnosis:
Radiograph (x-ray)
Certification:
Results from orthopedic specialist exam.
Addison's
Disease
Description:
Destruction
of the adrenal gland resulting in depression, lack of appetite,
vomiting and or diarrhea with abdominal pain, hypotensive
shock with weakness and shivering.
Method
of Diagnosis: Blood
test for sodium/potassium ratio as a screening test.
Certification:
Blood test results.
Sebaceous
Adenitis (SA)
Description:
Skin disease leading to progressive loss of hair and hair
follicles.
Method
of Diagnosis: Microscopic examination of a skin biopsy
by approved veterinary pathologist.(Punch Skin)
Certification:
Annual Pathologists report.
The
Purchaser should see all test results before considering purchasing
a dog!
Your
Responsibility
It
is the responsibility of the poodle buyer to ask for and examine
results of x-rays, blood tests, eye examinations, and punch
skin biopsies for the sire and the dam of the puppy. Responsible,
conscientious breeders screen all breeding stock for hereditary
health problems for which we have testing available prior
to utilizing any dog in a breeding program and are delighted
to answer any questions about the health of the puppy's sire
and dam. However, even when the sire and dam have been tested
and found free from specific hereditary health problems, there
is no iron clad assurance that the puppy will not develop
one of these problems. Buying a puppy from a breeder who tests
breeding stock considerably increases your chances of getting
a healthy puppy.
Show
Quality verses Pet Quality.
A
show quality puppy is one which, in the breeder's opinion,
should be able to become a champion. A pet quality puppy is
less likely, in the breeder's estimation, to become a champion.
However, when buying a puppy at 8- 16 weeks of age, trying
to guess what that puppy will look like when it is an adult
is just that-a guess.
A
pet quality puppy is one that has a minor fault which would
disqualify it from being shown, i.e., a white spot on the
chest or elsewhere, one testicle, oversize or undersize Toys
or Miniatures, or an improper bite. However, the feature(s)
which disqualify the puppies from the show ring, in no way,
affects their ability to be a wonderful companion.
Most
pet quality puppies are sold on the AKC's limited registration
form and a spay/neuter contract. The limited registration
form is a simple way of saying that although your pet is an
AKC registered purebred dog, it cannot be bred. If it is bred,
the offspring cannot be registered with the American Kennel
Club. Using this form is the breeder's way of ensuring that
the puppy will not be bred and pass along the disqualifying
feature to future generations. Neutering your dog also increases
its chances of leading a longer, healthier and happier life.
Alternatives
to Puppies
Occasionally,
adult dogs are available from breeders. Some may even be champions.
Rescue dogs, too, are available from time to time from area
Poodle Clubs. Both can make excellent pets and generally readily
adapt to new homes and loving families. It is unlikely that
any genetic testing will be available for rescue dogs.
Contracts/Guarantees
What
should you expect in writing from the breeder?
- The
AKC registration slip (or CKC in Canada)
- Copies of
the test results of genetic screening for health problems
of the sire and dam.
- A pedigree.
- A printed
contract including, health guarantee.
- A timeframe
to determine if the pup will fit the buyer's household.
- A time period
for the buyer to secure a veterinary check (24 to 48 hours).
- A statement
of the breeder's refund/return policy.
- Feeding instructions,Vaccination
and worming schedule.
Puppies
can be safely shipped by air to their new homes. Generally
the sales price does not include the airfare and the shipping
crate. Additionally, if the buyer decides to return the puppy,
the cost of the return airfare is the responsibility of the
buyer.
Recommended
Reading
The Complete Poodle-Dahl, Del
The
Illustrated Breed Standard-Poodle Club of America inc
The New Poodle- Irick, Mackey
The Poodle Owner's Medical Manual- Brown, Robert, DVM
Poodle Clipping and Grooming- Kalstone, Shirley
Training you to train your dog- Saunders, Blanch
Magazines
Poodle Review- 4401 Zephyr St. Wheat Ridge, Co. 80033- 3299
Poodle Variety- PO Box 30430, Santa Barbara, Ca. 93130
Internet
Resources
There are lots if information about Poodles on the web. Some
of it is even accurate. Two of the best sites with the most
reliable information are:
Poodle Club of America- http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org
No
information in this pamphlet maybe reprinted without the permission
of "The Poodle Club of America".
©Poodle
Club of America 2001 |
