Choosing a Poodle
I know that getting a new puppy is a big, long term decision as well as an exciting one. I am happy to do anything that I can to make your decision easier. We will answer questions and offer support even after you take your new baby home. We have a lifetime welcome back policy in the event that you are unable to keep your puppy during any stage of their lives.
Male Vs Female
Lots of people prefer females over males. Female preference is something ingrained. Many people believe that females do not display alpha behaviors like "marking" and/or "mounting”, that they are more calm and attentive than males, and that females do not participate in fighting over dominance. This is not true!
In my experience it is the females who determine the pecking order, and who compete to maintain and or alter that order. The females are, as a result more independent, stubborn, and territorial that their male counterparts. The females are much more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as "mounting". Mounting is often not a sexual behavior but used to show dominance. There is a reason people utilize the technical dog term of "bitch" in a negative connotation - and it refers directly to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog world.
I have had both Male, and Females in my household and in all the time that I have had dogs, the ONLY fights I have ever had to break up were between females.
On the other hand, males are usually more affectionate, attentive, and more demanding of attention. They are very attached to their people. They also tend to be more reliable, and less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by praise and food, and so eager to please that training is easy. However, males can be more easily distracted during training, as males like to play so often. And no matter what age he is more likely to act silly, and more puppy -like always wanting to play games. Boys are fun loving until the day they die. Females tend to become more reserved as they age.
Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as "mounting", or "marking" and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors (if they ever existed) will disappear. Boys who were neutered early (by 5 months) usually don't ever raise their legs to urinate. I strongly recommend having your male neutered before 6 months if you don’t plan to breed him. Even if he isn’t altered you can still train them not to have unwanted behavior with some patience. My male does not lift his leg and does not "mount my females unless they are in heat. I do however have an alpha female that will "mount" and "mark" to show her dominance.
And while the female will usually come to you for attention, when she's had enough, she will move away. While, the boys are always waiting for your attention and near at hand. Females usually are less distracted during training, as she is more eager to get it over with, and get back to her comfy spot on the couch. The female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with YOU, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. She is much more prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and affectionate- the next day reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy.
Before deciding on a male or female give consideration to any other dogs that may be in or around your home. Generally the Toy Poodle is not aggressive, and gets along well with other dogs, no matter what sex. Personality should be one of the major deciding factors when choosing your puppy. There is really no "better" sex.
Breeders
Being a responsible breeder means breeding to improve the breed, not for financial gain. Sometimes it means watching a much anticipated puppy not quite measure up as a young adult and having a lot of money and hard work go down the drain. I have lost money on my poodles but I do get a sense of satisfaction when I produce a nice litter of puppies. A breeder must know their dogs strengths and flaws and be able to match them with a mate that will compliment them. Whether you are looking for a show prospect or just a family pet a health, intelligence and a good temperament are a must. I think above all your dogs must be your pets.
Pet Stores and Puppy Mills
Most people will not walk into a puppy mill with 60 different breeds of dogs all barking in a deafening symphony of barking and howling. Seeing the dogs sick, dirty,matted and sitting in their own waste because their cages are not big enough to move around would send them running. Those same well meaning people will however walk into a pet store and buy a cute little puppy that came either directly from the same puppy mill or from a broker that picked it up from the puppy mill.
Please do not get a puppy from a puppy mill , backyard breeder or a pet store . A puppy mill is where dogs are bred only for money without any care or concern for their health. The parents often spend their entire lives in cages with little to no health care. The conformation, health and temperament do not matter to them!
If you buy from a pet store, you are only getting a puppy from a puppy mill. Reputable breeders do not sell to pet stores. In most cases, a broker for an out-of-state puppy mill sends the pups to the pet store. These brokers acquire the pups long before they should be taken from their mothers. Normally, no shots are given and these animals are prime candidates for serious canine diseases, such as parvo and distemper. Well-intentioned people may sometimes buy from puppy mills or pet stores because they feel so sorry for the puppy. Please don't. All this purchase does is allow these terrible practices and unhealthy environments to continue, and it contributes to the profit these unscrupulous people make from mistreating dogs. If you could see the parents and the conditions the puppies come from you would not want to support them.
Backyard Breeders
You may pay a cheaper price for a puppy from a backyard breeder, but you will not have information about the health and temperament. In most cases, these people do not know anything about the history of their parents or how to produce a healthy puppy. They just decided to let their dogs have a litter of puppies for fun or money. The lower price is not worth the chance you are being asked to take.
Responsible Breeders
A puppy from an ethical, reputable breeder will normally cost more. However, your are not just paying for a puppy: you are paying for years of accumulated information, education and experience. The reputable breeder has put time, knowledge and dollars into a well-planned, thoroughly researched breeding program. They are putting a great deal of effort into producing the healthiest, happiest puppy possible, in order to offer you more years of loving companionship.
Responsible breeders will provide each buyer with a written genetic health guarantee - not a 3 to 90 day guarantee. They will want to know about you and your family in order to match you with the pup that is best suited to your lifestyle and your home environment. These breeders are educated professionals who are concerned about keeping the breed as healthy as possible for the next generations. With a deep love of the breed, in general, and their dogs, in particular, they will offer references, including giving you their vet's name and phone number. In addition, they will be there for you should any unforeseen problems arise, or to answer questions, share new knowledge and provide advice for years to come.
You get what you pay for. When the purchase price is too low, it may mean large vet bills and a sick puppy, or temperament problems down the road. If you cannot afford to purchase a puppy or an older dog from a reputable breeder, please adopt from your local Humane Society or rescue.
We strongly recommend you use these guidelines when choosing a puppy whether you get one of our puppies of not. We hope that everyone will be matched with the right puppy for them regardless if it is one of our puppies or not. Toy Poodles can live to be 15 years old or more so the puppy you choose will be with you for many years to come.
