Choosing A Poodle

It is most important to contact a specialist breeder when buying a puppy. The secretaries of the various clubs comprising The Poodle Council will help you to contact someone in you area who breeds the size of poodle required. You will find a full list in the Showing/Judging section.

Make it clear to the breeder exactly what you want, a promising puppy to show, a puppy suitable for breeding or a companion pet puppy. Be prepared to wait for the right one to come along. If they do not have any puppies to offer most breeders will be able to recommend another person to try, but it can be a frustrating task trying to track one down. Hopefully you choice will live to a ripe old age and a few weeks wait for the right one is well worthwhile.

Puppies should be at least 8 weeks old when they are ready, preferably have had their first inoculation, be Kennel Club registered and come with 6 weeks insurance cover. They should also have been wormed.

Most breeders with have a least one parent available for you to see, and will advise you on feeding.
Remember that changing home is a very traumatic experience and the newcomer needs reassurance and a fuss made of him. The most outgoing puppy can be reduced to a nervous wreck by unthinking owners who allow children to run screaming and stamping around the new arrival. They need to be made aware that the puppy is a baby and needs lots of sleep, must not be left on chairs and settees or chased round the garden.

You should also realize that your puppy has probably never heard vacuum cleaners, washing machines and the like and it's a good idea to pick him up when introducing him to these experiences for the first time.

It also makes a lot of sense to have a playpen or cordoned off corner of the kitchen to put your puppy in whilst you're busy. With a bed, a few toys and a bowl of water he'll be quite happy and you'll know where he is.

CH Starwood Beaudelaire (as a puppy)

GROOMING

 
The great thing about poodles is the fact that they do not moult, so you wont be having dog hair all over your furniture and your clothes. This also makes them the only breed that can be tolerated by some asthmatics and people with allergies. However it also means that they do need to be regularly groomed to remove dead hair, which causes matts and tangles, being both unsightly and unhygienic.

Clipping is best left to a professional, a good groomer will clip nails, check ears and teeth and empty the anal gland along with making your dog look his best. Do mention if you have noticed any scratching or rubbing between trims as again you will get expert advice on products that are available or if a trip to the vet is required. Your dog will need clipping every 6-8 weeks depending on how nice you like him to look, a longer period is unfair on both dog and groomer, he will also need combing through between trims and a bath if you can manage it.

Try to find a good groomer that you are happy with and stick with them; your dog will get used to being handled by the same person and therefore be more relaxed. If you are genuinely pleased with their work don't be shy about a gratuity and a little present at Xmas, they are not making a fortune for this work and a little praise and something extra is always welcome.