Twenty-five percent of dogs that end up in shelters are purebred dogs. So, if you are looking for a purebred poodle, don’t rule out animal shelters as a place to find one. The animal shelter may send any poodles that show up to rescue group.

There are many reasons a dog may end up in a shelter. Occasionally legal action against a puppy mill or abusive owner result in the confiscation of poodles. Sometimes a poodle becomes lost or is given up due to a tragedy in the family, but most are victims of neglect and ignorance.

Many poodles find themselves the unwitting victim of unfortunate circumstances. Poodle Rescue is a purebred rescue system that works hard to help poodles in need. 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.

Adopting a poodle through a Poodle Rescue organization requires being approved. Specific procedures and policies (designed to protect the dog) vary to some extent, from one Poodle Rescue organization to another. The adoption process may take several weeks. Rescue groups are careful in matching a rescue poodle with his new family.

The advantage of adopting a poodle from a rescue group is that each dogs individual history and needs are accessed. Typically the dog has spent time in a foster home and more is known about the individual poodles personality.

Expect to be grilled about your suitability as a poodle owner. The ability of the adopters to meet the needs and challenges of a particular poodle are carefully examined. Rescue workers just want to match each poodle with the right family and lifestyle. They don’t want to see their rescue poodles come back.

Although puppies occasionally come through rescue programs, most rescued poodles are older adolescent or adult dogs.

To locate a RESCUE 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 names and phone numbers of their RESCUE and breeder referral persons will appear.

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If you are going to buy a poodle puppy, and you want to make sure your puppy will be of good health and sound temperament, you should buy her from a reputable breeder. Finding a reputable breeder may take a little work and you may have to wait longer to get a puppy but the search is well worth the time and effort.

A reputable breeder is a person who breeds dogs out of love for the breed and is extremely knowledgeable about the breed. Reputable breeders get health clearances on all the dogs they breed and immediately stop breeding dogs they discover are carriers of inherited diseases.

When a good breeder has a litter, the puppies become the focus of the breeders life. A responsible 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 reputable breeder will answer any questions you may have and be proud to show you their entire kennel. A good breeder will be happy to give you copies of health certificates from the appropriate registries.

Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA)

Provides x-ray evaluation and holds information on seven diseases that commonly affect poodles, including hip dysplasia and Von Willebrand’s disease.

Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF)

Registers dogs that are certified by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists to be free of hereditary eye diseases.

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)

Certifies poodles that have received health certificates for a set of diseases recommended by The Poodle Club of America.

The Poodle Health Registry (PHR)

A non-profit association that provides a centralized online database containing all available information about veterinarian-documented health problems in poodles.

A good place to start your search for a reputable breeder is the 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.

Avoid Unethical Breeders That Mass Produce Dogs For Profit

Often referred to as "Puppy Mills", breeding stock are often overcrowded and over bred without adequate health care, nutrition and exercise. Oblivious to any temperament and genetic health problems the parent dogs may carry, unethical breeders churn out carelessly bred puppies to make money.

Most pet stores get puppies from commercial breeders. Puppies are usually taken away from their mother too early and transported in less than ideal conditions. Unless the puppy is sold right away, they languish in a cage. Isolated, without the human companionship and mental stimulation they need. Puppies bought under these conditions are likely to develop emotional issues and life-long health problems.

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As a potential poodle owner, you must consider two very important facts about owning a poodle before bringing one into your home.

1. 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 family member. Treat your poodle right and you’ll have an adoring, intelligent and stable companion for many years to come.
2. 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.

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.

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