Help me find a reputable toy/miniature poodle breeder.

January 2, 2009 11:38 AM

Recommendations for a reputable toy/miniature poodle breeder, especially those located in the Northeast Corridor?

I have decided to adopt a toy/miniature poodle and have been tirelessly researching breeders for several months now. Of course, I have found many poodles for sale, but am too keenly aware of the atrocities of the puppy mill and backyard breeder and will not have any part in supporting such operations. Can anyone suggest a reputable, responsible toy/miniature poodle breeder who truly understands the breed and is knowledgeable about the breed's unique characteristics and health issues? Please bear in mind that I have no desire to show. My chief concern is to find a healthy poodle of sound temperament to become a lifelong family companion.

As an aside, I would certainly be open to adopting a pure toy/miniature poodle (pure breed is a must as allergies are an issue in my household), however, I have received little to no responses to my various emails to rescue organizations. Thus please keep your referrals limited to poodle breeders unless you have a specific connection to a rescue organization.

posted by orangeshoe to pets & animals (4 comments total)

WTF? Rescue is not responding to your emails? Slack rescue people irk me. Sorry about that.

Have your tried going to shows or finding people who do performance events with poodles?

I've seen toys doing agility and all size poodles in obedience. People who breed dogs for work tend to prioritize AKC appearance standards behind health and temperament. If you haven't already, you might check with local trainers. They tend to be pretty networked and will be able to talk to you about area breeders.

You say you want a miniature or toy, yet you maybe able to get good leads from locals who use standard poodles as bird dogs - hunters whose spouses have allergies sometimes use poodles.

If you get out there and have face-to-face with some poodle people, you may be able to find a young bitch who's already had a litter or two and ready to retire.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 12:11 PM on January 2

Poodle Club of America and affiliated local clubs seem to offer breeder referral, and discuss some characteristics of good breeders.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 2:02 PM on January 2

If you search under "Poodle" as a breed, but specify small as the size, you will see hundreds of rescue miniature poodles on Petfinder.com. This has three advantages: (i) you get to save a dog's life, (ii) you can see a photo of the dog itself before you go to visit, and (iii) you (may) get some history and background on the dog's temperament.
Remember that rescue organizations are staffed by volunteers, who may be away over the Holidays. They also don't like adoptions just prior to the Holidays, as many of these arrive back with them early in the New Year, when people decide that their "gift" is too much trouble ... so this may explain why your local rescue organizations did not respond.
posted by Susurration at 3:25 PM on January 2

Please don't give up on rescue quite yet. I agree that the holidays + a volunteer-run organization may be to blame for their slow response. Also, have you been trying local (all-breed) rescues, or national breed-specific rescue? I tried several rescues and only got a response from one, a national breed-specific rescue group. (not poodle.) although the dog I rescued was from another state, the organization had a huge network of volunteer 'transporters' and it was no problem getting her. And I absolutely love her. I'm glad I didn't give up after the first few rescue places didn't respond.

That said, if you really are set on a breeder, I am glad you know about puppy mill and BYB issues. But honestly, if you aren't planning to show . . . not only will adopting from rescue save a dog's life, but it will probably also save you hundreds of dollars. I realize this is not quite the response you were looking for, but I have a feeling I won't be the only one who thinks this.
posted by lblair at 5:08 PM on January 2