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Criteria to Consider in Selecting a Dog Breeder
1) Health Screening/Testing of Adults Used for Breeding— It is your job to ask questions and do research to ensure you select a Toy Poodle Breeder who is taking the necessary preventative measures to produce only healthy, genetically sound puppies.
2) References of Previous Adoptions— Check your breeders references. A reputable breeder will have no hesitation in providing these for you.
3) Veterinarian References— A reputable breeder should have a close relationship with their veterinarian and their veterinary clinic. All vaccinations, treatments, and examinations should be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Many breeders attempt to cut costs by administering their own vaccinations. We feel it is in the puppy’s best interest to leave that responsibility to a licensed veterinarian. Not all veterinarians thoroughly examine puppies brought to them for evaluation. A breeder should use a dedicated veterinarian, who takes the time to monitor each puppy closely.
4) Answers to Your Questions— Have a list of questions to ask each breeder you contact. You should know a breeder’s history and current breeding conditions— -How frequently do they breed? -How many dogs are in their breeding program? -Where do their dogs live? In house? Outside? In a kennel? -What foods and products do they use for their dogs? -What are their goals/intentions in breeding?
5) Breeders Should Interview You as Well— If a breeder does not ask you questions, then you should look elsewhere. Breeders should want to know your history with dogs, you current veterinarian (if applicable), your living situation, the living conditions you intend to provide your dog, your schedule, and your intentions in purchasing a puppy. A reputable breeder should request that all puppies placed in pet homes be spayed/neutered for the health and protection of their puppies.
The above are just some of the criteria you should consider in selecting the breeder for your new toy poodle. |
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When you are buying a toy poodle, it is essential to chose a reputable breeder. A responsible breeder will only breed poodles, which have been cleared of any genetic health problems which could be passed down to the next generation. We are highly selective in deciding on a poodle to breed. Furthermore, we do not allow a female to become pregnant until they are at least 18 months old. We prefer to wait until two years of age. At two, a female poodle’s body is better equipped to deal with the stress of pregnancy and delivery of the puppies.
We also do not allow our puppies to leave our home until they are truly ready. Depending on the size of the puppy, the appropriate age could be from 8 to 13 weeks of age. Small “teacups” must remain with us for a longer period in order to achieve the appropriate development and size to make the transition to their new home easier on the puppy and the new owner.
Some common genetic problems with toy poodles are:
1) luxating patellas— a condition in which the patella, or kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position. This condition can lead to arthritis problems and sometimes limping or inability to properly use the leg. We only breed poodles, who have been evaluated to have strong patellas. 2) hip displaysia— a condition which is common in many breeds of dogs. 3) progressive retinal atrophy and other hereditary eye diseases. Toy poodles can have problems with their eyes. Therefore, veterinarian attention is needed to promote the health of the puppy. DNA Blood testing (Optigen exam) and a CERF exam are used to detect a genetic disposition to this problem. 4) seizures, epilepsy, and thyroid problems. Seizures can result from different sources. Sometimes toy poodle puppies will seizure, due to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. It is important for a young toy poodle to eat regularly in order to avoid this problem. In other cases, seizures can signify a much larger neurological problem, which can cause chronic seizures throughout the life of the poodle. Blood tests can determine thyroid conditions.
These are just some of the issues for which our veterinarians test, when evaluating our poodles. Most issues with hips, joints, and knees can be found in x-rays, which are performed as recommended by our veterinarian on all of our poodles.
All of our poodles receive their vaccinations from our licensed veterinarian. Unlike many breeders, we do not personally administer these vaccinations and treatments, since we feel it is important that a licensed professional handle all medical procedures, including vaccinations. As every dog owner should, we administer heartworm and flea prevention on a monthly basis. Also, we provide our poodles with regular dental care in order to prevent decaying and other dental abnormalities. When a puppy goes to its new home, the new owner receives the puppy’s health record, which documents all vaccinations and treatments that the puppy has received since birth.
We offer a one year written health guarantee, which covers any genetic problems occurring within the first year of adoption. Therefore, we fully stand behind of poodles and strive for excellence in toy poodle breeding.
We enjoy discussing our poodles and breeding principles, so if you have any questions please contact us for further information regarding any concerns.
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Stellar Toy Poodles |
