Miniature Poodle Breeder
Questionnaire
Don't be a victim of an Unethical Breeder
Don't buy from a Pet Shop or Puppy Mill!!!
The following are questions that you should ask a breeder before buying a
Miniature Poodle. Use this as a tool to make the very best and educated
decision about your new Miniature Poodle. Please make several copies of
this pamphlet and use them to interview several breeders. Questions relate
to genetically transmitted diseases and anomalies. Breeder's answers
should be direct and come easily without hesitation. You should SEE COPIES
of the relevant health test reports.
Breeder's name, address and phone number:
Price of puppy:
Today's date:
1. Have the dam and sire had their eyes tested regularly for
progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other hereditary eye diseases? (Once
a year for breeding animals.)
answer:
If answer is yes, ask if the grandparents had been tested or has any
blindness occurred in any relatives of the sire or dam. Ask to see
certificates. If answer is no decline to buy a puppy. A puppy carrying two
genes for PRA has the potential to go totally blind at any age. There is
no cure for progressive retinal atrophy.
2. Have the dam and sire's hips been x-rayed for hip dysplasia and
bones checked for Legg-Perthe's Disease? (Yes, it does occur in smaller
breeds).
answer:
If answer is yes ask for the ratings and to see a copy of the OFA
certificate for each parent. Ask if all four grandparents have also had
their hips x-rayed and been certified free of the disorder. If
answer is no decline to buy a puppy. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative
disorder but can be diagnosed at six months of age. Hip dysplasia can be a
painful and crippling disorder which in some cases can be treated by
expensive surgery.
3. Have the dam and sire been checked by a veterinarian for
luxating patella? Answer:
If answer is yes, ask to see both dog's ratings. Ask about grandparents.
If the answer is no puppies may develop crippling leg problems at a young
age. The problem reveals itself between six months and a year and varies
in degree of severity. Surgery may be required to fix this problem at the
cost of $500 and up.
4. Have the dam and sire had a DNA test for von Willebrand's
disease?
answer:
If the answer if yes ask for the rating on both dogs. A carrier bred to a
carrier can produce offspring with a serious bleeding disorder. 25% of the
puppies will be affected, 50% carriers and only 25% clear of the disease.
VWD is a bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia in humans. An affected
puppy would not likely survive any surgery or injury.
For interpretation of DNA vWD tests go to VetGen.
5. Has there been any occurrence of seizure, epilepsy, diabetes,
thyroid disease, Cushing's Disease or Addison's disease in relatives of
the sire or dam?
answer:
These problems can be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in some
lines.
Ask to look at the whelping room and puppy areas. Note total environment.
Record and answer to each of the following:
Is everything clean?
Do puppies have toys to play with?
Do puppies have fresh water?
Do puppies have room to exercise?
Are puppies clean and groomed?
Look at as many relatives as possible!!
(Note: Weeping tear-stained eyes are not normal)
Are they friendly?
Are they apparently healthy?
This may be your only insight into your puppy's temperament and overall
quality.
Ask about the breeder's older dogs and their life expectancy. Miniature
poodles should live 10 to 16 years.
Answer:
How many years of experience does the
breeder have? Answer:
How many litters a year do they produce and for what reason? Answer:
If the answer is "for the money" walk away. These people do not have the
welfare of the dogs as a priority.
Does the breeder sell pets only on a spay/neuter contract? Answer:
The breeder that does sell on contract cares enough about the animal to
assure that it is not being used and abused as a puppy mill dog. It also
shows that the breeder is concerned about pet overpopulation and
maintaining the miniature poodle as a quality breed.
Is the breeder willing to take the animal back if you can no longer keep
it? Answer:
Breeders do have a responsibility to the animal's welfare even after the
puppy is sold.
Ask for at least three references from
people who own puppies purchased from this breeder. Ask each about their
dog's health and temperament.
NAME PHONE #
1.
2.
3.
Take your puppy to your veterinarian within 48 hours. Your puppy should be
examined thoroughly. If problems are found return puppy immediately to the
breeder with the veterinarian's report. The breeder should be willing to
guarantee the puppy's health.
Genetic testing is done to help breeders avoid passing on genetically
transmitted diseases and anomalies. There is no line of living creatures
totally free of genetic problems, including humans, but the incidence of
problems can be markedly decreased by careful and selective breeding. Take
each of these points into consideration when choosing your next miniature
poodle.
Happy poodle hunting!!
This questionnaire was provided through the courtesy of Versatility In
Poodles who believe that this information should be shared. Please
consider making a donation to "Versatility In Poodles", c/o Miriam
Hillier, Treasurer, 4 Emerald Court, San Mateo, CA 94403.
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Poodle Place TM