Toy Poodles | What Defines a Toy Poodle Dog?

Setting the record straight on poodles -- the world's most misunderstood dog.

Toy 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 Toy Poodle. Use this as a tool to make the very best and educated decision about your new Toy Poodle. Please make several copies of this 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 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? This is a common problem in Toy Poodles.
Answer:

If answer is yes, ask for 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 blood 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 or Addison's disease , or Cushing's Disease in relatives of the sire or dam?
answer:

These problems can be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in some lines.

6. Does each parent have all of their teeth? Is there excessive tartar buildup in the young dogs?
Answer:

If the answer is no to the first question and yes to the second, your puppy may inherit these traits and require dental scaling and cleaning more often than normal just to maintain it's teeth.

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. Toy 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 toy 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 #

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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 Toy 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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Toy Poodle Breeder Questionnaire