Getting a toy poodle?? Help/advice

[fikel]

I am thinking of getting a 6 month old toy poodle for my 11 year old. I have never had a dog before, do the pros outweigh the cons?
I am rather house proud and don't like dog odour hence the choice of a toy poodle as doesn't shed
Any advice from dog owners and even better toy poodle owners most welcome

[tabulahrasa]

Why a 6 month old poodle? As in where is it coming from?

And when you say for your 11 year old, you'll really need to be the one looking after it, do you mean you're happy taking on the responsibility yourself but they're keener? Because anything else is a bit of a recipe for a disaster...

[arabhorsesarebest]

I have a miniature poodle, I think the only main difference is size, I've had him since he was a puppy.
Poodles are easy going and completely devoted to their owners, who are happy with as much or as little walking as you can provide. They are exceedingly willing and easy to train, they generallly very much want to please. Your right they don't shed but they do need to visit the groomers regularly, every 8ish weeks at least if you want them to stay looking neat and tidy. If you ash them at home their coat retains water and they take hours to dry. I understand they are a very long lived breed, 18 apparently for a toy is fairly common, mine who is no rising 5 has never had a days illness.
But I bought him from a very reputable breeder, heavily involved in the breed society, we were extensively vetted, including photos etc of our home, and we had to visit her for an interview before the puppies were born to convince her we were suitable. Her dogs have had every possible health screen, and she obviously also offers life long advise support etc.The groomers have commented on what a super example of the breed both in terms of temperament and conformation he is. Do be careful there are some very undesirable breeders out there associated with poodles.
I think if I've understood this properly the groomers have said the black ones have the thickest and best coats but all colours over the years will go grey at least.
Good luck.

[arabhorsesarebest]

Wash not ash!

[Darklane]

Not toy poodle but I do have Yorkies, even smaller but don't shed either. Do take an immense amount of grooming as I keep them in full coat for showing.
Temperament very much like Arabhorses describes her poodle, very, very devoted. They follow me everywhere & I mean everywhere, even to the toilet. I work at home so they rarely get left & if I do have to go where they can't come, say the supermarket, DH says they sit glued to the back of the front door.
I don't know if you go out to work? I don't think it's right to leave a dog a,one for more than four hours, I wouldn't let a puppy go to a home where there was nobody home through a full working day, & I do give potential owners the third degree.
So you need to think of it as your dog, an eleven year old is too young to be responsible & shouldn't be expected to be.
Most small breeds live a long time, many of mine have reached nineteen.

[legotits]

I lost an 18 year old mini last year (R.I.P big fella)

He was the sweetest, soft natured obedient dog.
Leaving us with a toy bitch who is still a sod at 15.

Chalk and cheese.
they do take regular upkeep with grooming and just don't suit staying in boarding kennels.

[arabhorsesarebest]

I put mine occasionally into a boarding kennels but he lives with another dog who he's never far away from in fact he's currently sleeping on top of the other dog with our cat curled up next to them both.

[redpriestandmozart]

We've always had standards but got a toy about 10 years ago that my mother was too old to manage her, she was the devil incarnate but the nicest dogs on her good days. Too small to do us any real damage but ruled the roost, I imagine my mother instilled these qualities in her. She never smelt, lived until she was 18, ate a raw food diet and went everywhere with us. I miss her but will wait until I am old and cannot mange the bigger ones until I get another toy. She was groomed every 6 weeks costing about £30 which is likely why there was never a smell.

[FluffyPineapple]

Why a poodle? If you are going to get a dog get a real dog! It is said that poodles don't moult but are you sure you want a dog? Dogs are for life you know. They are living creatures that deserve a happy home for life. It sounds like you really need to consider this OP

[TrionicLettuce]

As previous posters have said I'd only go ahead and get a dog if you want one as well. However enthusiastic your DD is, and even if she doesn't lose interest once reality kicks in, it's impossible for her to have complete responsibility for a dog. You also need to consider that a young dog will very likely still be around when your DD is looking at heading off to university/starting working/leaving home. She may well not be in a position to care for a dog at that stage in her life so you really do need to be in this for the lifetime of the dog.

Mess of some description is pretty much inevitable with any kind of dog. Even my whippets, who shed very little and are ridiculously easy to keep clean, leave nose prints/smears on every surface they can reach, dribble on the soft furnishings when they're asleep and very occasionally puke on the carpet. One of them also didn't stop chewing things until he was about two years old so rather a lot of my furniture (and the odd bit of skirting board) has nibbled edges

Poodles of all sizes are fabulous dogs but even the toys can be pretty busy, active little things. They're also very intelligent and need a certain amount of mental stimulation (training, brain games, etc.) to keep them from finding their own entertainment.

Is there a specific puppy you're considering taking on? If so, where is it coming from and why is it needing a new home now?

[ChipIn]

My toy has just turned 7 and still has the energy of a puppy. He's very needy (will force his way into our laps for cuddles in a cute way, not aggressive) so please be sure you can give the time a dog needs. Being so intelligent they can be trained very well, but they will take advantage of any inconsistencies, and need lots of stimulation to not be destructive when left alone (e.g. Puzzle toys, walks etc.)

The no shedding/ no smell is a huge plus but they need to be groomed regularly otherwise they get matted and very uncomfy.

You also need to take the time to get to know a dog's language. For instance, when we have children over we can see when he has had enough of them if they keep pestering him so we put him elsewhere in the house where he can do what he wants. Poodles can and independent and I see this more so in him than our other dog.

Overall, great companion.

[Blackbird82]

Please don't get a dog for your child. My sister did exactly the same thing a few years ago, despite me trying to talk her out of it (she is not a dog lover at all). She now bitterly regrets her decision and resents the dog.

Dog hair is the least of your worries if you're house proud. Dogs will also vomit, drag their bum across your carpet, have accidents in the house, leave muddy paw prints, stink when they've been out in the rain, stinky dog food to contend with on a twice daily basis......I could go on!

You won't believe the level of commitment it takes to own a dog and to make sure all of their needs are met. You will have to organise your life with your dog in mind at all times, are you sure you want that?

[arabhorsesarebest]

If you're going to get a dog get a proper dog"
Fluffy do you know anything about poodles? They are proper dogs.
I don't have any mental stimulation toys for mine, also his is the most non chewy dogs I've ever owned (we used to have pointers).

[insan1tyscartching]

We got Eric who is a poodle cross for dd's 11th birthday. He is definitely a real dog . We only got him knowing full well he was dd's dog in name only and would be mine and dh's responsibility.
Dd loves him, she plays with him,teaches him tricks and talks to him and occasionally comes with me when I walk him but she isn't expected to and doesn't take responsibility for his upkeep, care and well being.
He's groomed every six weeks at £30 a time but he generally has a bath or two in between because he's an active dog with a love of wet and dirt.
He's clever and picks stuff up in no time, he is very attached to us all and wants company most of the time and is quite protective of us all. Out and about he herds us like a sheep dog to make sure we are all safe He is a lovely dog and well behaved mostly unless he's bored and then he entertains himself by annoying us usually by climbing and stealing and hiding stuff so he needs keeping busy.
I love poodles and would love one myself but they are a huge commitment that you need to be prepared for because your dd will soon have interests and friends outside of the home and might not want to see to the dog as well.

[Wolfiefan]

Poodles are highly intelligent animals. They aren't a pet to choose because of allergens.
NEVER buy a pet for a child. Especially not a dog that needs walking and training and will hopefully live for years.

[BagelGoesWalking]

Agree with all others have said re. mess etc even if they're non shedding. Also consider:

Training when you first get a dog and continuous training
Half term & longer school holidays
When you're ill but need to walk the dog, ditto if your DD ill
When you want a day out but dog can't be left longer than 4 hours
When you feel like a lie-in but dog doesn't
When you want a spontaneous weekend away you need dog sitter
When it's rainy, cold, hot, humid and dog wants a walk
When you're visiting relatives/friends but can't take the dog
Costs of dog, vet checks, vaccinations, dental, food and insurance

Your daughter will lose interest, not because she's an uncaring person, she's just young and the older the gets, the more interests she may have, she will have exams, parties, boyfriend/girlfriend, go away to uni or to work and the dog will still probably have another 10 years in him/her.

It's a huge commitment and not one to be taken lightly. Also, if you'e thinking about a specific 6 month old dog, why are they available? Is it from someone who bred him/her and wasn't able to sell? Why is that? Have they done all the specific health checks that a poodle needs, not just a general health check by a vet?

[tabulahrasa]

What's a proper dog?

[StandardPoodle]

Please think about this very carefully. It is not a dog for your child. You cannot expect a child to groom, walk, feed it, poo-pick, take it to the vet and the groomer for the next 15-odd years.
Yes, they don't shed, and they are wonderful dogs, intelligent, loving, funny, loyal. But they need to go a walk EVERY day, rain or shine. They need regular grooming, and bathing when they've jumped in puddles. They will be sick indoors, may have an accident indoors even if housetrained if you don't notice they need to go out/you've left them too long. Outings have to be considered, what about holidays? They still leave muddy paw prints when they've been out in the rain/bring in grit on their paws.
Why not start with volunteering at a dog rescue - if you start finding it a chore to go, dog ownership is not for you.
If you do decide to go ahead, talk to the local Poodle Club, find a reputable breeder and get a dog from health checked parents (prcd/PRS clear). Good luck!

[FluffyPineapple]

What's a proper dog?

Anything but a poodle really. They are not known for their tolerance to other dogs or others. I have never met a "friendly" poodle. They also need to be clipped on a regular basis. Despite what poodle owners have posted they are not particularly intelligent or trainable - Unless the owner knows what s/he is doing. In the case of OP she doesn't!

[insan1tyscartching]

I don't recognise your description of a poodle as they are considered an intelligent breed only second to border collies. Eric is too clever for his own good, knows loads of commands and can plan and carry out a plan when he wants something So he will drag cushions from the sofa to give him extra height so that he can get something that is usually out of his reach. I can show him any mug from the cupboard and tell him to go tell them I made tea and he will go directly to the person whose mug it is and no one else, bark and bring them to me. He will fetch the right pair of slippers for the person who asks and if you put on someone else's he takes them off you. He is definitely a proper dog even if he does need a clip every six weeks

[LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett]

I have had ddog for 3 months - I love him dearly and wouldn't be without him. But PLEASE don't underestimate the commitment. Two walks a day, another lot of needs to manage and Ye gods, the mess. I've mopped three times today because it's wet and the floor is filthy. Saliva is unappealing. Wet nose marks on the Windows and of course because we are out tramping about in all weathers, we are trailing mud into the house too.

My dog smells lovely, like biscuits, but wet towels are unpleasant too.

Please don't do this on a whim.

[FluffyPineapple]

[I don't recognise your description of a poodle as they are considered an intelligent breed only second to border collies]

Poodles are second to Border Collies?? Haha!! Do you have a link to confirm this? I have friends with BC's and poodles - there is no comparison in reality! :D

[insan1tyscartching]

Well there are loads of sources on the internet but I don't have time to find the evidence. here here and dogtime.com/dog-breeds/poodle#/slide/1here

[ChipIn]

OP please disregard Fluffy's comments. Sounds like Fluffy is basing them on a friend's dog and doesn't have any personal experience of the breed. A quick google search will confirm what everyone else is saying.

Fluffy, here are a few links as requested.

http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/how-smart-is-your-dog

http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/poodle#/slide/1

http://www.allpoodleinfo.com/poodle-intelligence

http://www.caninejournal.com/poodle/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/TheIntelligenceeofDogs

But hey... if you say they're not smart based one this one dog you sort of know, I guess everyone else is wrong.

[FluffyPineapple]

I am utterly shocked that poodles are rated as number 2 for intelligence tbh! The only poodle owners I have come across pick their little darlings up whenever another dog appears. Surely if they are mildly less intelligent than a Border Collie they can be trained to accept other dogs?

I have dopey Labradors. They are not thought of as the most intelligent dogs. However, they are able to do a lot more than any poodle I have ever met - I have kept dogs for more than 20 years. I can honestly say I have never met a friendly poodle.....They are not a breed I would recommend for a first time owner.

[TrionicLettuce]

You've only got to look at how many toy/miniature poodles there doing well in small/medium agility to see they're clearly neither unintelligent or untrainable.