Considering a Mini poodle - where to start

[Ridingladybugs]

Hello everyone

Apologies for what is probably an obvious question.

I am considering getting a miniature poodle to join our family. Realistically would be looking to get a puppy in 2 years when my DC are 10 and 13. I’m a single parent so need to be able to leave the DC for a very short while to give flexibility re walks etc.

I know everyone advises start with breed club - however for poodles there seems to be lots of breed clubs! Should I just contact a few of them that seem relevant? I’m London based.

I don’t have direct experience of poodles - grew up with terriers and labs. I did work in a kennels for 6 years as a teen - primarily labs but we also had some standards to stay ( if only I had room for a standard!).

Alternatively if anyone can recommend a breeder by PM that would be fab. Very happy to travel.

Finally am I starting a bit early if looking for 2 years time?

many thanks!

I started looking 2yrs before getting my dog (Golden retriever)- there are plenty of cowboy breeders and it was 35yrs since I last had a golden so I was out of touch. I ended up top of the list (after the breeder and the sire's owner who both wanted pups). I waited 18 months after first contact with the breeder for the puppies to be born. I think that was one reason the breeder was happy to have me on her list.

I joined a breed specific group on Facebook and became a known member by commenting and asking questions. Lurk for a long time to make sure you don't ask the kind of question that gets you dismissed as a potential buyer.

Ask questions like "why are there so many breed clubs? Any reason to avoid any of them ?" And wait for the response - there might be some history of falling out / conflict 🤷‍♀️.

It's fine to say that you are planning to get a pup in 2024 and want to thoroughly research first.

Look for a breeder who is going to keep a pup for themselves and wants to put health and temperament first. The breeder of my dog had the gran, mum, kept a pup and now has her daughter as well. She just keeps one bitch each time and each of them has one litter. She also had one boy who was a pup returned to her after a marriage breakdown. Her dogs are working, not show, so that's her passion.

My dog trainer has poodles - inc a mini - and she does obedience with hers - fabulous dogs. If I were looking for a mini I would probably find someone who did something like obedience and talk to them about the breed.

In my experience the Show dog people will always prioritise looks over temperament - the opposite of what makes a good family dog.

Thanks @TheOnlyKoiInAPondOfGoldfish .

I do agree on poodles as working dogs and looking for ones who do obedience - I grew up in the countryside and 2 of the stables had minis who were out all day with the riders, busy around the stables. Definitely hardy active dogs!

Will start taking a look on Facebook - th am you for the advice .

@TheOnlyKoiInAPondOfGoldfish Any recommendations for FB groups? There are loads. I am hoping to get a toy poodle when I retire in a couple of years time.

11 years ago I contacted the secretary of the miniature poodle club I was sent a list of breeders who were expecting puppies. From a breeder who is totally dedicated to the breed I purchased a beautiful miniature poodle puppy whose parents were extensively health screened, I was extensively screened before she would consider selling me one and he was very well socialised before I got him. 11 years later he hasn't had a days illness he is greatly admired by all who meet him and is a happy little dog who embodies everything that's good about miniature poodles.
The only thing I would say about them is that are drama llamas, they make an enormous fuss even if they have the most trivial injury, making you believe that at the very least have broken every bone in their leg. Mine has a small stick caught in his fur which was pulling it when he moved I thought he'd broken his elbow at the very least the fuss he was making. The vet says this is very typical of the breed.

@Convertedtodressage - sounds like my youngest son .

Thank you for your advice.

I can’t help with a miniature poodle, but we have a miniature dachshund, and after being vetted, (which involved a video call with both my husband and I, extensive questions about our home / lifestyle and our experience with the breed, or if no experience why we specifically we wanted a dachshund) we then waited on the waiting list for 12 months before our pup arrived.

so any good breeder, has a very long waiting list, so it’s never too early to start researching.