Buying a Toy Poodle Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding(includes checks for multiple inherited diseases and physical issues such as distichiasis)
- distichiasis is extra misplaced eyelashes that rub the eyeball
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- Cushing’s disease
- progressive hormonal disease, causing increased thirst and lethargy
- Diabetes mellitus
- pancreas produces too little insulin to control blood sugar levels
- Ear infections
more likely in dogs with long, hairy ears - Luxating patella
abnormal kneecap causing pain & lameness - MVD (mitral valve disease)
- leaking heart valve (usually only in old age)
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- PRA – progressive retinal atrophy
- gradual blindness
Other Tests
- Putnam scoring for patella luxation
Further Information
Avoid a puppy whose parents are unusually small. Such dogs are more prone to fragile bones that may easily break and to dental problems.