kittyparrots

So. I, like many, have joined this forum because I am interested in getting a poodle.

I am a 21 year old senior in college, and have honestly wanted a dog since I was a sophomore in high school. But I knew then(and still know now) that I am not in the proper position to give a dog the best home possible. So I have been waiting and am still waiting. I graduate within the year and am hoping to own my own home shortly after that. So in a perfect world I can get a dog in about a year to a year and a half.

I currently have a 14 year old cat who is my child, as well as a 10 year old rose breasted cockatoo and a 4 year old black headed caique.

Anyways. I have lots of questions and I've pretty well narrowed down what kind of dog I want (poodle obviously) and I am pretty sure I'd like to get a miniature. So since I have a year or so until I can actually buy/adopt I have decided that it couldn't hurt to start preparing now.


I would love your input or opinions on anything and everything. I have estimated that for a 15lb dog the 'start up costs' for the first year(including food, a crate, spaying/neutering, shots, etc) will cost me approximately $1500. I have decided I want to feed either Blue or Wellness. I already own a fairly good set of clippers(my cat is long-haired but I keep him shaved), but I will need to purchase length attachments for it as well as better scissors and curved scissors.

One of my biggest dilemmas is where I should get my future dog from. On one hand- I would LOVE to purchase from an amazing breeder and get to raise a puppy. But I feel selfish for this because there are so many homeless poodles needing homes. Also, the cost for a breeder that doesn't suck is so high and as much as I wish I could say that money isn't an factor, it is: not trying to be offensive here, but I absolutely do not want to purchase from a breeder who didn't health test or really give a damn about where their puppies go or care about the future of the breed, that just doesn't sit well for me(even if those puppies are substantially cheaper cost wise in the beginning)
So I feel like a pound doggie would be a fantastic option for me. But I do feel quite sad about the idea of not getting to raise my puppy, properly socialize it and get it comfortable with all the things I want to do with it in life. Additionally, I do get nervous about the idea that a dog from the pound is likely from a crummy breeder and will likely have health problems in the future. I don't want that heart break.

So I realize there are pros and cons to both options. I would love some feedback on this.


One last thing(Sorry for the novel) I want a dog that I can take to the dog park, the river, go with me everywhere, and be fairly even tempered. I want a dog who will be okay with new people, new situations and most importantly: my cat and birds. I would love it if my dog would be a cuddler, too.


So thank you if you actually read my novel. This is such an important decision to me, I just want to make sure I do the best I can.