I'm planning on adopting a poodle, as some of you might already know, but I really still don't know what size I want. It's definitely between a toy and mini, because there's this new horse I would like to show next year, and paying for that I can't afford upkeep on a big dog. The cost difference really wouldn't be too significant, since I think mini's are still under or around 20 pounds.
The answer is probably to spend time with a variety of both sizes, but I don't think that's possible. I believe the rescue I'm going to put in an application to has all the dogs in foster homes. And I doubt good breeders would let someone who isn't interested in buying a puppy go look at their dogs, even if I could get someone to drive me there.
So, what are the pros and cons of miniature and toy poodles, respectively? All dogs have their own personalities and quirks, I know, but what are the differences with traveling, grooming (difficulty, not cost - I'm going to do that myself), and such? It's between probably 10-12 inches, a sturdier toy or little mini, and a 14-16 inch mini, if you're wondering. I would like to run with my dog, but not distance running. I don't have energy to do anything hardcore when I'm riding most days, so I think an athletically built toy could get up to what I do easily. I'm just not sure I know how little a toy poodle really is, or how careful you have to be.
I probably won't be able to afford a poodle for at least a year unless my parents help me out - as it is I can pay for upkeep but not an adoption fee. You can't have it all, I suppose. :/ But being prepared is good, right?
Thank you for reading!
The answer is probably to spend time with a variety of both sizes, but I don't think that's possible. I believe the rescue I'm going to put in an application to has all the dogs in foster homes. And I doubt good breeders would let someone who isn't interested in buying a puppy go look at their dogs, even if I could get someone to drive me there.
So, what are the pros and cons of miniature and toy poodles, respectively? All dogs have their own personalities and quirks, I know, but what are the differences with traveling, grooming (difficulty, not cost - I'm going to do that myself), and such? It's between probably 10-12 inches, a sturdier toy or little mini, and a 14-16 inch mini, if you're wondering. I would like to run with my dog, but not distance running. I don't have energy to do anything hardcore when I'm riding most days, so I think an athletically built toy could get up to what I do easily. I'm just not sure I know how little a toy poodle really is, or how careful you have to be.
I probably won't be able to afford a poodle for at least a year unless my parents help me out - as it is I can pay for upkeep but not an adoption fee. You can't have it all, I suppose. :/ But being prepared is good, right?
Thank you for reading!