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I have been perusing the forum for a while and have read almost all the breeder posts, so please let me know if you think I am just repeating the questions others have asked!
I am looking for a miniature poodle breeder in Toronto or within driving distance of Toronto (that includes breeders that would need a week-end trip, such as northern Michigan or near NYC). I prefer black minis, but other dark colours such as brown would also be fine (I don't like the look of tear stains, otherwise I would consider lighter colours). As a PWD owner, I love the look of the partis, but am not sure about finding one with a good pedigree so have put them on the backburner.
I have been researching for months now and have found lots of breeders in and around Toronto and throughout Ontario, but what I'm struggling with is to find a low volume breeder- say no more than 3 to 4 litters a year. Full health testing, sound temperaments, early socialization (eg: raised in the home and around all sorts of stimulus) and perhaps competes in something other than confirmation only. Natural tails would be a bonus. So many of the breeders I have spoken to seem to focus on confirmation to the exclusion of all else. The one breeder I was recommended who has produced performance dogs specialized in creams.
Anyway, I am cautious based on a recent experience of visiting a breeder who seemed to be pretty high volume. I don't want to name names or go into details, but that experience scared me away from both that breeder and for a couple of days the entire idea of getting a mini poodle! And they had been recommended to me by dog people, so now I am restarting the hunt with a focus on what is important to me. I would so appreciate any thoughts or advice any of you have. Feel free to PM me if you'd rather not publicly name names.
I am looking for a miniature poodle breeder in Toronto or within driving distance of Toronto (that includes breeders that would need a week-end trip, such as northern Michigan or near NYC). I prefer black minis, but other dark colours such as brown would also be fine (I don't like the look of tear stains, otherwise I would consider lighter colours). As a PWD owner, I love the look of the partis, but am not sure about finding one with a good pedigree so have put them on the backburner.
I have been researching for months now and have found lots of breeders in and around Toronto and throughout Ontario, but what I'm struggling with is to find a low volume breeder- say no more than 3 to 4 litters a year. Full health testing, sound temperaments, early socialization (eg: raised in the home and around all sorts of stimulus) and perhaps competes in something other than confirmation only. Natural tails would be a bonus. So many of the breeders I have spoken to seem to focus on confirmation to the exclusion of all else. The one breeder I was recommended who has produced performance dogs specialized in creams.
Anyway, I am cautious based on a recent experience of visiting a breeder who seemed to be pretty high volume. I don't want to name names or go into details, but that experience scared me away from both that breeder and for a couple of days the entire idea of getting a mini poodle! And they had been recommended to me by dog people, so now I am restarting the hunt with a focus on what is important to me. I would so appreciate any thoughts or advice any of you have. Feel free to PM me if you'd rather not publicly name names.