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Hi Ilene. I have had toy poodles since I was 5 years old. Katie would turn around and jump to help you pick her up. She was also very intuitive to several different situations. One of the funniest and cutest things she did was pack herself in the suitcase when we went on trips! "Don't forget me!" I believe that poodles are very smart and learn what you want.
Katie also had lots of health problems. I bought her from a backyard breeder because I was told that the "pure-breed" poodles have more issues. I couldn't have been more mis-informed. Despite seizures, hip dysplasia, patella problems, retinal atrophy, back problems and kidney damage, she lived a very full 16 years. She passed away in March.
I learned to recognize symptoms and how to respond. I took her to the vet as soon as something unusual came up. I went to several vets until I found one I could trust. Some of them definitely enjoy multiple office visits while others will help guide you. With recurring issues, ask them to help you know when it's time to seek help. I remember Katie was paralyzed one day. Out of the blue, she wouldn't get up or move. I was worried that she had jumped off the couch and hurt her back. The vet did find that she had back issues likely from strain or arthritis. With anti-inflammatory medication and pain pills she was back to normal.
I did everything I could to make her life safe and enjoyable. She wasn't really that fragile. I just had to keep an extra eye for symptoms. She ran and played. She was so full of love, affection, and the desire to please. Not every child is born healthy, but you deal with the limitations you have and find ways around them.
Now that I am getting a new puppy, I very carefully researched to find a breeder that specialized in toy poodles, in certain colors (no designer colors), does genetic testing, and socializes the puppies in the home. I can only pray that she is healthy as she can be. There are some adorable parti colors and abstracts in poodles, but my favorite is black.
Welcome to the forum and trust your instincts. They will tell you what to do.
Katie also had lots of health problems. I bought her from a backyard breeder because I was told that the "pure-breed" poodles have more issues. I couldn't have been more mis-informed. Despite seizures, hip dysplasia, patella problems, retinal atrophy, back problems and kidney damage, she lived a very full 16 years. She passed away in March.
I learned to recognize symptoms and how to respond. I took her to the vet as soon as something unusual came up. I went to several vets until I found one I could trust. Some of them definitely enjoy multiple office visits while others will help guide you. With recurring issues, ask them to help you know when it's time to seek help. I remember Katie was paralyzed one day. Out of the blue, she wouldn't get up or move. I was worried that she had jumped off the couch and hurt her back. The vet did find that she had back issues likely from strain or arthritis. With anti-inflammatory medication and pain pills she was back to normal.
I did everything I could to make her life safe and enjoyable. She wasn't really that fragile. I just had to keep an extra eye for symptoms. She ran and played. She was so full of love, affection, and the desire to please. Not every child is born healthy, but you deal with the limitations you have and find ways around them.
Now that I am getting a new puppy, I very carefully researched to find a breeder that specialized in toy poodles, in certain colors (no designer colors), does genetic testing, and socializes the puppies in the home. I can only pray that she is healthy as she can be. There are some adorable parti colors and abstracts in poodles, but my favorite is black.
Welcome to the forum and trust your instincts. They will tell you what to do.
