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I recently adopted a poodle puppy from out of state. Because of covid, it was difficult to find a reputable breeder in my area without a very long waitlist (puppy adoption has exploded here). I wanted to be able to take home a puppy while I'm working from home, so I widened my search and found a reputable breeder from California. This breeder has been mentioned a few times on this form, always as being positive/reputable. I originally spoke to this breeder about an upcoming litter but she had a buyer fall through on one of her existing litters and reached out to me since she knew I was interested in taking a pup home sooner. I agreed, and we arranged a take home date that would end up with me taking the pup home at 12 weeks of age.
Because of the situation, I was not able to meet the pup in person before taking him home but I spoke at length with the breeder on the phone and received photos/videos. My pup's parents are each CHIC certified and are champions in conformation.
When I flew to pick up the pup, I noticed that he looked pretty small in person but I was mostly relieved that he would comfortably fit underneath my seat. However when I got him home I was a bit shocked to find that he weighed 9.5 lbs at 12 weeks, which seems abnormally small to me. He also seems skinny for his frame, but is otherwise in perfect health.
I understand that this is not the end of the world, but I felt put off that the breeder did not even mention to me that this pup was on the smaller side. I've also been feeling weirdly paranoid that his size may be indicative of an underlying health problem or general poor health. Am I being sensitive/paranoid, or is this situation shady? I was actually hoping for a spoo on the smaller end of the spectrum, so his adult size is not an issue at all to me, I'm only concerned about his healthy development.
Just to give a little more background, my pup's mother weighed about 38lbs and his father around 53lbs. He was one of a litter of 11 (which I believe may contribute to his smaller size). I was told that he was neither the largest or smallest in the litter, and that his expected adult weight will be about 50lbs.
Because of the situation, I was not able to meet the pup in person before taking him home but I spoke at length with the breeder on the phone and received photos/videos. My pup's parents are each CHIC certified and are champions in conformation.
When I flew to pick up the pup, I noticed that he looked pretty small in person but I was mostly relieved that he would comfortably fit underneath my seat. However when I got him home I was a bit shocked to find that he weighed 9.5 lbs at 12 weeks, which seems abnormally small to me. He also seems skinny for his frame, but is otherwise in perfect health.
I understand that this is not the end of the world, but I felt put off that the breeder did not even mention to me that this pup was on the smaller side. I've also been feeling weirdly paranoid that his size may be indicative of an underlying health problem or general poor health. Am I being sensitive/paranoid, or is this situation shady? I was actually hoping for a spoo on the smaller end of the spectrum, so his adult size is not an issue at all to me, I'm only concerned about his healthy development.
Just to give a little more background, my pup's mother weighed about 38lbs and his father around 53lbs. He was one of a litter of 11 (which I believe may contribute to his smaller size). I was told that he was neither the largest or smallest in the litter, and that his expected adult weight will be about 50lbs.