Thanks so much. When I saw their "breeding philosophy" link, I thought it sounded pretty good, but I'm not sophisticated enough to read between the lines. E.g., it says:
A female in our breeding program is never bred more often than every other heat. She is over two years of age before she is considered for our breeding program. A female Standard Poodle under two years of age is not mentally or physically mature enough to be bred. We do not breed a female who is over 7 years of age. A female over 7 years old may have age-related complications during whelping. Our Poodles never have more than three litters in their lifetime.
Prior to Breeding:
Vaccinations: A female Poodle that is going to be bred is brought up to date on all vaccinations in order that she can pass along maximum protection (immunity) from disease to her puppies. The stud dog must also be up to date on his vaccinations.
Parasite Control: The female Poodle to be bred is wormed prior to breeding. Throughout the female's lifetime, we use a safe product to eliminate all external parasites. Internal and external parasites will prevent a female from providing maximum nutrition and immunity to her puppies thereby putting the puppies' survival at risk.
Physical Condition:Any Poodle in our breeding program must be in excellent physical condition. Physical condition (well muscled and in proper weight) is necessary in the female Poodle to enable her to whelp naturally and easily. Prior to breeding the female is tested for brucellosis (a highly contagious venereal disease). Females carrying the brucellosis bacteria may abort their litters or deliver dead puppies.
But I guess that isn't saying very much, right? Also, my husband was excited by their statement that they breed for Service Dogs: (again, quoting from their website): "We are extra vigilant in selecting the dogs we breed because, as a subsidiary of Service Dogs International, many of our dogs become Service Dogs helping disabled persons live a more independent life. Any poodle we breed must, therefore, be sound in temperament as well as health and structure. "
This, too, doesn't mean much? Our main goal is to find a dog that is healthy, will be healthy for many, many years, and is of a fairly predictable temperament - one that is appropriate and expected of the Standard Poodle. Shouldn't be so difficult - but it's a jungle out there!
Again, thanks for your input - I really appreciate it.
