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PCA Member Breeder Referral

This referral page is a free service of The Poodle Club of America, Inc. (PCA) to link prospective buyers and breeders. It is the obligation of the buyer to become an educated purchaser. There is information elsewhere on this website and links to many other sites as well as lists of reading material that are intended to provide information to assist a buyer in making an informed decision when purchasing a Poodle. While many of the obligations arising from placement of a Poodle are properly the breeders, PCA recommends that prospective buyers carefully consider whether they can meet the responsibilities and costs inherent in owning a Poodle.

All breeders should educate prospective Poodle owners and select owners who will properly care for their Poodle. PCA strongly encourages breeders and buyers to carefully document (in writing) all representations, promises, statements, warranties and guarantees relating to the purchase of a Poodle. Many states have laws governing the sale of dogs both breeder and buyer should be aware of and comply with.

PCA strongly encourages all breeders to adopt ethical breeding and business practices. However, PCA cannot and does not inspect, monitor or regulate the breeding or business practices of breeders located through the referral process. It is the obligation of the breeder and purchaser to make informed decisions whether to complete the purchase of a Poodle. PCA does not endorse, guarantee, recommend or approve any particular breeder. PCA disclaims any liability or obligation for the health, temperament or any other aspects of Poodles purchased through breeders identified by use of this site. All liability and obligations relating to the purchase of the Poodle should be determined in writing by the parties as recommended above.

PCA makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information on this site, but PCA does not endorse, approve or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy or timeliness of such information or information on any site to which this site provides a link. PCA provides general health information solely for informational purposes. Always consult a qualified veterinarian in matters concerning the health of your Poodle.

Read more about Choosing a Breeder

Poodles come in Three Sizes or Varieties

Those interested in the Poodle should be aware there are three varieties of Poodles; Toy, Miniature, and Standard. There is no officially recognized Poodle variety such as a "royal" Standard, a "tea cup" Toy or a "pocket" or "tiny" Toy Poodle. These are all just marketing terminologies to facilitate the sale of animals that are in reality just dramatically over or under in size from the norm.

Toy Poodle- The Toy is the smallest of the three varieties of Poodle. For the conformation show ring the Toy should be no larger than 10” high at the shoulder. This more diminutive variety of Poodle is particularly well suited to apartment life or as a traveling companion for retired people.
Miniature Poodle- The Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized animal limited to 15” high at the shoulder for the show ring. Still it’s a sturdy compromise between the Toy and the Standard, suitable both to apartment life as well as the hardy lifestyle of a family with children.
Standard Poodle- The Standard is the largest of the three varieties with no restriction on size. Typically Standards will be about 21” to 27” high at the shoulder with the females usually a little smaller than the males. Being a larger, more substantial animal, the Standard will usually require a little more room to roam than the other two varieties.

"Teacup" or "Pocket" Poodles and "Royal Standard" Poodles

Responsible Poodle Breeders do not promote the sale of "teacup", "pocket" or "royal standard" Poodles. This is a marketing ploy to sell the pups for increased prices. Prospective Poodle owners interested in a small toy poodle or a large standard poodle can make their preferences known to their breeder. Most responsible breeders are familiar enough with their family of dogs to provide information about size and other attributes.

"Designer Dogs", "Labradoodles" and other Cross Breeds

Once again, this is a marketing ploy for irresponsible "breeders" to sell puppies for highly inflated prices. Responsible breeders do not practice breeding purebreds together to produce "designer dogs" or "doodles." The Labrador Retriever Club states, "A Labradoodle is nothing more than an expensive mongrel... The dog may be any size, color, coat texture and temperament. Indeed Labradoodles do shed... Behavior varies with the dog..." PCA's very own Anne Rodgers Clark wrote, "Not all of the non shedding promises held true... and the heri-table disease of both breeds turned out to be very similar, and were inherited into each new generation of Labradoodles." A prospective puppy owner considering any breed mixed with a Poodle as an improvement on the real thing should consider the information provided in these articles and then contact their local shelter if still interested in obtaining a cross breed.

Read more about the Three Varieties

When you purchase your Poodle

The Poodle Club of America, Inc. would like for you to be aware of the things your breeder should provide when you purchase your new companion. For additional information regarding Health Issues, click here.

• Copies of genetic testing of the parents. This will vary with each Variety of Poodle. Here are several tests specific for each variety. This is the minimum screening.
  Toy: Optigen Testing Results for progressive retinal atrophy
  OFA Certification of Hips and Patellas
  Yearly Eye Exam for CERF
  Miniature: Optigen Testing Result for progressive retinal atrophy
  OFA Certification of Hips
  Yearly Eye Exam for CERF
  Standard: OFA Certification of Hips
  Yearly Eye Exam for CERF
  Skin Punch for Sebacious Adenitis or Thyroid Panel
  
• A pedigree of the new puppy.
• Printed Contract including a health guarantee.
• A time frame for the buyer to be sure if the pup will fit their household.
• A time frame for the buyer to secure a veterinary check of the dog.
• A statement of the breeder’s refund/return policy.
• Feeding instruction, vaccination schedule and worming schedule.
• American Kennel Club Full Registration or AKC Limited Registration

Pet Quality VS Show Prospect

Many times the difference in a show or pet quality animal is so slight. It is the breeders opinion if a puppy has the quality to become a champion. The puppy is measured by the breed standard and often it is a slight deviation from this standard that prevents the dog from being shown in the conformation ring. This in no way will affect the puppy from becoming a wonderful companion for many years.

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