Poodle puppies for sale

It depends on the size. A toy poodle stands under 28 cm at the shoulder, a miniature 28 cm to under 38 cm, and a standard 38 cm or more. Dogs NSW says a standard is usually well above 55 cm. Dogs Australia’s breed standards set heights and no weights, so ask how tall both parents are.

Dogs Victoria says toy and miniature poodles fit in well with families, and calls the standard an athletic dog that needs more exercise. It says children must be supervised at all times when they’re with dogs. Meet the mother to see her temperament.

Dogs Victoria gives an average life span of 12 to 15 years for toy and miniature poodles, and 10 to 12 years for standards. Those are averages, not a promise for any one dog.

The RSPCA lists poodles among dogs that don’t shed their hair. It says clipping removes that hair, and that it’s usually best to have a trusted professional groomer do the clipping.

No. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) says all dog breeds cause allergies, although some shed less dander, and that the main source of dog allergen is saliva. If allergies are the worry, an allergy specialist can test for a pet allergy before you commit.

A lot. Dogs Victoria calls the poodle a high maintenance breed because of its coat. It says to brush the coat regularly, to remove dead hair and keep it free of tangles, and recommends a bath and clip every 6 to 8 weeks.

Not for long. Dogs Victoria says a poodle can’t be considered an outside dog or left alone for long periods, and that it needs both physical and mental activity. It says a standard needs more exercise than the smaller sizes.

It differs by size. For toy and miniature poodles, Dogs Victoria says a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) should be done. It goes on to name unstable kneecaps (luxating patellas) and Legg-Perthes disease as other concerns. For standards, it lists DNA tests for degenerative myelopathy, neonatal encephalopathy and von Willebrand’s disease, and x-rays for hip dysplasia. It adds that sebaceous adenitis, an autoimmune condition, can be tested for. Ask to see both parents’ results.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease. The University of Sydney’s OMIA database lists one form, called prcd, in poodles, toy and miniature among them. A dog is born with normal sight, goes night blind and in the end goes totally blind, and OMIA says there’s no known cure. It’s recessive, so a puppy is affected when both parents pass the gene change on. Ask to see both parents’ DNA results.

We show a price range once 8 listings from 3 sellers have asked a price. Size, colour and health testing drive the price.

Every seller passes an ID check before their first listing, and each listing shows its checks and their dates. Then meet the seller and the animal in person before you pay anything, including a deposit. For a breeder’s puppy or kitten, meet its mother too. Ask for the vet check and get papers at handover.

Victorian source numbers are checked on the Pet Exchange Register.

How to check a seller’s number