Anyone Know About Poodles?

[noflyingfan]

I'm looking to buy someone a poodle for Christmas. She wants one of those little tiny ones (teacup poodles, is that what they're called?), but I have absolutely no idea what one of those might cost (it's a group effort, this gift) and no idea whether I'd have to go to a breeder or could find one in a shelter or what. I know most of you aren't in the Chicago area, but if you have some advice specific to Chicago, I'd appreciate that as well.

Anyone? If you can help me, I'll give you a cookie.

[WillFlyToDisney2]

What kind of cookie?

I would ask around to see which Vet your friends take their animals to then call that Vet's office and ask them.

Kelley

[noflyingfan]

They don't currently have a vet. They haven't had a dog for years.

What kind of cookies do you like?

[spiffyone]

I agree, I would call up a vet's office and they could probably hook you up with a breeder, or whatever.
The good news is if the vets know them, they are probably reputable breeders who watch out for the puppies.

:hamster

[WillFlyToDisney2]

Yep I would get the name of a breeder from a vet in your area.

Hmmm... cookies - I love Ginger Snaps, Oatmeal Butterscotch, Sugar... (allergic to chocolate and not a fan of nuts in cookies).

:)
Kelley

[canoga]

According to Huey, they are aerodynamic.

[canoga]

To answer your question seriously.....

Poodles from a breeder can be quite expensive. I had two growing up. I believe my parents paid $45 for SugarBear back in 1970.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and possibly p*ss some people off but, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE consider adopting a pet out of a shelter. There are so many pets that need good homes. Most of them are on death row - unless they are adopted, they are euthanized. If shedding is your concern, call around to the shelters and see if there is a poodle mix. My dog is a Heinz 57 but has enough poodle that she doesn't shed.

Sorry to get on a soapbox but my passion is finding homes for homeless pets. I give a good portion of each paycheck to agencies that build no-kill shelters and my will states that any excess money should be donated to that cause.

These pets need a chance in life. They are just waiting for a family to call their own.

Beth

[mindymoo 2]

Beth,
you are a wonderful person and i can totally relate to what you just said because i am the same. My last dog was from a shelter and he was kinda like a lab retreiver but we lost him 2 yrs ago. Now we have 2 pedigrees.I wanted to get my husband a Dachshund for his 40th ( he has always wanted a sausage dog!! ) but i cud not find a Dachshund rescue centre over here ( i know you have them in the US). Then i had a little Norfolk who is just adorable and i suppose i saved her from a boring life as she belonged to a breeder and was surplus to requirements as she wouldnt breed. But when i see all the animals in shelters looking for a home i would sooo love to have a big estate somewhere and i would have them all ! i daren't even look around one..i think my partner would disown me if i came home with anything else!!( we have 4 cats as well!!)
~ Mandy ~

[WillFlyToDisney2]

BETH!

I just spit ICED TEA on my computer after reading your comment about what Huey said. ACK!

I need a sneeze guard when I am on this site. LOL

Kelley

[noflyingfan]

I'm going for the animal shelter angle first. I know someone who works at one, and in my family, we're all for rescuing rather than purchasing from stores.

[beaugest]

Beth, why would what you said piss people off?
I believe in rescue animals too. As a matter of fact, our last few cats literally walked into our yard looking for home. I was ready to swear that somewhere on our house is a sign that says ":suckers live here."
We did get our dog from a breeder. Who was promptly horrified when we named him Alfalfa .He's the only animal we paid for. We did that because with 4 young kids running around we felt the need for a bit more assurance.We really wanted a puppy and the shelters here were low on them at the time.We did end up with a great dog. However, now that the kids are older I would go back to shelter animals only...

[canoga]

I have two friends who are breeders. They have gotten quite mad at me for my 'shelter advice'. So, I am always hesitant to give that sort of advice.

Funny story about cats taking up residence.......My dad simply hates cats. He is not mean to them but has NO desire to own one. Two Christmases ago, this skinny little thing showed up in their back yard. My dad may talk the talk but he has the mushiest heart I have ever seen when it comes to animals. It was cold and wet outside so he took a discarded box from a Chrismas present, lined it with an old blanket, warmed up some milk and put out the box, milk and a plate of tuna. That cat must have seen the word 'sucker' on my parents' foreheads as he is still there. Dad is allergic to cats so this cat must stay outside (much to my dismay). But my dad now buys cat food each week which he takes out to him twice a day and has built him an insulated cat house complete with foam and a windproof flap door. The cat (his name is Tom) also get Christmas presents under the tree now.