Frequently Asked Questions

1. I want one, but I live in an apartment and I thought poodles were hyper.

I have no idea where this misconception came from. Perhaps it stems from their excitement about the outdoors. When outside, poodle are in their element. They generally enjoy running, swimming, performing tricks, and tons of other things. Inside, however, they can easily be mistaken for pillows. I cannot count the number of times I have sat on the sofa trying to decide how much I really need an item in the other room becuse of the maze of poodles on the floor I would have to navigate to get there and back. At the age of 5 months old, when I take my puppies out, people think they are adult miniature poodle because they are so well behaved. Please understand, however, that poodles are intelligent and, if they are bored, they can become destructive. I have lost many a pillow to boredom. Just make sure they have toys and some time outdoors to burn off some energy and they will be happy. They can easily be suited to any household in any housing location.

2. Are poodles really hypoallergenic?

Short answer, no. No dog is truly hypoallergenic. People with allergies could be allergic to saliva, fur, dander, or other things. Although poodles shed only minimally when compared to other dogs, they can still trigger an allergic reation in some people. I suggest that, if you have allergies to pets, you physically meet the litter that you are interested in or ask us about our T-Shirt Test and make sure that the puppy your heart is set on will not trigger a reaction in you.

3. What is the difference between moyen and standard poodles?

'Moyen' is simply the french word for medium or intermediary. These poodles are simply small standards. In other countries, this size is the forth size of poodles but, in the USA, these dogs are recognized as standards they are simply smaller, usually between 16" and 20" tall and up to 40 lbs.

4. What about the merle gene in poodles?

The controversy surrounding merle poodles has not stopped us from breeding them. This pattern can range from delicate marbling to monochromatic blotches and we love them all.

Some people argue that merle is not naturally occurring in poodles and that it is "dangerous", causing severe health concerns.

To the first concern, we are not sure how the merle gene made it's way into the breed, but it is here now and it is STUNNING.

To the second we say, merle will only cause health issues when 2 merles are bred together. Responsible and knowledgeable breeders have no problems ensuring that does not occur.

Just a note: Merle can "hide" in some coat colors, particularly white and red. We do not produce either of those colors but it is important to test any poodle with a merle parent to be certain if a puppy carries the gene.

5. What else should I know about the breed?

A.

Grooming, grooming, grooming. Poodles are wonderful, smart, beautiful, and friendly but they are not magic. They have hair and not fur meaning that the hair will continue to grow until it is clipped. Many poodle owners choose to keep their dogs clipped close and that is perfectly fine. Expect to have to get your dog groomed at least every 6 weeks.

B.

Poodles are like people. They can have all sorts of personalities from shy and quiet to social butterfly and chatterbox. Although you may be tempted to choose a puppy simply because of coat color, it is important to consider the personality of the pooch and the needs of your family. I will gladly assist in the selection process if you are stumped.