Why should I buy from an ethical breeder instead of rescuing?

Ultimately, the choice between an ethical breeder and a shelter depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and values. Ethical breeders offer predictability and support for specific breeds, while shelters provide opportunities to rescue and adopt dogs in need. Both paths can lead to finding a wonderful companion, so consider what aligns best with your needs and situation. Some reasons to consider an ethical breeder include:

1. Predictable Traits: Ethical breeders focus on breeding dogs with specific, desirable traits, such as temperament, health, and size. If you have particular needs or preferences for your dog, such as a hypoallergenic coat or a specific temperament, an ethical breeder can provide a more predictable outcome.

2. Health Screening: Reputable breeders conduct extensive health screenings and genetic testing on their breeding dogs to minimize the risk of hereditary conditions. This proactive approach helps ensure that puppies are healthy and less likely to develop genetic disorders.

3. Early Socialization: Ethical breeders start socializing their puppies early, exposing them to various stimuli, people, and experiences. This early socialization helps puppies develop into well-adjusted and confident adults.

4. Support and Guidance: Ethical breeders often provide ongoing support and guidance to puppy buyers, offering advice on training, health care, and general care. They are invested in the well-being of the puppies they produce and are a valuable resource for new pet owners.

5. Breed Knowledge: Ethical breeders have deep knowledge of the breed, including its history, characteristics, and needs. They can provide detailed information and advice specific to the breed, helping you make an informed decision.

6. Commitment to the Breed: Ethical breeders are dedicated to improving and preserving the breed, often engaging in activities such as breed clubs, competitions, and research. Their commitment contributes to the overall health and quality of the breed.

What sizes do poodles come in?

Poodle sizes per AKC:

Although most people think dogs sizes are weight based, the proper way to measure a dog is actually by height. Height is always measure at the withers (where the neck meets the back")

Toy-Under 10”

Miniature-10-15”

Standard-over 15”
Boise Poodles has poodles of all sizes!

What colors do poodles come in?

Poodles come in a variety of colors! Their base (main) colors include apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, red, silver, silver beige, white, cafe au lait, and gray. Poodles can also have a variety of patterns in addition to their base colors including phantom, sable, brindle, some white (abstract), or a lot of white (parti).

What health testing does Boise Poodles do on their breeding dogs?

At Boise Poodles, we pride ourselves in our program’s health testing standards. We test genetics, then follow OFA guidelines for hips, elbows, patellas, and eyes. We also submit our hips to PennHip which gives us a more accurate indication for their predisposition to develop hip dysplasia. If they do not meet our standards, we spay/neuter and place them in pet homes. We believe our dogs need 2 years to develop physically and emotionally. We do not breed our girls until they are at least 2 years old at time of whelping.

Why are poodles one of the top picks for service/therapy dog breeds?

Poodles are renowned for their exceptional intelligence and eagerness to please. Their keen sense of smell makes them excellent candidates for tasks such as diabetic or other medical alerts, as they can detect scents with remarkable precision. We begin training for these roles as early as three days old! If you require a service dog for such needs, consider joining our waiting list to ensure we can provide the best support possible.

In addition to their alert capabilities, Poodles are fantastic therapy dogs. With a gentle and intuitive nature, combined with their intelligence, allows them to provide comfort and emotional support in a variety of settings. They excel at forming strong, empathetic bonds with their handlers and are highly adaptable to different environments and situations. Poodles are also well-suited for stability, PTSD response, and behavior disruption tasks. Their high intelligence means they thrive with regular engagement and training—there’s always room to teach them new skills, regardless of their age!

Why do poodles have that silly haircut?

That distinctive haircut serves a practical purpose! Originally bred as waterfowl hunting dogs, Poodles were often sent into cold water during hunting season. The "puffs" of hair, strategically left over large joints and vital organs, provide essential insulation and protection from the cold. Meanwhile, the shaved areas help reduce drag, allowing them to swim more efficiently while retrieving waterfowl.

Do I have to cut my poodle like that?

Absolutely Not! There are countless ways to groom your Poodle. From a simple puppy cut to creative designs, or even grooming them to resemble a doodle, the options are endless. Additionally, Poodles generally have lower grooming costs compared to doodles, as their hair is easier to manage. Typically groomers like you to bring your poodle in every 6-8 weeks. If you stay on a schedule, it may also reduce your grooming bill.

Do poodles shed?

Poodles have hair rather than fur, which means they shed minimally—more like humans do. This trait makes them a popular choice for those with allergies, as they are considered hypoallergenic.

What if I don’t live in Idaho?

No problem! We have shipping options too! Just message us and we can help you out!

Why do you only breed poodles?

Choosing a dog breed is a personal decision. I fell in love with Poodles in 2017 when I brought home my first one. Inspired by her, I decided to honor the breed by continuing the exceptional bloodlines of my original girl. Since then, I’ve introduced additional beloved bloodlines to my program. In 2019, I dedicated myself to breeding and raising outstanding "forever dogs" for future families.