Why?

Just a little rant really. Why are people paying silly money for crossbreeds? I have spoken to several people who own these dogs recently and the only reason I have been able to establish is they want a dog that doesn't shed, is intelligent but doesn't have the image of the show poodle. It seems to me that most of these crosses have been bred to give a puppy with a coat that won't shed. A lady that I spoke to has a labradoodle F1b(3/4 poodle), to me it looks like a poor quality poodle, it requires the same coat care, grooming, bathing, clipping as a poodle the only difference being that it sheds hair! The reason she paid nearly £1000 last year was because her husband didn't want a 'poofy' poodle. She is a very nice lady and the dog is a nice dog but I feel that this reason for purchasing a poodle cross is quite simply down to ignorance about the poodle and failing to do your homework on these crosses. Also I think people should bear in mind that these crosses are not likely to come from the best examples of the parent breeds as most breeders of top quality stock are very protective of their chosen breed, carry out the relevant health tests and don't want their dogs used on different breeds. Many of these crosses will shed, but unfortuntly this is often not apparent until the dog is over 1 year old and by then it is a loved member of your family, so what do you do if a member of your family develops an allergy once it sheds? A poodle will not shed. Poodles are very intelligent. They come in sizes from 8" to over 24". They can be kept in a short practiacl clip( no poms). Now I realise they are not for everyone, and that some crosses are bred with a purpose in mind, ie my best friend Rosie has several poodle/collie crosses that are fantastic working dogs competing in obedience and agility and also are very cute to look and have appeared on TV frequently, but I would ask that anyone considering a poodle cross does their homework and doesn't write of a pedigree poodle because of a perceived image.

Rant over, I feel better for that.

Next post will be back to my fantastic, health tested parents, non shedding, intelligent, loving pedigree poodle puppies. Hopefully with some video.

Almost ready to go

The puppies are continuing to progress well, not long until the first puppies start their new lives with their new families (Good Friday). They are encountering more people and situations and are taking it all in their stride, there isn't a shy or reserved pup amongst them!

They have adapted well to their routine of sleep, toilet, food and play and accidents are becoming fewer, we have not had a pup leave a parcel indoors for nearly a week now, and at 5.5 weeks old they are starting to be clean overnight (just a few puddles in the morning) so hopefully proper house training will follow easily.

The girls have all found new homes now (Graham is pleased as I was very keen to keep one) but we are still looking for homes for four of the boys, including my favourite who is the most affectionate snugly boy.

The chickens will miss the pups, as when they hear the food going down they circle like vultures for any scraps that might be left.

Sorry Ceil, it is Charlie chewing the shoe in the above picture!

Wish I could figure out the video!

Thankfully my friend, Rosie, who has the necessary know, how is coming to stay in 10 days so should have some video footage then. It' such a shame I can't figure it out as you just can't see what cracking characters these pups have become by looking at photos

Having said that, even taking a photo is becoming harder as the pups are so much more active now, and as soon as I kneel down to take a shot they come bounding over to play with me.

They are well and truly on solid food now, they are all looking on the plump side! They all go outside after they have eaten in order to go to the toilet and this seems to be working quite well, we have very few parcels in the house- though I can't say the same for puddles but I'm sure we'll get there over the next few weeks. As can be seen by one of the photos they are all keen to come back indoors when they have finished their ablutions.

Out and about

Well the easy part is over. The pups have now started on solid food- going down a treat! which is great, the downside is what goes in 1 end comes out the other so keeping the pups and their environment clean has become a full time job.

Hand in hand with feeding them comes getting them out of their whelping box, which is the start of house training. This is the fun part of having puppies. They are starting to have visitors now and today my friend and her son joined me and my daughter to play with them. All parties had fun, the pups loved all the attention and some have started to play with toys whilst others wanted to use us as climbing frames/chew toys or somewhere comfy to have a nap.

Just a few more pictures

Will try and do some video soon as pups are getting quite entertaining now, and VERY noisy.

Eyes open, pups getting mobile.

Well in the few days I was away the pups have made good progress. As the title implies all pups have their eyes open and they are all wobbling around the whelping box. They have started play fighting as well, all in slow motion, and the progress I'm not so happy about is that they have found their voices, lots of funny barks and growls coming from them.

11 days old

Just a couple more recent pictures as off to crufts this evening so won't be updating again for a couple of days.