If you’ve visited our Toy Poodle Genetics page, you know that we are firm believers in doing everything one can to eliminate unfavorable genetic conditions in toy poodles--and other dogs, as well.

The burden of this testing, of course, falls upon breeders. We’ll be forthright: people who breed dogs exclusively for profit probably don’t do genetic testing; it would only detract from the bottom line. And, to these breeders, replacing an occasional defective or dead puppy is just the price of doing business.

But those who breed out of love for the dogs will have genetic tests done, despite the expense. Why? These good breeders sincerely want to reduce the possibility of metabolic disease, blindness, and orthopedic problems in their puppies. Good breeders spay or neuter potential breeding dogs found to have inheritable defects. These are breeders you want to support.

Finding them is tricky and there are no absolutes. But one good place to start is PoodlesOnline.com, a site that supports genetic testing by sharing their space only with breeders who can prove that they do genetic testing.

While not perfect (there will always be unscrupulous breeders who connive, defraud, and fabricate), PoodlesOnline.com is a step in the right direction. Start there to help screen out bad breeders and puppy mills. And, with luck, you’ll find a good breeder in your home state or a state within driving distance.

Until next time,

Mr. Dibs