There's nothing wrong with going the route of a Poodle rescue if you want a new dog or puppy. In fact, these dogs make terrific pets.

In addition to being intelligent and beautiful, Poodles are affectionate and good with children. They don't even shed much. So, a Poodle might be the perfect family pet.

We strongly encourage you to consider a Poodle rescue dog.

Yes, you could buy a Poodle from a breeder, but adopting one as a rescue dog is an inexpensive, caring, compassionate way to get a great dog.

Whether you go through a breeder or get a Poodle rescue, you'll want to know what to look for so you can find the dog or pup that will fit perfectly into your family.

Here's some information we hope will help you find a healthy, happy, well-adjusted dog.

If you decide to buy your dog from a breeder, make sure you deal with someone reputable.

You don't want to get your dog from a neighbor whose animal had an accidental litter or some "backyard breeder."

Instead, get some recommendations from people you can trust, like veterinarians, dog trainers or people who show Poodles in competition.

They'll recommend responsible, knowledgeable breeders.

Visit the recommended breeders. Ask plenty of questions to get a feel for their dogs and how well they're treated. Look around you – are the facilities clean?

Are all outside areas safely fenced, and do the dogs and pups live in the house?

You'll want a healthy dog or puppy that has been well-treated, well-fed and well-socialized.

If you have children, getting a puppy raised around well-mannered kids will be a big advantage.

Or, you could adopt one from an animal shelter or Poodle rescue group.

You'd be saving a life in addition to getting a great dog. Adoption might be one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do.

Some of the dogs available for Poodle adoption are runaways or strays, while others have been neglected or abandoned. They all need a loving home.

Poodle rescue groups and breeders who run an adoption service make sure every dog at their facilities is healthy and well-adjusted before it goes to its new "forever home."

A rescue will almost always be spayed or neutered before it's adopted, so you wouldn't need to worry about that issue.

And, the people who run Poodle adoption organizations are dedicated to finding the best possible match for the dogs in their care.

You'll probably have to fill out an adoption application before they'll consider you for one of their dogs, but it's all intended to make sure getting a new Poodle would be a good thing for your family as well as the animal.

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Article written by:

Edie MacKenzie