Life expectancy of a minature poodle?

Question
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Followup To
Question -
My poodle Tyie died last night!  He was 1 day past his 14th birthday. I have had him since he was just six weeks old and though it hasn't hit me yet (as I know it will in a few days) it has simply devastated my son who is 11 and my daughter who is 9, they never new life with out Tyie?  

I am considering maybe finding another poodle to replace him for my childrens sake, but I have to ask?  What is the life expectancy of a minature poodle?  Did Tyie see his full life?


Thank you very much for your time.


Sincerely,



Tina Yeager
Gerald, Missour
Answer -
Hello Tina,

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I know how devastating it can be.  From my own experience, I believe a miniature poodle can live from 12-17+ years depending on diet, grooming and general care he/she receives.  If groomed regularly, fed a good food (Iams, Science Diet, Pedigree are a few) kept at a good weight (not too fat or too thin), given vaccinations and having teeth cleaned once every one to two years, they can live more than 18 years.  It also depends somewhat on ancestry, but truthfully, I'd say 12-17 is a good estimate.  

One thing I would suggest - there is a wonderful website that helps some (especially children) deal with the grief of losing a pet.  It's www.petloss.com.  The Rainbow Bridge Story is beautiful and hopeful.

I wish you and your family well!

Kathy



THANK YOU KATHY FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE!


I HAVE JUST (2) MORE QUESTIONS:

1.) How long is the life expectancy of a toy poodle?

2.)  Can you recommend a good quality breeder of toy and tiny toy poodles?


Thank you again!


Tina Yeager
Gerald, Missouri

Answer
Hello again, Tina,

Toy poodles usually have a longer life span than miniatures. For some reason, the smaller the dog, the longer the life span.  I've had a toy last 20 years before, but there is no real definite number.  It all depends on the genetic makeup (via the dog's ancestors) and the care (nature and nurture, if you will).

As for breeders, I have always ended up with dogs from the pound.  Poodles tend to be harder to adopt out because when they come to the shelter they are usually matted and don't look that great.  If you do go the route of a breeder, make sure you visit the place and see where the dogs are being raised.  If in a home environment, the dog probably will have a better temperament than one raised in a barn or a cage.  Also ask the breeder for references (others that have purchased animals from him) and a vet reference.

One way you might search is through this website:

http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/

Or

http://www.petfinder.com/

If you choose the rescue route, here is a google search I did - I hope one of these sites help some:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Poodle+Rescue

Good luck!!

Kathy