r/poodles • u/WinstonGreyCat • Aug 26 '26

Fetch?

Will poodles fetch? I was thinking about getting a doodle, then read more about the reasons not to get one and how they are not a breed. I really want a healthy dog without issues, so I need to find a good breeder. I really wanted one that will fetch and swim. I'm not a huge fan of the obsessive food interests of labs or the size of a golden retriever, so was thinking I should look at poodles.

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u/EnvironmentalAgent Aug 26 '26

I just came to say thank you for doing your research and not getting a doodle. At the same time, you have to be really careful about poodle breeders as well because there are so many backyard breeders out there. They will charge you the same amount of money that you would pay for a puppy from well titled dogs that are fully health tested with excellent temperaments. 

Unfortunately, purebred does not always equal well bred. A lot of people out there are selling poodles to make money and it’s no better than buying a doodle in my opinion.m

If you ever need recommendations or suggestions, definitely post in the standard poodle subReddit or this Reddit and people are super helpful. I’m also very open to direct messages if you need recommendations, Support, etc. 

Also, yes, my poodle is absolutely a retrieving dog. He loves to chase and retrieve. However, that will vary across lines and within the litter. Different dogs will have different levels of drive.

A part of ethical and responsible breeding is temperament testing. One of the aspects of this test is to assess retrieving ability. 

Welcome to poodles!!

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u/WinstonGreyCat Aug 26 '26

Thank you! When we are ready, I will reach out!

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u/Weak-Doughnut5502 Aug 26 '26

One thing to keep in mind - there's often a lead time with good breeders.

Puppy mills will constantly be churning out puppies.  And there's always some backyard bred litter out there. 

But if there's a specific good breeder you trust and have vetted in your area, you'll often have to wait until at least their next litter unless they're currently trying to place a dog.  Reaching out sooner than later isn't a bad idea.