You don’t have to be a mathematician to understand that something is wrong. About a hundred toy poodles are responsibly bred each year, but thousands are purchased. Where do they all come from”, wonders Marjoleine Roosendaal, chairman of the Dutch Poodle Club.
Dogs from irresponsible breeding – often from Eastern Bloc countries, but sometimes also from Belgium or the Netherlands – can have all kinds of problems, including hereditary diseases. “Breeding as many dogs as possible, that’s all that matters to those breeders,” says Karen Soeters, founder of House of Animals. The dogs would also often be taken away from their mother much too quickly. “The whole socialization is missing, so you get behaviorally disturbed dogs. And the warranty? It’s up to the front door. They got their money.”
Russia
Jaco Kroon, owner of toy poodle Elio, recognizes the stories. “In my search I came across many breeders with whom I really didn’t have a good feeling. A van full of toy poodles from Russia would arrive there the next day. Do you doubt whether it’s okay? Then don’t do it. Although I am afraid that if people really want it, they might go for that van.” According to the Poodle Club, “a whole generation of aggressive little poodles with health problems is entering the market.” “We take that very seriously.” Roosendaal believes that the popularity of the dogs on social media is partly the cause. “There you only see how cute the dog is.” And for that cuddly appearance, people dig deep into their pockets. A toy poodle, with its 24 to 28 centimeters high, the slightly smaller variant of the dwarf poodle, can easily cost a few thousand euros. You pay extra for the small size, but also for popular colors. “Especially red toy poodles are expensive, because they photograph well,” Roosendaal expresses her disgust.
“The name ‘toy’ poodle suggests that they are regarded more as a toy or accessory than an animal,” says Niels Kalkman, spokesperson for the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals. “We think choosing a pet for how it does on Instagram is a pretty cynical approach. As far as we are concerned, health should always come before color, size, shape, wooliness and so on. And precisely by crossing species, you keep the strongest genes. A non-pedigree dog will therefore have far fewer health problems. It is even forbidden to breed on external characteristics that could affect the animal. If you know that toy poodles are more likely to suffer from loose kneecaps, eye disorders and hip dysplasia that they suffer for a lifetime, such a dog could certainly fall under that category. These animals are not sweet but pathetic,” says the Animal Protection.
Endangered
The dog trade is worth 1.3 billion euros a year in Europe. According to Soeters, it is a ‘gigantic market’ with criminal networks that illegally bring dogs to the Netherlands and breed bread. “We are easily angry with the buyers. Somehow I understand that, but we also have to realize that people often don’t know what to look out for. People who report to us are often very scared. Are you leaving a complaint about the breeder? Then you are threatened.”
With toy poodle Elio’s more than 22,000 followers, Kroon feels part of the problem. “Partly because of me, those dogs remain so popular. At first I thought: am I one of those people who creates an Instagram account for his dog? But yes, that’s me. Because I just really like my dog and don’t want to constantly spam my own socials.”
Toy poodle Romeo is a hit on Instagram with more than 68,000 followers. “We live in Amsterdam, so we wanted a dog that also fits in an apartment and can easily be carried up two flights of stairs. Well, that’s Romeo with his 3.3 kilos,” laughs owner Hiu Chung. She searched for a year and a half before she found her small, big friend. “Romeo comes from a breeder who has done all the important and necessary health tests. Then I am very sorry to hear that there are people who today think they want a toy poodle and will have one in two weeks.” She says she regularly receives messages from people who have purchased a toy poodle, did not take it very closely with the breeder and afterwards regret it.
Red flag
“With bona fide, recognized, good breeders of pedigree dogs, it is not uncommon for there to be a two-year waiting list. Someone who can deliver you a toy poodle tomorrow? Red flag!” says Kalkman. Both Kroon and Chung try to warn about bread breeders via their Instagram channel. Photos of Kroon’s dog Elio are also abused online as being ‘father of puppies’. “It is the downside of popularity and I am very disappointed about that.”
How do you recognize a bread breeder? “If you see that several breeds are offered, the mother dog is not present, you cannot see health tests whether you can come and get one today – or even better, it will be delivered to your home – then it is wrong,” says Soeters. . “A good breeder will also want to know everything about you. How much time do you have for the dog, how do you live, what do you know about the breed? What we also often see are bread breeders who are pushy. And then we sometimes get people really crying on the phone because they have fallen for it anyway.”
“And once people realize that they have a bread breeding dog, they say: at least I saved this one,” Roosendaal sighs. “But you also paved the way for the next litter. If there is no demand, there is no supply.”