GraciesMommy, I feel I can't leave this thread without trying to better explain myself. I certainly don't want you to misunderstand and think that I am in any way criticising you or Gracie. Years ago I got my first poodle (a toy) from a pet shop. I knew nothing about puppy mills and only fairly recently now have I come to realize that since her "breeder" was listed as in the mid-west (I bought her in Pennsylvania) which is known for a large amount of puppy mills have I made the assumption that she was a puppy mill dog.

Of course I loved her with all of my heart and she was as smart as a whip and a beauty as well. In fact, I fell in love with the breed as a result of having her. Since she was "already born" she needed a home and I provided it. What I am trying to say is that we need to stop having these puppies "already born" and in need of a home. The only way we can stop that is by not encouraging this breeding.

A great many of these mixes use poodles for their mixing. It is no surprise to me because they are an excellent breed, although I am definitely a little biased. I would prefer, though, for people who are interested in a poodle, or any purebred dog for that matter, to use a reputable breeder. My third poodle came from such a breeder. She showed her dogs all over the country and, in fact, my Ashley (one of her dogs) had an uncle that was in a movie. These people know what they are doing and can ensure that healthy qualities are bred in and undesirable traits do not get bred at all. People mixing up two breeds do not know enough about either of these breeds to make any guarantees at all and the fact that they charge such large amounts just gets to me because it is a "money thing" pure and simple. Hope that clears this up a little.