I doubt that you can get a lifetime warrenty against genetic health problems. I don't know how it is with Poodles, but with Dobes, all I could do was look at the past lines and see if they were RELATIVELY healthy. For instance, DCM and cancer is in ALL lines of Dobermans....they don't all get it, but the genes are there because the gene pool from which they are all bred, is small. I suspect it's the same thing with all purebred dogs. I couldn't expect someone to guarantee something like that.
Look online and find out about the genetic health issues and then, IF you trust your breeder (I'd be suspect if she has no titles on any dogs and wouldn't choose this breeder) ask about past dogs in the lines of the dog you're interested in. Ask to see proof of genetic health tests.
Dobermans don't have too much problem with hip dysplasia, but can have it. It's just not a very widespread problem like it is in some other breeds like GSDs etc. Again, I don't know about Poodles so I'd encourage you to get on the breed club and AKC site and see what you can find out. I do know about the retinopathy and blindness thing and think I read somewhere about Von Willebrands, but not sure. That's a bleeding disorder which in breeds other than Dobes is usually very serious. With Dobes, it's very, very prevelent, but not usually as serious a form. (but sometimes)
Anyhow, I'd be very careful about this breeder. I know that showing isn't everything but if a breeder is really into improving the breed (which is why a breeder should breed and that's the only reason they should) then they would want to know how their dogs measure up, according to judges who are experts at judging and how their dogs stack up against other Poodles. Some obedience titles and field work shows that the dogs have the temperament and brains in line with what they were bred to do....work along side man. Conformation titles say that the dogs in the lines have exemplary conformation and that is important in breeding to keep the dogs adhearing to the standards. Poor conformation results in skeletal ill health and wavering off the standard. At any rate, not showing any dogs smells of back yard breeder to me.
I realize that in some cases, the breed clubs have caused deteriorating quality in their breed, IMO, the GSD, for one. However, I don't believe that is the case with all breeds, not at all. The standards are there and they are usually a good thing to measure by and that's why showing and titles and all that shows that the breeder is striving to meet the standards set forth.
There are plenty of other breeders out there who are reputable. I'd keep on checking. It can prevent pre mature heartache, not to mention vet bills up the ying yang later on.
