Official Breed Standard for the Poodle

FOR SHOW PURPOSES, THERE ARE THREE VARIETIES OF THE POODLE BREED - STANDARD, MINIATURE AND TOY.

Origin and purpose: The breed probably date back to the late Roman period but certainly the variety we know as the Standard Poodle was well established across the whole of Europe by the 16th century. The Miniature and the Toy varieties developed in the next two hundred or so years. The Poodle is the world's oldest water retriever, circus performer, and truffle hunter. The ubiquitous Poodle is such a versatile dog he can be all things to all people.

General Appearance, Carriage and Condition: That of a very active, gay, intelligent, smart, and elegant-looking dog, squarely built, well proportioned and carrying himself proudly. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.

Size: The Standard Poodle is over 15 in. (38. 1 cm) at the highest point at the shoulder. Any Poodle 15 in. or less in height shall be disqualified from competition as a Standard Poodle. The Miniature Poodle is 15 in. (38. 1 cm) or under at the highest point at the shoulder, with a minimum height in excess of 10 in. (25.4 cm). Any Poodle which is over 15 in., or 10 in. or under at the highest point at the shoulder, shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature Poodle. The Toy Poodle is 10 in. (25.4 cm) or under at the shoulder. Any Poodle which is more than 10 in, at the highest point at the shoulder shall be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle.

Coat: Quality - Curly Poodles - dense, naturally harsh texture, even length, frizzy or, curly. Corded Poodle - all hair hanging in tight even cords of varying lengths.

Clip: A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the "puppy clip". In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over must be shown in the "English Saddle" or "Continental" Clip. A Poodle shown in competitive classes in any other clip shall be disqualified. However, the Brood Bitch and Stud Dog may be shown in any clip.

Colour: Any solid colour. The coat is an even solid colour at the skin. In the blues, greys, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams, the coat may show varying shades of the same colour. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colours are definitely preferred, such natural variations in the shading of the coat are not to be considered faults. Brown and cafe-au-lait Poodles may have brown coloured noses, eye rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, grey, silver, cream, and white Poodles have black noses, eye rims and lips, and black or self-coloured toenails, and very dark eyes. In the apricots, while the foregoing colour is preferred, brown noses, eye rims and lips and dark amber eyes are permitted but not desirable. Parti-colored Poodles shall be disqualified. Parti-colored is at least two definite colours appearing in clearly defined markings at the skin.

Head and expression: Skull should be slightly full and moderately peaked with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones and muscles flat. Length from occiput to stop about the same as the length of the muzzle. Viewed from the side, the plane of the top of the skull should extend parallel to the plane of the top of the muzzle. Muzzle long, straight and fine, but strong without lippiness. Moderate chiseling under the eyes. The chin definite scissors or level bite. Nose sharp with well defined nostrils. Eyes oval shaped, very dark. Happy, alert and full of fire and intelligence. Ears hanging close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level. The ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered, and when drawn forward almost reaches the nose.

Neck: Well proportioned, strong and long enough to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at the throat.

Shoulders: Strong and smoothly muscled. The shoulder blade (scapula) is well laid back and is about the same length as the forearm (humerus).

Body: The chest deep and moderately wide. The ribs well sprung and braced up To ensure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of the body measured from the breast bone (sternum) to the pinbone (ischiatic tuberosity) approximates the height from the highest point at the shoulders to the ground. The back short and strong and very slightly hollowed immediately behind the withers. The loins short, broad, and muscular. Bone in proportion to the size of the dog.

Legs: forelegs - straight, parallel when viewed from the front. When viewed from the side, the perpendicular line falls through the fourth thoracic vertebra, the point of the scapula, the elbow at the deepest point of the brisket, and the back of the pastern. The pasterns are strong.

Hind legs: straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. When viewed from the side, muscular with width in the region of the stifles, which are well bent. Pelvis and femur are about equal in length; pad to heel short and perpendicular to the ground. When standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters.

Feet: Rather small and oval in shape. Toes well arched and close with webbing. Pads thick and firm. Nails short. The feet turn neither in nor out. Dewclaws may be removed.

Tail: Set on high, docked and carried up. Never curled nor carried over the back.

Gait: A straight, smooth, forward trot, verging on the single track, showing balanced reach and drive; pasterns, hocks and feet showing light springing action. Head and tail carried high. It is imperative that all three varieties be moved in the ring fully and decidedly to show correct gait.

Major faults: Any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the breed standard with particular attention to the following:

• Temperament: Shyness or viciousness
• Bad mouth: Undershot, overshot, wry mouth, missing teeth.
• Eyes: Round protruding, large or very light
• Muzzle: Down faced, dish-faced, Roman nose, snippiness
• Tail: Set low, curled or carried over the back
• Hindquarters: Cowhocks or sicklehocks
• Feet: flat or spread, thin pads, no webbing

Disqualifications: Particolours, unorthodox clip, size - a Poodle over or under the height limits specified.

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