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The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains (which is not
true seeming the Standard Poodle is the second smartest dog), is
exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. The breed comes
in three size varieties, which may contribute to why Poodle is one of the most
popular breeds according to AKC® Registration statistics. Poodles can be a
variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray, but never
parti-colored.
A Look Back
The breed originated in Germany as a water retriever. The stylish "Poodle
clip" was designed by hunters to help the dogs move through the water more
efficiently. The patches of hair left on the body are meant to protect vital
organs and joints which are susceptible to cold. The Standard variety is the
oldest of the three varieties. The Miniature variety may have been used for
truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle was often used in performances and circuses.
Right Breed for You?
The Poodle can accommodate nearly any size living quarters. His
hypoallergenic coat may reduce allergic reactions, but requires regular
professional grooming. The Poodle is an active breed and requires daily
exercise.
General Appearance, Carriage and Condition
That of a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built,
well proportioned, moving soundly 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, Proportion, Substance
Size
The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders.
Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height shall be disqualified from
competition as a Standard Poodle.
Proportion - To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of
body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates
the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground.
Substance - Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in
proportion to size of dog.
Head and Expression
(a) Eyes-- very dark, oval in shape and set far enough apart and positioned
to create an alert intelligent expression. Major fault: eyes round, protruding,
large or very light.
(b) Ears-- hanging close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level. The
ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered; however, the ear fringe should
not be of excessive length.
(c) Skull-- moderately rounded, with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones
and muscles flat. Length from occiput to stop about the same as length of
muzzle.
(d) Muzzle-- long, straight and fine, with slight chiseling under the eyes.
Strong without lippiness. The chin definite enough to preclude snipiness.
Major fault: lack of chin. Teeth-- white, strong and with a scissors bite. Major
fault: undershot, overshot, wry mouth.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck well proportioned, strong and long enough to permit the head to be
carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at throat. The neck rises from strong,
smoothly muscled shoulders. Major fault: ewe neck.
The topline is level, neither sloping nor roached, from the highest point of the
shoulder blade to the base of the tail, with the exception of a slight hollow just
behind the shoulder.
Body
(a) Chest deep and moderately wide with well sprung ribs. (b) The loin is
short, broad and muscular. (c) Tail straight, set on high and carried up,
docked of sufficient length to insure a balanced outline. Major fault: set low,
curled, or carried over the back.
Forequarters
Strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. The shoulder blade is well laid back and
approximately the same length as the upper foreleg. Major fault: steep
shoulder.
(a) Forelegs - Straight and parallel when viewed from the front. When viewed
from the side the elbow is directly below the highest point of the shoulder. The
pasterns are strong. Dewclaws may be removed.
Feet - The feet are rather small, oval in shape with toes well arched and
cushioned on thick firm pads. Nails short but not excessively shortened. The
feet turn neither in nor out. Major fault: paper or splay foot.
Hindquarters
The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters.
(a) Hind legs- straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. Muscular with
width in the region of the stifles which are well bent; femur and tibia are about
equal in length; hock to heel short and perpendicular to the ground. When
standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Major
fault: cow-hocks.
Coat
(a) Quality--(1) Curly: of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. (2)
Corded: hanging in tight even cords of varying length; longer on mane or
body coat, head, and ears; shorter on puffs, bracelets, and pompons.
(b) 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. In the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes and in
a non-competitive Parade of Champions, Poodles may be shown in the
"Sporting" clip. A Poodle shown in any other type of clip shall be disqualified.
(1) "Puppy"--A Poodle under a year old may be shown in the "Puppy" clip
with the coat long. The face, throat, feet and base of the tail are shaved. The
entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. In order
to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is
permissible. (2) "English Saddle"--In the "English Saddle" clip the face, throat,
feet, forelegs and base of the tail are shaved, leaving puffs on the forelegs
and a pompon on the end of the tail. The hindquarters are covered with a
short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two
shaved bands on each hindleg. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the
shaven leg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat
but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. (3) "Continental"--In the
"Continental" clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The
hindquarters are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are
shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs. There is
a pompon on the end of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the
shaven foreleg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full
coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. (4) "Sporting"--In
the "Sporting" clip, a Poodle shall be shown with face, feet, throat, and base
of tail shaved, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head and a pompon
on the end of the tail. The rest of the body, and legs are clipped or scissored
to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short blanket of coat no longer than
one inch in length. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on
the body.
In all clips the hair of the topknot may be left free or held in place by elastic
bands. The hair is only of sufficient length to present a smooth outline.
"Topknot" refers only to hair on the skull, from stop to occiput. This is the only
area where elastic bands may be used.
Color
The coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers,
browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams the coat may show varying shades
of the same color. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker
feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colors are
definitely preferred, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to
be considered a fault. Brown and cafe-au-lait Poodles have liver-colored
noses, eye-rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue,
gray, silver, cream and white Poodles have black noses, eye-rims and lips,
black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. In the apricots while the
foregoing coloring is preferred, liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, and
amber eyes are permitted but are not desirable. Major fault: color of nose, lips
and eye-rims incomplete, or of wrong color for color of dog.
Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not
an even solid color at the skin but is of two or more colors.
Gait
A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive.
Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential.
Temperament
Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an
air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Major fault: shyness or
sharpness.
Major Faults
Any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the Breed
Standard.
Disqualifications
Size-- A dog over or under the height limits specified shall be disqualified.
Clip-- A dog in any type of clip other than those listed under coat shall be
disqualified. Parti-colors-- The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid
color at the skin but of two or more colors. Parti-colored dogs shall be
disqualified.
Value of Points
General appearance, temperament, carriage and condition.......30
Head, expression, ears, eyes and teeth.......20
Body, neck, legs, feet and tail.......20
Gait.......20
Coat, color and texture.......10
Approved August 14, 1984
Reformatted March 27, 1990
true seeming the Standard Poodle is the second smartest dog), is
exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. The breed comes
in three size varieties, which may contribute to why Poodle is one of the most
popular breeds according to AKC® Registration statistics. Poodles can be a
variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray, but never
parti-colored.
A Look Back
The breed originated in Germany as a water retriever. The stylish "Poodle
clip" was designed by hunters to help the dogs move through the water more
efficiently. The patches of hair left on the body are meant to protect vital
organs and joints which are susceptible to cold. The Standard variety is the
oldest of the three varieties. The Miniature variety may have been used for
truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle was often used in performances and circuses.
Right Breed for You?
The Poodle can accommodate nearly any size living quarters. His
hypoallergenic coat may reduce allergic reactions, but requires regular
professional grooming. The Poodle is an active breed and requires daily
exercise.
General Appearance, Carriage and Condition
That of a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built,
well proportioned, moving soundly 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, Proportion, Substance
Size
The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders.
Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height shall be disqualified from
competition as a Standard Poodle.
Proportion - To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of
body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates
the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground.
Substance - Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in
proportion to size of dog.
Head and Expression
(a) Eyes-- very dark, oval in shape and set far enough apart and positioned
to create an alert intelligent expression. Major fault: eyes round, protruding,
large or very light.
(b) Ears-- hanging close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level. The
ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered; however, the ear fringe should
not be of excessive length.
(c) Skull-- moderately rounded, with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones
and muscles flat. Length from occiput to stop about the same as length of
muzzle.
(d) Muzzle-- long, straight and fine, with slight chiseling under the eyes.
Strong without lippiness. The chin definite enough to preclude snipiness.
Major fault: lack of chin. Teeth-- white, strong and with a scissors bite. Major
fault: undershot, overshot, wry mouth.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck well proportioned, strong and long enough to permit the head to be
carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at throat. The neck rises from strong,
smoothly muscled shoulders. Major fault: ewe neck.
The topline is level, neither sloping nor roached, from the highest point of the
shoulder blade to the base of the tail, with the exception of a slight hollow just
behind the shoulder.
Body
(a) Chest deep and moderately wide with well sprung ribs. (b) The loin is
short, broad and muscular. (c) Tail straight, set on high and carried up,
docked of sufficient length to insure a balanced outline. Major fault: set low,
curled, or carried over the back.
Forequarters
Strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. The shoulder blade is well laid back and
approximately the same length as the upper foreleg. Major fault: steep
shoulder.
(a) Forelegs - Straight and parallel when viewed from the front. When viewed
from the side the elbow is directly below the highest point of the shoulder. The
pasterns are strong. Dewclaws may be removed.
Feet - The feet are rather small, oval in shape with toes well arched and
cushioned on thick firm pads. Nails short but not excessively shortened. The
feet turn neither in nor out. Major fault: paper or splay foot.
Hindquarters
The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters.
(a) Hind legs- straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. Muscular with
width in the region of the stifles which are well bent; femur and tibia are about
equal in length; hock to heel short and perpendicular to the ground. When
standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Major
fault: cow-hocks.
Coat
(a) Quality--(1) Curly: of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. (2)
Corded: hanging in tight even cords of varying length; longer on mane or
body coat, head, and ears; shorter on puffs, bracelets, and pompons.
(b) 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. In the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes and in
a non-competitive Parade of Champions, Poodles may be shown in the
"Sporting" clip. A Poodle shown in any other type of clip shall be disqualified.
(1) "Puppy"--A Poodle under a year old may be shown in the "Puppy" clip
with the coat long. The face, throat, feet and base of the tail are shaved. The
entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. In order
to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is
permissible. (2) "English Saddle"--In the "English Saddle" clip the face, throat,
feet, forelegs and base of the tail are shaved, leaving puffs on the forelegs
and a pompon on the end of the tail. The hindquarters are covered with a
short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two
shaved bands on each hindleg. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the
shaven leg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat
but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. (3) "Continental"--In the
"Continental" clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The
hindquarters are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are
shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs. There is
a pompon on the end of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the
shaven foreleg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full
coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. (4) "Sporting"--In
the "Sporting" clip, a Poodle shall be shown with face, feet, throat, and base
of tail shaved, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head and a pompon
on the end of the tail. The rest of the body, and legs are clipped or scissored
to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short blanket of coat no longer than
one inch in length. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on
the body.
In all clips the hair of the topknot may be left free or held in place by elastic
bands. The hair is only of sufficient length to present a smooth outline.
"Topknot" refers only to hair on the skull, from stop to occiput. This is the only
area where elastic bands may be used.
Color
The coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers,
browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams the coat may show varying shades
of the same color. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker
feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colors are
definitely preferred, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to
be considered a fault. Brown and cafe-au-lait Poodles have liver-colored
noses, eye-rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue,
gray, silver, cream and white Poodles have black noses, eye-rims and lips,
black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. In the apricots while the
foregoing coloring is preferred, liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, and
amber eyes are permitted but are not desirable. Major fault: color of nose, lips
and eye-rims incomplete, or of wrong color for color of dog.
Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not
an even solid color at the skin but is of two or more colors.
Gait
A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive.
Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential.
Temperament
Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an
air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Major fault: shyness or
sharpness.
Major Faults
Any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the Breed
Standard.
Disqualifications
Size-- A dog over or under the height limits specified shall be disqualified.
Clip-- A dog in any type of clip other than those listed under coat shall be
disqualified. Parti-colors-- The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid
color at the skin but of two or more colors. Parti-colored dogs shall be
disqualified.
Value of Points
General appearance, temperament, carriage and condition.......30
Head, expression, ears, eyes and teeth.......20
Body, neck, legs, feet and tail.......20
Gait.......20
Coat, color and texture.......10
Approved August 14, 1984
Reformatted March 27, 1990
The following information is from the American Kennel Club's official website
http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/index.cfm