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 heigh 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, naturaly 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 tthe "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.

1. Puppy Clip: 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 thhe tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is permissible.
2. English Saddle Clip: In the English Saddle Clip, the face, throat, feet, forelegs and base of the tail are shaved, leaving bracelets 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 hind leg at the stifle and hock joints. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the bracelets are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to ensure over-all balance.
3. Continental Clip: In the Continental Clip, the face, throat, feet and base of the tail are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are shaved leaving bracelets on the forelegs and rear legs. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the bracelets are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped to ensure over-all balance.

In all three clips the hair of the topknot may be left free, or shaped, or held in place by not more than three elastic bands.

Colour

Any solid colour. The coat is an even solid colour at the skin. In the blues, greys, silvers, browns, café-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 café-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, eyes rims and lips and dark amber eyes are permitted but not desirable. Particoloured Poodles shall be disqualified. Particoloured 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. Lenght from occiput tu stop about the same as the lenght 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 chiselling under the eyes. The chin definite scissors or level bite. Nose sharp with well-defined nostrils. Eyes oval sahped, 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 hose.

Neck

Well proportionned, strong and long enough to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at tthe 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 slightlyhollowed 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 rear 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, snipiness
Tail: Set low, curled or cerried 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.

Scale of Points

General appearance, temperament, carriage, and condition	25
Head and expression	15
Neck and shoulders	10
Body, tail and hindquarters	10
Legs and feet	10
Coat, colour and texture	10
Gait	20
TOTAL	100