A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function.  Absolute soundness is essential.  Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.  

From time to time certain certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues.  If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

 

No matter how outstanding an exhibit appears in relation to the breed standard in other ways, care must always be taken to consider it in more general terms so as to avoid rewarding exhibits that give rise to concern due, for example, to any signs of:

      •   Lameness -- including 'hopping'
      •   Inappropriate temperament - refusal to be handled, timidity or aggression
      •   A discharge from one or both eyes or any signs of discomfort in either eye
      •   Obvious breathing difficulty
      •   Obvious skin or ear irritation
      •   Exaggerations that would make the dog unsuited to the breed's original purpose
      •   Significantly over or under weight


GENERAL APPEARANCE: 
Well-balanced, elegant looking with very proud carriage.

CHARACTERISTICS:
Distinguished by special type of clip for show activity and by type of coat which does not moult.

TEMPERAMENT:
Gay spirited and good tempered.

HEAD AND SKULL:
Long and fine with slight peak. Skull not broad, moderate stop. 
Foreface strong, well chiselled, not falling away under eyes, cheek bones and muscle flat. Lips tight fitting. Chin well defined but not protruding. Head in proportion to size of dog.

EYE:
Almond shaped, dark, not set too close together, full of fire and intelligence. Eye colour - see Colour Clause.

EARS:
Leathers long and wide, set low, hanging close to face.

MOUTH:
Jaws strong with perfect, regular, complete scissor bite; i.e the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
A full set of 42 teeth is desirable.

NECK:
Well proportioned, of good length and strong to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity. Skin fitting tightly at the throat.

 

Body
Chest deep and moderately wide. Ribs well sprung and rounded. Back short, strong, slightly hollowed; loins broad and muscular.

Hindquarters
Thighs well developed and muscular; well bent stifles, hocks well let down; hindlegs turning neither in nor out.

Feet
Tight, proportionately small, oval in shape, turning neither in nor out, toes arched, pads thick and hard, well cushioned. Pasterns strong.

Tail
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Set on rather high, carried at slight angle away from the body, never curled or carried over back, thick at root.
Undocked: Thick at root, set on rather high, carried away from the body and as straight as possible.

Gait/Movement
Sound, free and light movement essential with plenty of drive.

Coat
Very profuse and dense; of good harsh texture. All short hair close, thick and curly. All traditional trims permissible in the show ring  and the dogs judged on equal merit, as long as there is sufficient length to demonstrate colour and qualityof coat.

Colour
All solid colours. White and creams to have black nose, lips and eye rims, black toenails desirable. Browns to have dark amber eyes, dark liver nose, lips, eye rims and toenails. Apricots and reds to have dark eyes with black points or deep amber eyes with liver points. Blacks, silvers and blues to have black nose, lips, eye rims and toenails. Creams, apricots, reds, browns, silvers and blues may show varying shades of the same colour up to 18 months. Clear colours preferred. Non solid colours are highly undesirable and should be heavily penalised.

Size
Poodles (Standard): over 38 cms (15 ins).
Poodles (Miniature): height at shoulder should be under 38 cms (15 ins) but not under 28 cms (11 ins).
Poodles (Toy): height at shoulder should be under 28 cms (11 ins).

 

 

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

 

Last Updated - August 2009