Poodle (standard)

General Information - Poodle (standard)

---

History

The Standard Poodle is the original Poodle from which the Miniature and Toy varieties were developed. Historians believe the breed, which belongs to the water dogs family, originated in Russia or Germany, and it has been known there since the 16th Century. The dog had superior waterfowl retrieving abilities and the characteristic trim seen on modern dogs was originally developed to protect the dog's joints and vital organs from frigid waters. The breed was first exhibited in England in 1880 and has gained world-wide recognition since then.

Temperament

Standard Poodles are one of the most intelligent and obedient dog breeds. The energetic Standard Poodle loves to play, run and swim. This breed gets along well with people and children, but may be reserved with strangers.

Upkeep

All Poodles need a lot of interaction with people. They also need mental and physical exercise. A brief but challenging obedience or play session, combined with a walk, should be part of every Poodle's day. Standard Poodles will need more exercise and may especially enjoy swimming. No Poodle should live outdoors. The show Poodle should preferably be brushed every day or weekly for shorter coats. Poodle hair, when shed, does not fall out but becomes caught in the surrounding hair, which can cause matting if not removed. The pet clips are easier to maintain and can be done every four to six weeks.

Poodle (standard)

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 with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Poodle (standard)

Characteristics and General Appearance: That of a very active, intelligent, well balanced and elegant looking dog with good temperament, carrying himself very proudly.

Gait: Sound, free movement and light gait are essential.

Head and Skull: Long and fine with slight peak at the back. The skull not broad and with a moderate stop. Foreface strong and well chiselled, not falling away under the eyes; bones and muscle flat. Lips tight fitting. Chin well defined, but not protruding. The whole head must be in proportion to the size of the dog.

Eyes: Almond shaped, dark, not set too close together, full or fire and intelligence.

Ears: The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face.

Mouth: Teeth: white, strong, even, with scissor bite. 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.

Forequarters: Shoulders: strong and muscular, sloping well to the back, legs set straight from the shoulders, well muscled.

Body:

Hindquarters: Thighs well developed and muscular, well bent stifles, well let down hocks, hind legs turning neither in nor out.

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

Tail: Customarily docked. Set on rather high, well carried at a slight angle away from the body, never curled or carried over the back, thick at the root.

Coat: Very profuse and dense of good harsh texture without knots or tangles. All short hair close, thick and curly. It is strongly recommended that the traditional lion clip be adhered to.

Colour: All solid colours. White and cream poodles to have black nose, lips and eyerims, black toenails desirable; brown poodles to have dark amber eyes, dark liver nose, lips, eyerims and toenails, apricot poodles to have dark eyes with black points or deep amber eyes with liver points. Black, silver and blue poodles to have black nose, lips, eyerims and toenails. Cream, apricot, brown, silver and blue Poodles may show varying shades of the same colour up to 18 months. Clear colours preferred.

Size: 38 cm (15 in) and over.

• heavy build
• clumsiness
• long back
• snipy in foreface
• light or round or prominent eyes
• lippiness
• bad carriage
• heavy gait
• coarse head
• over or undershot or pincer mouth
• flesh coloured nose
• coarse legs and feet
• long flat toes
• open soft coats with no curl
• parti-colours - white markings on black or coloured Poodles, lemon or other markings on white poodles
• vicious temperament

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
19 Dec 2013

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 and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.