ANKC Poodle Standard

The Poodle (all three varieties) is classified in Group 7 (Non Sporting)

General Appearance:

Refer to Characteristics

Characteristics:

A very active, intelligent, well balanced and elegant looking dog with good temperament, carrying himself very proudly.

Temperament:

Good temperament. (Also refer to Characteristics).

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 of 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:

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, 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:

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.

Undocked: Thick at root, set on rather high, carried away from the body and as straight as possible.

Gait/Movement:

Sound, free movement and light gait are essential.

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.

Sizes:

• Standard Poodle - 38 cms (15 ins.) and over.

• Miniature Poodle - Height at shoulder should be under 38 cm (15 ins) but not under 28 cm (11 ins).

• Toy Poodle - Height at shoulder should be under 28 cm (11 ins).

• The Poodle (Miniature) should be in every respect a replica, in miniature, of the Poodle (Standard). Height at shoulder should be under 38 cm (15 ins) but not under 28 cm (11 ins).

• The Standard of the Poodle (Toy) is the same as that of the Poodle (Standard) and Poodle (Miniature) except that the height at shoulder should be under 28 cm (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.

• Heavy build, clumsiness.
• Vicious temperament.
• Coarse head, lippiness, snipy in foreface.
• Flesh coloured nose.
• Light or round or prominent eyes.
• Over or undershot or pincer mouth.
• Long back, coarse legs and feet, long flat toes.
• Bad carriage, heavy gait.
• Open soft coats with no curl.

Particolours -

• White markings on black or coloured poodles.
• Lemon or other markings on white poodles.

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

Last Updated: 10 March 2010

(You can view the official Poodle Standards at www.ankc.org.au, click on breeds, click on group 7 Non-Sporting and scroll down to Poodle (Standard) and click on it. At that page you will also find link to view the extended breed standard)