British and Australian Poodle Standards
The British standards for the three Poodle varieties are the same
as the Australian standards, and all three varieties of this breed are
granted championship status in the Utility Group of Non-Sporting Breeds.
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
chiseled, not falling away under the eyes; bones and muscles 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:
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") and over.
FAULTS:
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.
Poodle (Miniature)
The Poodle (Miniature) should be in every respect a replica, in
miniature, of the Standard Poodle. Height at shoulder should be under
38cmm (15") but not under 28 cm (11").
Poodle (Toy)
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").
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