Standards

Size

The poodle is classified as a group 9 toy dog by the F.C.I. (Italian Dog Federation). It is a harmonious dog and has an intelligent aspect. Size:

1- giant poodle between 45 and 58cm

2- standard poodle between 35 and 45cm

3- miniature poodle between 28 and 35cm

4- toy poodle below 28cm (ideally 25cm)

Color

All solid colors. White and cream poodles to have black nose, lips and eye rims, black toenails desirable; brown poodles to have dark amber eyes, dark liver nose, lips, eye rims 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, eye rims and toenails. Cream, apricot, brown, silver and blue poodles may show varying shades of the same color up to 18 months.

Head

Long and fine with slight peak at the back. Skull not broad and with a moderate stop. Foreface strong and well chiseled, 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, hanging close to 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 allow the head being carried high with dignity. Skin fitting tightly at the throat

Forequarters

Shoulders strong and muscular, sloping well 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 high, well carried at a slight angle away from the body, never curled or carried over the back, thick at the root. Customarily docked.

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.

Faults

Heavy build, clumsiness, long back, snippy in foreface, light or round or prominent eyes, lippiness, bad carriage, heavy gait, coarse head, over or undershot or pincer mouth, flesh colored nose, coarse legs and feet, long flat toes, open soft coats with no curl, partly-colors - white markings on black or colored poodles, lemon or other markings on white poodles, vicious temperament.

NB:

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