Poodle Breed Standard
Comparison Chart

History / Origin and Purpose:	CKC: — The breed probably dates back to the late Roman period but certainly the variety we know as the Standard Poodle was well established across the whole of Europe by the 16th Century. The Miniature and Toy varieties developed in the next two hundred years or so. The Poodle is the world's oldest water retriever, circus performer, and truffle hunter. The ubiquitous Poodle is such a versatile dog, he can be all things to all people. AKC: (Not included as part of AKC Standard.) UKC: Standard Poodle: — Dogs similar in type to today's Poodle were carved in Roman tombs as far back as 30 A.D. and can be seen in European paintings as early as the 15th century. Although the breed took its name from the German word "pudel," which means "to splash in water," the French were responsible for bringing the Poodle to international attention. The first Poodles in England were known as "Rough Water Dogs" and they served primarily as hunting companions. Poodles were first brought to the United States at the end of the 19th century, but the breed did not become popular until after World War II. By the mid '50s, the Poodle was the most popular breed in the United States, a position held for over 20 years. Today the Poodle is divided into two breeds: the Standard Poodle, which serves primarily as a gun dog and companion animal, and the Poodle, composed of the Miniature and Toy varieties, and which serves primarily as companion breed. The standards of the two breeds are essentially identical but for size. The Poodle was recognized by United Kennel Club in 1914. The Poodle was divided into two breeds, Standard Poodle and Poodle, on January 1, 2000. Poodle: The Miniature and Toy Poodles were probably developed by crossing small Standard Poodles with Maltese and Havanese to bring down the size. While the Standard Poodle was first developed as a hunting dog, the Miniature and Toy varieties were strictly companion dogs, popular in the French court from the reign of Louis XIV through that of Louis XVI. Miniature and Toy Poodles appear in many 17th century paintings. These dogs were also popular with circus performers and clowns from as early as 1700 through the late 1800's. Poodles were first brought to the United States at the end of the 19th century, but the breed did not become popular until after World War II. By the mid '50s, the Poodle was the most popular breed in the United States, a position held for over 20 years. Today the Poodle is divided into two breeds: the Standard Poodle, which serves primarily as a gun dog and companion animal, and the Poodle, composed of the Miniature and Toy varieties, and which serves primarily as companion breed. The standards of the two breeds are essentially identical but for size. The Poodle was recognized by United Kennel Club in 1914. The Poodle was divided into two breeds, Standard Poodle and Poodle, in 1999. KC: (Not included as part of KC Standard.) FCI: ORIGIN : France. UTILIZATION : Companion, dog. CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs. Section 2 Poodle. Without working trial.
General Appearance:	CKC: (Same as AKC Standard with slight variation on wording used.) General Appearance, Carriage and Condition: — That of a very active, gay, intelligent, smart and elegant-looking dog, squarely built, well proportioned carrying himself proudly. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. AKC: General Appearance, Carriage and Condition: — That of a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. UKC: Standard Poodle: The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized, squarely built dog with a distinctive harsh curly coat that may be presented in any of several traditional Poodle clips or corded. The ears are long, drop, and densely feathered. The tail is normally docked, set high, and carried erect. The length of body (sternum to point of buttocks) is equal to the height (withers to ground). The Standard Poodle carries himself with an air of dignity and pride. The Standard Poodle should be evaluated as a working gun dog and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work. Poodle: (Except for the omission of the last sentence, the UKC Standard for the General Appearance of the Poodle is the same as that of the Standard Poodle.) KC: Well balanced, elegant looking with very proud carriage. FCI: Dog of harmonious type, of medium proportions, with characteristically frizzy coat, curly or corded. Appearance of an intelligent animal, constantly alert, active, harmoniously built and giving an impression of elegance and pride.
Character and Temperament:	CKC: Temperament: — The Poodle is known for his intelligence, his lively, mischievous sense of humour, and his willingness to please. The Poodle is a people-oriented breed that refuses to be ignored. AKC: Temperament: Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Major fault: shyness or sharpness. UKC: (Same for both the Standard Poodle and the Poodle.) Characteristics: The Standard Poodle/Poodle's most readily identifiable characteristic is its harsh, dense coat, which is presented in various traditional trims or, less frequently, corded. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. The breed is noted for its high intelligence and trainability. While Poodles are wary of strangers, they require human companionship and do not do well without regular, close interaction with family members. Because of their great intelligence and the joy they take in human companionship, Poodles excel in performance events of all sorts. They are extremely affectionate with children. KC: Characteristics: Distinguished by a special type of clip for show activity and by a type of coat which does not moult. Temperament: Gay-spirited and good-tempered. FCI: BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Dog reputed for his faithfulness, willing to learn and being trained, which makes of in a particularly pleasant companion dog.
Size:	(Note the differences in sizes within the Standards — The CKC, AKC, UKC and KC state that the Standard Poodle should be over 15 inches (38.1 cm); while the FCI Standard states the Large Poodle should be above 45 cm up to 60 cm with a tolerance of 2 cm and the Medium Poodle is more than 35 cm up to 45 cm. The CKC, AKC, and UKC Standards show that the Miniature Poodle should be 15 inches (38.1 cm) or under with a minimum of more than 10 inches (25.4 cm); the KC's Standard states the Miniature Poodle should be under 15 inches (38 cm) but not under 11 inches (28 cm); and the FCI Standard for the Miniature indicates that it should measure more than 28 cm up to 35 cm. The CKC, AKC, and UKC Standards for the Toy Poodle indicate a size of 10 inches (25.4 cm) or under; the KC's Standard for the Toy Poodle size is under 11 inches (28 cm); and the FCI's Standard indicates the Toy Poodle should also be under 28 cm with an ideal size of 25 cm.) CKC: — Within the size limitations there is no preferred size. Standard Poodle: The Standard Poodle is over 38.1cm (15ins.) at the highest point at the shoulder. Any poodle 38.1cm or less in height shall be excused from competition as a Standard Poodle. If excused at three shows for this reason, the dog then has the same status as a disqualified dog. Miniature Poodle: The Miniature Poodle is 38.1cm (15ins.) or under at the highest point at the shoulder, with a minimum height in excess of 25.4cm (10ins.). Any Poodle, which is over 38.1cm or 25.4cm or under at the highest point at the shoulder, shall be excused from competition as a Miniature Poodle. If excused at three shows for this reason, the dog then has the same status as a disqualified dog. Toy Poodle: The Toy Poodle is 25.4cm (10ins.) or under at the highest point at the shoulder. Any Poodle which is more than 25.4cm at the highest point at the shoulder shall be excused from competition as a Toy Poodle. If excused at three shows for this reason, the dog than has the same status as a disqualified dog. (The following is included as part of the "Body" of the CKC Standard and has been added here to compare with the AKC's Proportion and Substance:) To ensure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of the body measured from the breastbone (prosternum) to the pinbone (ischiatic tuberosity) approximates the height from the highest point at the shoulders to the ground. Bone in proportion to the size of the dog. AKC: Size, Proportion, Substance Size The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height shall be disqualified from competition as a Standard Poodle. The Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature Poodle. The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle. As long as the Toy Poodle is definitely a Toy Poodle, and the Miniature Poodle a Miniature Poodle, both in balance and proportion for the Variety, diminutiveness shall be the deciding factor when all other points are equal. Proportion - To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground. Substance - Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in proportion to size of dog. UKC: Height and Weight: Standard Poodle: Over 15 inches, measured at the withers. Disqualification: 15 inches or under. Poodle: Miniature - Over 10 inches up to 15 inches, measured at the withers. Toy - 10 inches or under, measured at the withers. Within each individual variety, the judge shall favor the smaller dog when all other factors are equal, including balance and proportion. Disqualifications: A Miniature Poodle over or under the qualifying heights; a Toy Poodle over 10 inches. KC: 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). FCI: Large Poodles : Above 45 cm up to 60 cm with a tolerance of 2 cm. The large poodle must be the enlarged and developed reproduction of the medium poodle from which he retains the same characteristics. Medium Poodles : More than 35 cm up to 45 cm. Miniature poodles : More than 28 cm up to 35 cm. This poodle size must show in its ensemble the appearance of a reduced medium poodle, retaining as much as possible the same proportions and not showing any sign of dwarfism. Toy poodles : Below 28 cm (desirable ideal type, size of 25 cm). The Toy poodle keeps in its ensemble the appearance of the miniature poodle and the same general proportions, complying with all the requirements of the standard. All presence of dwarfism is excluded, only the occipital crest may be less pronounced.
Coat, Clip, and Colour:	Note the differences in the Standards for Coat and Colour Coat Type: The CKC, AKC, UKC and FCI recognize the Curly and Corded variety while the KC only includes the Curly in their Standards. Clips: The CKC recognizes three clips — the Puppy clip, English Saddle clip and the Continental clip —. The AKC and UKC also recognize a fourth — the Sporting Clip. The FCI recognizes the Lion clip, Modern clip and English clip. The KC Standard only states that the Lion clip is strongly recommended. Colours: The CKC, AKC and KC Standards accept any solid colour. Parti-colour is a disqualification for the CKC and AKC. The UKC's accepted colours are apricot, black, blue, cream, gray, silver, white, and all shades of brown, including café-au-lait. The UKC Standard also recognizes parti-colored, phantom, abstract and mult-patterned. See the colour descriptions below for details on these differences in accepted colours. The FCI Standard accepts coats in a solid, black, white, brown, grey or apricot colour. Non-solid colours are an eliminating fault in the FCI Standard. CKC: Coat Quality Curly Poodles: Dense, naturally harsh texture throughout, frizzy or curly. Corded Poodles: All hair hanging in tight even cords of varying lengths. Clip A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the "Puppy Clip". In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over must be shown in the "English Saddle" or "Continental" Clip. A Poodle shown in competitive classes in any other clip shall be disqualified. However, the brood Bitch and Stud Dog may be shown in any clip. Puppy Clip: A Poodle under a year old may be shown in the Puppy Clip with the coat long. The face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is permissible. English Saddle Clip: In the English Saddle Clip, the face, throat, feet, forelegs, and base of tail are shaved, leaving bracelets on the forelegs, and a pompon on the end of the tail. The hindquarters are covered with a short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two shaved bands on each hind leg at the stifle and hock joints. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the bracelets are visible. The rest of the body may be shaped in order to ensure overall balance. Continental Clip: In the Continental clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The hindquarters are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are shaved leaving bracelets on the forelegs and rear legs. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the bracelets are visible. The rest of the body may be shaped to ensure overall balance. In all three clips, the hair of the topknot may be left free, or shaped, or held in place by elastic bands used only on the skull. Coat Colour and Skin Any solid colour. The coat is an even solid colour at the skin. In the blues, greys, silvers, browns, café-au-laits, apricots, and creams, the coat may show varying shades of the same colour. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. Note: the tan-point pattern expressed in light and dark shades of the same colour is to be discouraged. While clear colours are definitely preferred, such natural variations in the shading of the coat are not to be considered faults. Brown and café-au-lait Poodles may have brown-coloured noses, eye rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, grey, silver, cream, and white Poodles have black noses, eye rims and lips, and black or self-coloured toenails, and very dark eyes. In the apricots, while the foregoing colour is preferred, brown noses, eye rims and lips and dark amber eyes are permitted, but not desirable. Particoloured Poodles shall be disqualified. Particoloured is at least two definite colours appearing in clearly defined markings at the skin. The skin is pliable, tight, and not mottled. AKC: Coat Quality Curly: of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. Corded: hanging in tight even cords of varying length; longer on mane or body coat, head, and ears; shorter on puffs, bracelets, and pompons. Clip A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the "Puppy" clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over must be shown in the "English Saddle" or "Continental" clip. In the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes and in a non-competitive Parade of Champions, Poodles may be shown in the "Sporting" clip. A Poodle shown in any other type of clip shall be disqualified. "Puppy": A Poodle under a year old may be shown in the "Puppy" clip with the coat long. The face, throat, feet and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is permissible. "English Saddle": In the "English Saddle" clip the face, throat, feet, forelegs and base of the tail are shaved, leaving puffs on the forelegs and a pompon on the end of the tail. The hindquarters are covered with a short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two shaved bands on each hindleg. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven leg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. "Continental": In the "Continental" clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The hindquarters are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. "Sporting": In the "Sporting" clip, a Poodle shall be shown with face, feet, throat, and base of tail shaved, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head and a pompon on the end of the tail. The rest of the body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short blanket of coat no longer than one inch in length. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on the body. In all clips the hair of the topknot may be left free or held in place by elastic bands. The hair is only of sufficient length to present a smooth outline. "Topknot" refers only to hair on the skull, from stop to occiput. This is the only area where elastic bands may be used. Color The coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colors are definitely preferred, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to be considered a fault. Brown and cafe-au-lait Poodles have liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, gray, silver, cream and white Poodles have black noses, eye-rims and lips, black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. In the apricots while the foregoing coloring is preferred, liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, and amber eyes are permitted but are not desirable. Major fault: color of nose, lips and eye-rims incomplete, or of wrong color for color of dog. Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but is of two or more colors. UKC: Coat (Same for both the Standard Poodle and Poodle.) The Standard Poodle/Poodle has harsh, dense, curly coat. For conformation exhibition, the coat may be presented naturally, corded, or in one of the traditional clips described below. Corded--The cords are tight and of even diameter but varying lengths. Cords may be longer on the mane, body coat, head and ears; shorter on puffs, bracelets and pompons. Clips--In all of the traditional clips described below, the hair on the topskull may be left free or held in place by elastic bands, which may not be used elsewhere in the coat. Puppy. The coat is long with the face, throat, feet and base of the tail shaved. A pompon shall be left on the end of the tail. The coat may be shaped to give a neat appearance. English Saddle. The face, throat, feet, forelegs and base of tail are shaved, leaving puffs on the forelegs and a pompon on end of the tail. The hindquarters are covered with a short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank. Each rear leg is circled by two shaved bands, one just above the stifle and one just above the hock joint. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped for balance. Continental. Face, throat, feet and base of tail are shaved. Hindquarters are shaved with pompons on the hips optional. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. Legs are shaved leaving bracelets on the rear legs and puffs on the forelegs. A portion of the foreleg is shaved above the puff. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped for balance. Sporting. Face, feet, throat and base of tail are shaved. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. Coat on the top of the head is scissored into a cap. The rest of the body and legs are trimmed following the outline of the dog. The body coat shall be no longer than 1 inch in length. Leg hair may be slightly longer. Color (Same for both the Standard Poodle and Poodle.) Coat patterns in Standard Poodles/Poodle include the following colors: Apricot, black, blue, cream, gray, silver, white, and all shades of brown, including café-au-lait. Dogs whose coats include the brown shades may have dark amber eyes; liver noses, eye rims and lips; and dark nails. Dogs with apricot coat color may have this combination of eye, pigment and nail color as well but it is not desirable. All others must have very dark eyes; black noses, eye rims and lips; and black or self-colored nails. These colors must appear in one of the following patterns: Solid. Coat color is solid and even. Clear colors are preferred but natural variations in the shading of the coat are not to be considered a fault. Parti-colored: At least fifty percent white, with spots or patches of any other acceptable solid color. The head can be of a solid color but white muzzle, blaze, or white muzzle/blaze combination (preferably symmetrical) are equally acceptable. Full or partial saddles are acceptable, as long as they do not exceed the color proportion, but are not preferred. Ticking in the white of the coat is acceptable but not preferred. Phantom: Solid base color with sharply defined markings of a second color appearing above each eye, on the sides of the muzzle, on the throat and forechest, or in a chin and forechest bowtie pattern as well as on all four legs and feet, and below the tail. A phantom without clearly defined face markings or one that presents with its whole face colored in the second color is acceptable, as long as it maintains all the other specified body markings. Any combination of acceptable colors is allowed. Abstract: Less than fifty percent white, with the remaining percent any other acceptable solid color. Sable: A coat represented by black-tipped hairs on a background of any solid color, with no particular pattern/location designated for such hairs. Multi-patterned: A dog that clearly exhibits more than one of the acceptable color patterns, such as; a Parti with full or incomplete phantom markings (facial markings with or without presentation of the diamond under the tail), or a Phantom with additional abstract markings, etc. Disqualification: Any color or color pattern other than described above; albinism. KC: Coat: Very profuse and dense; of good harsh texture. 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 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. FCI: SKIN : Supple, not loose, pigmented. The black, the brown, the grey and the apricot poodles must be pigmented according to their coat colour; for the whites, the silvery skin is desirable, but the pigmentation must not alter the coat colour. There are also white poodles whose light skin is spotted, not only on the inner parts, which is frequent, but also on the rest of the body; this does not constitute a fault. The general pigmentation in its greatest intensity is desirable on: eyelids, nose, lips, gums, palate, mucous membranes, natural orifices, scrotum, pads. It must be black in the black, the white, and the grey dogs; dark brown in the browns; in the apricots, it must be as uniform and as dark as possible, according to the whole range of dark brown which can go up to black, without this last colour being preferred, but accepted to avoid a possible depigmentation. COAT HAIR : Curly coated Poodle : Abundant hair of fine texture, woolly and curly, elastic and resistant to pressure of the hand. It must be thick, dense, of uniform length, forming even curls which are generally combed. The coat hard to the touch giving an impression of horse hair is undesirable and shall be retrograded in favour of the desired texture. Corded Poodle : Abundant, of fine texture, woolly and dense, forming characteristic thin cords of even length. They must be at least 20 cm in length. The longer they are, the more they are appreciated. The cords on each side of the head may be tied up by a ribbon above the ears and those on the body parted on each side to avoid an untidy coat. ALLOWED SHOW CLIPS "Lion clip" : The poodle, whether curly or corded, shall be clipped on the hindquarters up to the ribs. Also clipped: the muzzle, above and underneath from the lower eyelids; the cheeks, the fore-and hindlegs, apart from cuffs or bracelets and optional motifs on the hinquarters, the tail, except a round or oblong terminal pompom. The moustache is required for all subjects. Keeping hair on the front legs, called "trousers", is admitted. "Modern clip" : Keeping hair on the four legs is only permitted providing the following norm standards are respected: Shall be clipped : The lower part of the front legs, from the nails to the tip of the dewclaw, the lower part of the hindlegs up to an equivalent height. Machine clipping, limited to the toes only, is permitted. The head and the tail as the preceeding rules describe. Shall be exceptionnally permitted in this clipping : The presence, below the lower jaw, of hair cut short not exceeding one centimeter thickness; its lower line will be cut parallel to the lower jaw. The beard called "goat's beard" is not tolerated. The suppression of the pompom on the tail (but this will slightly diminish the rating for "texture of coat"). Shortened coat : On the body, to show on the back line a moiré (shot silk) effect more or less long of at least 1 centimeter. The length of the coat shall be progressively increased around the ribs and above the legs. Regularized hair : On the head which stays with a casque (topknot) of reasonable height as well as on the neck, descending behind the neck to the withers, and in front, without discontinuity down to the shaven part of the foot following a slightly slanting line from the upper part of the forechest downward. On the upper part of the ears and up to a third of their maximum length, the hair may be cut with scissors or shaved in the direction of the hair. The lower part is left covered with hair of a length increasing progressively from top to bottom, to end up in fringes which can be adjusted. On the legs, "trousers" marking a distinct transition with the shaven part of the feet. The length of the hair increases progressively upwards to show on the shoulder as on the thigh a length of 4 to 7 cm measured on straightened hair, in proportion with the size of the dog but avoiding any "bouffant" (buffy). The "trousers" on the back legs must allow the typical angulation of the poodle to be seen. All other fancy clips which do not comply with these norm standards are eliminatory. Whatever the standard outline obtained through the grooming, it must never influence the classification at the shows, all dogs of the same class shall be judged and placed together. "English clip" : Add to the "lion" clip motifs on the hindquarters, i.e. bracelets and cuffs. On the head : a topknot. For this clip, the moustache is optional. Absence of demarcation on the hair of the hindquarters is tolerated. The topknot is optional. COLOUR: Poodles with curly or corded coats : black, white, brown, grey and apricot. The brown : Must be pure, rather dark, uniform and warm. The graduations in the brown shades must go neither to the beige nor to its lighter derivatives. Neither must the coat be of such a dark brown so as to be near black, i.e. excessive dark brown or aubergine coloured (dark purple). The grey : Must be uniform. The graduations in the grey colour must not reach either the black or the white. The apricot : Must be of a uniform colour neither tending to the beige or the cream, neither to the red or auburn, nor to the brown or its derivatives.
Head:	CKC: Head and Expression Skull should be slightly full and moderately peaked with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones and muscles flat. Length from occiput to stop about the same as the length of muzzle. Viewed from the side, the plane of the top of the skull should extend parallel to the plane of the top of the muzzle. Muzzle long straight and fine, but strong, without lippiness. Moderate chiseling under the eyes. The chin definite enough to preclude snipiness. Teeth (42) white and strong. Tight scissors or level bite. Nose sharp with well-defined nostrils. Eyes oval shaped, very dark, tight eyelids; happy, alert and full of fire and intelligence. Ears hanging close to the head set at or slightly below eye level. The ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered. AKC: Head and Expression Eyes: very dark, oval in shape and set far enough apart and positioned to create an alert intelligent expression. Major fault: eyes round, protruding, large or very light. Ears: hanging close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level. The ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered; however, the ear fringe should not be of excessive length. Skull: moderately rounded, with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones and muscles flat. Length from occiput to stop about the same as length of muzzle. Muzzle: long, straight and fine, with slight chiseling under the eyes. Strong without lippiness. The chin definite enough to preclude snipiness. Major fault: lack of chin. Teeth: white, strong and with a scissors bite. Major fault: undershot, overshot, wry mouth. UKC: (Same for both Standard Poodle and Poodle.) Standard Poodle: The head is proportionate to the size of the dog. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are roughly parallel to one another and joined by a slight but definite stop. SKULL - The skull is long and moderately rounded on top. Cheeks are clean and flat. MUZZLE - In profile, the muzzle is straight and roughly equal in length to the skull, measured from stop to occiput. The muzzle is fine with a slight chiseling under the eyes but with sufficient depth of underjaw to prevent snipiness. Lips are tight with black or liver pigment appropriate to coat color. Serious faults: Lip pigment incomplete or of wrong color for color of coat; weak underjaw. TEETH - The Standard Poodle/Poodle has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Serious faults: Overshot, undershot, wry mouth. NOSE - Nose leather is black or liver, depending on coat color. Serious faults: Nose pigment incomplete or of wrong color for color of coat. EYES - Eyes are oval in shape and set sufficiently wide apart to give an alert, intelligent expression. Eye and eye rim colors are black or liver, depending on coat color. Serious faults: Round, protruding, large or very light eyes; eye and eye rim colors wrong for color of coat; eye rim pigment incomplete. EARS - Ears are drop with long, wide, densely-feathered ear leather. Ears are set at or slightly below eye level and hang close to the head. Fault: Excessively long ear fringe. KC: 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. Eyes: 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. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. A full set of 42 teeth is desirable. FCI: HEAD : Distinguished, rectilinear, in proportion with the body. Its length must be a little more than 2/5 of the dog's height at the withers. Without heaviness or massiveness, but neither being too fine. The chiselling must be evident under the covering skin. CRANIAL REGION : Skull : Well shaped; its width is less than half the length of the head (the axes form an axial-facial angle of about 16° to 19°). The whole of the skull seen from above, appears oval in lengthwise direction and in profile slightly convex. The longitudinal axes are slightly divergent. Superciliary arches : Moderately pronounced, covered with long hair. Frontal furrow : Broad between the eyes, narrowing towards the occiput, which is very pronounced. (In the miniatures it can be less pronounced). Stop : Very slightly marked, as in dogs of medium proportions. FACIAL REGION : Nose : Pronounced and developed, with vertical profile; open nostrils. Black nose in the black subjects, the whites and the greys; brown in the brown subjects; in the apricot subjects the brown colour within the whole range of dark brown, may be going up to black, without this last colour being preferred but accepted to avoid possible depigmentation. Muzzle : Upper profile in straight line; its length is about 9/10 of the skull's length. The two branches of the lower jaw extending almost parallel. The appearance of the muzzle is solid, elegant, but not pointed. The lower profile of the muzzle is given by the lower jaw and not by the edge of the upper lip. Lips : Lightly developed, rather tight, of medium thickness, the upper lip resting on the lower lip, without falling over it. Black in the black, white and grey subjects; pigmented in the browns; in the apricot subjects coloured within the range of dark brown maybe going up to black, without this last colour being preferred, but accepted. The corner of the lips must not be pronounced. Jaws/Teeth : Fitting normally, teeth solid. The absence of one M1 or M2 (molar 1 or 2) in the upper and of one M2 or M3 in the lower jaw would not be penalised in judging or in a breeding selection. Cheeks : Not prominent. shaped by the cheek bones. The sub-orbital arches chiselled and only slightly filled in. The masticatory muscles, anatomical base of the cheeks, lightly developed; the zygomatic arches very slightly pronounced. Eyes : With keen expression, placed at the level of the stop and slightly slanting. The outline of the eyelids gives the eyes an almond shape. Black or very dark brown for the black, the white, the grey and the apricot poodles; the eyes may be dark amber for the brown subjects. Ears : Quite long, falling alongside the cheeks, set on at the extension of a line starting from above the nose and passing below the outer corner of the eye, flat, broadening after the base and rounded at the tip, covered with very long wavy hair. The Poodle whose ears do not reach the corner of the lips cannot obtain the qualification "excellent".
Neck:	CKC: Well proportioned, arched, strong and long enough permitting the head to be carried high with dignity. Skin snug at the throat. AKC: Neck well proportioned, strong and long enough to permit the head to be carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at throat. The neck rises from strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. Major fault: ewe neck. UKC: (Same for both Standard Poodle and Poodle.) The neck is of sufficient length and strength to permit the head to be carried high when standing or moving. The neck blends smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The skin on the neck and throat is tight. Serious fault: Ewe neck KC: Well proportioned, of good length and strong to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity. Skin fitting tightly at the throat. FCI: Solid, slightly arched after the nape of the neck, of medium length, well proportioned. The head carried high and proudly. No dewlap. Neck of oval cross section; its length is inferior to that of the head.
Forequarters / Shoulders:	CKC: Forelegs straight, parallel when viewed from the front. When viewed from the side, the whole forelimb assembly should be placed well back on the body with a perpendicular line falling through the rear point of the scapula, the elbow at the deepest point of the brisket, and the back of the pastern. The angle of the scapula from the vertical should approach 45 degrees and the angle between the scapula and humerus should approximate 90 degrees. The pasterns are strong. Shoulders: Strong and smoothly muscled. The shoulder blade (scapula) is well laid back and is about the same length as the forearm (humerus). AKC: Strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. The shoulder blade is well laid back and approximately the same length as the upper foreleg. Major fault: steep shoulder. Forelegs - Straight and parallel when viewed from the front. When viewed from the side the elbow is directly below the highest point of the shoulder. The pasterns are strong. Dewclaws may be removed. UKC: (Same for both Standard Poodle and Poodle.) Shoulders are smoothly muscled. The shoulder blades are long and well laid back. The upper arm appears to be equal in length of the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle. Elbows are close to the body. The forelegs are straight with bone and muscle proportionate to the size of the dog. Pasterns are strong and slightly sloping. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are parallel. Viewed from the side, the point of elbow is directly below the withers. Serious fault: Upright shoulders. KC: Well laid back shoulders, strong and muscular. Legs set straight from shoulders, well muscled. FCI: Front legs perfectly straight and parallel, elegant, well muscled with good bone. The height from the elbow to the ground is of 5/9 of the height of the withers to the ground. Shoulders : Sloping, muscular. The shoulder blade forming with the upper arm an angle of 90° to 110°. Upper arm : The length of the upper arm corresponding to that of the shoulder blade. Pastern joint : Continuing the front line of the forearm. Pasterns : Solid, not massive, and almost straight seen in profile.
Body:	CKC: The chest deep, oval and moderately wide with a prominent breast bone. The ribs well sprung. To ensure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of the body measured from the breastbone (prosternum) to the pinbone (ischiatic tuberosity) approximates the height from the highest point at the shoulders to the ground. However, the leg length is 55% of the height of the dog. The back short and strong and very slightly hollowed immediately behind the withers. The loin short, broad and muscular. Bone in proportion to the size of the dog. AKC: The topline is level, neither sloping nor roached, from the highest point of the shoulder blade to the base of the tail, with the exception of a slight hollow just behind the shoulder. Chest deep and moderately wide with well sprung ribs. The loin is short, broad and muscular. Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked of sufficient length to insure a balanced outline. Major fault: set low, curled, or carried over the back. (The following is included as part of "Size, Proportion and Substance" in the AKC Standard.) Proportion - To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground. Substance - Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in proportion to size of dog. UKC: (Same for both Standard Poodle and Poodle) A properly proportioned Standard Poodle/Poodle is square, with the length of body (measured from prosternum to point of buttocks) equal to height (measured from the withers to the ground). The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is just slightly longer than half the dog's height. The line of the back drops off almost imperceptibly behind the withers and is then level. The loin is short, broad and muscular with moderate tuck-up. The ribs extend well back and are well sprung out from the spine, then curving down and inward to form a deep body. The brisket extends to the elbow. Viewed from the front, the chest is well filled and moderately wide. KC: Chest deep and moderately wide. Ribs well sprung and rounded. Backshort, strong, slightly hollowed; loins broad and muscular. FCI: The general appearance of the body of a poodle is of good proportions, the length of the body generally exceeding the height at the withers. Withers : Moderately developed. Back : Short harmonious topline. Neither roach nor saddle back. The height from the ground to the withers being more or less the same as that from the ground to the rump. Loins : Firm and muscular. Croup : Rounded but not falling away. Chest : Descending down to elbow level, the width is equal to 2/3 of its depth (from spinal column to sternum). The thorax perimeter measured behind the shoulders must be at least 10 cm more than the height at the withers. Ribs : Rib cage oval, broad in the dorsal part. Forechest : Normal for a dog of medium proportions; the extremity of the sternum must be slightly prominent and set rather high which causes a higher, easier and more noble head carriage. Belly and flanks : Tucked up but not excessively so.
Hindquarters:	CKC: Straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. When viewed from the side, muscular with width in the region of the stifles, which are well bent. Pelvis (set at 30 degrees from the horizontal) and femur are about equal in length; hock to heel short and perpendicular to the ground. When standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Pinbone protruding behind and below the set on of tail to give a well-defined buttock. The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. AKC: The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. Hind legs straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. Muscular with width in the region of the stifles which are well bent; femur and tibia are about equal in length; hock to heel short and perpendicular to the ground. When standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Major fault: cow-hocks. UKC: (Same for both Standard Poodle and Poodle.) Hindquarters are muscular and with broad second thighs. The angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. The stifles are well bent and the hocks are well let down. When the dog is standing, the short, strong rear pasterns are perpendicular to the ground and, viewed from the rear, parallel to each other. In profile, the croup is nearly flat. KC: Thighs well developed and muscular; well bent stifles, hocks well let down; hindlegs turning neither in nor out. FCI: Hind legs parallel, seen from behind, muscles well developed and well visible. The joint with the hock is fairly angulated. The angles : coxal - femoral, tibial - femoral and tibial - tarsal must be sufficiently pronounced so as to avoid straight quarters which sometimes produce an undesirable slanting rump. Thighs : Well muscled and robust. Hock joint and Hock : Vertical. The poodle must be born without dewclaws on the back legs.
Feet:	CKC: Rather small and oval in shape. Toes well arched and close with webbing. Pads thick and firm. Nails short but not excessively short. The front feet may turn out slightly and the rear feet should turn neither in nor out. Dewclaws may be removed. AKC: Feet - The feet are rather small, oval in shape with toes well arched and cushioned on thick firm pads. Nails short but not excessively shortened. The feet turn neither in nor out. Major fault: paper or splay foot. UKC: (Same for both Standard Poodle and Poodle except the first sentence is excluded from the Poodle Standard.) Good feet are essential for a working gun dog. The feet are relatively small, oval in shape and compact with well-arched toes and thick, elastic pads. Feet do not turn in or out. Nails are short and dark or self-colored, depending on coat color. Dewclaws may be removed. Serious fault: Thin pads, splay foot. KC: Tight, proportionately small, oval in shape, turning neither in nor out, toes arched, pads thick and hard, well cushioned. Pasterns strong. FCI Rather small, firm, of a short oval shape. The toes are well arched, strong, compact, webbed, resting firmly on a hard and thick pad. The nails are black on blacks and greys, black or brown on the browns, on the whites the nails may be coloured according to the whole range of horn colour going up to black and must correspond with the pigmentation. The white nails remain a fault. In the apricot dogs, they must be coloured according to the whole range of dark brown up to black, without this last colour being preferred, but accepted.
Tail:	CKC: Set on high, carried up, and may be docked. The tail set is distinctly ahead of the pinbone. Never curled nor carried over the back. AKC: (As described under "Body" for the AKC Standard.) Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked of sufficient length to insure a balanced outline. Major fault: set low, curled, or carried over the back. UKC: (Same for both Standard Poodle and Poodle.) The tail is straight, set high, and normally docked to a length proportionate to the size of the dog. Whether standing or moving, the tail is carried erect. Serious faults: Low tail set, tail curled or carried over the back. KC: 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. FCI: Set quite high at the level of the loin. To be docked by a third nearest to the body, or at the half of its natural length in the curly coated poodles. However, a long and well carried tail is not a fault. It can be kept in its full length in the corded coat poodles. The tail is raised obliquely in action.
Gait:	CKC: A straight, smooth, forward trot, light and effortless, verging on the single track, showing balanced reach and drive; pasterns, hocks and feet showing a light springing action. Head and tail carried high. It is imperative that all three varieties be moved in the ring fully and decidedly to show correct gait. AKC: A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive. Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential. UKC: (Same for both Standard Poodle and Poodle except that last sentence is excluded from Poodle Standard.) When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. Action is light and springy with head and tail carried up. Poor movement should be penalized to the degree that it reduces the Standard Poodle's ability to perform the tasks it was bred to do. KC: Gait/Movement: Sound, free and light movement essential with plenty of drive. FCI: Light and springy, never flowing and extended.
Faults / Major Faults:	CKC: Major Faults: Any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the breed standard with particular attention to the following: Temperament: shyness, viciousness Bad mouth: undershot, overshot, wry mouth, missing teeth, weak underjaw Eyes: round, protruding, large, very light, entropian, ectropian Muzzle: down-faced, dish-faced, Roman nose, snipiness Neck: ewe neck Forequarters: steep shoulder, forelimb assembly too far forward Tail: set low, snap tail Hindquarters: cow hocks, sickle hocks, over angulation Feet: flat, spread, thin pads no webbing, cat feet Gait: hackney, choppy, side winding, lumbering AKC: Major Faults: Any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the Breed Standard. Temperament: Shyness or Sharpness Color of nose, lips and eye-rims incomplete, or of wrong color for color of dog. Eyes round, protruding, large or very light. Lack of chin. Undershot, overshot, wry mouth. Ewe neck. Tail set low, curled, or carried over the back. Steep shoulder. Cow-hocks. Paper or splay foot. UKC: Serious Fault: Lip pigment incomplete or of wrong color for color of coat; weak underjaw Serious faults: Overshot, undershot, wry mouth. Serious faults: Nose pigment incomplete or of wrong color for color of coat. Serious faults: Round, protruding, large or very light eyes; eye and eye rim colors wrong for color of coat; eye rim pigment incomplete. Fault: Excessively long ear fringe. Serious Fault: Ewe Neck Serious fault: Upright shoulders. Serious fault: Thin pads, splay foot. Serious faults: Low tail set, tail curled or carried over the back. KC: 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. FCI: 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. Lack of stop or stop too pronounced. Nose small and nostrils insufficiently open, or too big. Nose discoloured or spotted, pink. Muzzle too thin or pointed, convex nasal bridge. An undershot mouth is a fault which must be penalised according to its importance. Yellow teeth, caused by distemper, do not constitute a fault if those same teeth are themselves placed correctly. The badly placed or missing teeth constitute a fault proportional to the importance of the irregularity; all the incisors, canines, premolars and both molars 1 (M1) in the lower jaw must be present; the lack of one premolar (1 PM1) is not penalised; the lack of 2 premolars (2 PM1): maximum qualification " excellent "; lack of 3 premolars (3 PM1 or 2 PM1 and 1 PM2) : maximum qualification " very good ". The absence of one Molar (M 1 or M 2) in the upper jaw or of one molar (M 2 or M 3) in the lower jaw would not be penalized. Eyes too big or too small, insufficiently dark or with a reddish tint. Ears too short, too narrow or carried folded. Croup falling away. Tail curved over the back, too thin or set too low. Dog too leggy. Hindquarters too straight. Flowing or extended movement. General pigmentation insufficient, palpebral depigmentation (spectacles). Lack of hair around the eyes. Thin or soft coat. Indecisive colour or not uniform. A few white hairs on the chest are tolerated. All dogs affected by dwarfism cannot qualify " excellent ". The most obvious signs of dwarfism are : protruding skull (apple head), absence of occipital crest, pronounced stop, too prominent eye, pointed muzzle, too short or turned up, lower jaw retracted, chinless. Vicious dogs, aggressive or too nervous.
Disqualifications:	CKC: Particolours, unorthodox clip. Size: a Poodle over or under the height limits who has been excused at three shows for this reason. AKC: Size: A dog over or under the height limits specified shall be disqualified. Clip: A dog in any type of clip other than those listed under coat shall be disqualified. Parti-colors: The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but of two or more colors. Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. UKC: Standard Poodle: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Any color or color pattern other than described above. 15 inches or under in height. Poodle: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Any color or color pattern other than described above. A Miniature Poodle over or under the qualifying heights; a Toy Poodle over 10 inches. KC: (Not indicated in the KC Standard.) FCI: ELIMINATING FAULTS : Aggresive or overly shy Lack of expression in the type of the head. Overshot mouth. Absence of one insicor. Tailness. Dewclaws or traces of dewclaws on hindlegs. Dogs whose colour is not a solid colour (whole-coloured). White markings. White hairs on feet. Dogs exceeding 62 cm in size. The poodles which are not clipped in conformation with the standard will not (as long as they are like that) be judged for the awards at the shows and official events, without however being disqualified for reproduction. Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified. N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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Page Added: 18 April 2005
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