(BY KIND PERMISSION OF THE KENNEL CLUB)
2009
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. Absolute soundness
is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful
to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be
detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
From time to time certain certain conditions or exaggerations may be
considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely,
and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club
website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or
quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Well-balanced, elegant looking with very proud carriage.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Distinguished by special type of clip for show activity and
by type of coat which does not moult.
TEMPERAMENT:
Gay spirited and good tempered.
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.
EYE:
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 the upper
teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
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:
well laid back shoulders, strong and muscular. Legs set straight from
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, hocks well let
down; hind legs turning neither in nor out.
FEET:
Tight, proportionately small, oval in shape, turning neither in nor out,
toes arched, pads thick and hard, well cushioned. Pasterns strong.
TAIL:
Previously customarily docked. Docked: Set on rather high, carried at a 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 posible.
GAIT/MOVEMENT:
Sound, free and light movement essential with plenty of drive.
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. Whites and creams to have black nose, lips and eye rims,
black toe nails desirable;browns to havedark amber eyes,dark liver nose,
lips, eye rims and toe nails; Apricots and reds to have dark eyes with black
points or deep amber eyes with liver points. Black, silver and bluesto have
black nose, lips and eye rims and toe nails. Cream, apricot, red, brown, silver,
and blues may show varying shades of the same colour up to 18 months.
Clear colours preferred.
NON SOLID COLOURS ARE HIGHLY UNDESIRABLE AND SHOULD BE
HEAVILY PENALISED
SIZE:
Poodle (Standard) over 38cm (15ins.)
Poodle (Miniature) Height at shoulders should be under 38cm (15ins.)
but not under 28cm (11ins.)
Poodle (Toy) Height at shoulders should be under 28cm (11ins.)
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 the 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.