Poodle Standard

Points of the perfect Poodle:

GENERAL APPEARANCE--That of a very active, intelligent, and elegant-looking dog, well built, and carrying himself very proudly.

HEAD--Long, straight, and fine, the skull not broad, with a slight peak at the back. MUZZLE--Long (but not snipy) and strong--not full in cheek; teeth white, strong, and level; gums black, lips black and not showing lippiness.

EYES--Almond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence.

NOSE--Black and sharp.

EARS--The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face.

NECK--Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity.

SHOULDERS--Strong and muscular, sloping well to the back.

CHEST--Deep and moderately wide.

BACK--Short, strong, and slightly hollowed, the loins broad and muscular, the ribs well sprung and braced up.

FEET--Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard.

LEGS--Fore-legs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle. Hind-legs very muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down.

TAIL--Set on rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back.

COAT--Very profuse, and of good hard texture; if corded, hanging in tight, even cords; if non-corded, very thick and strong, of even length, the curls close and thick, without knots or cords.

COLOURS--All black, all white, all red, all blue.

The White Poodle should have dark eyes, black or very dark liver nose, lips, and toe-nails.

The Red Poodle should have dark amber eyes, dark liver nose, lips, and toe-nails.

The Blue Poodle should be of even colour, and have dark eyes, lips, and toe-nails. All the other points of White, Red, and Blue poodles should be the same as the perfect Black Poodle.

N.B.--It is strongly recommended that only one-third of the body be clipped or shaved, and that the hair on the forehead be left on.

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