The Official AKC/CKC Poodle Breed Standard

“The Poodle is 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.”

The origin of the Poodle is unknown but it was popular in portrait paintings over 400 years ago.  Many believe that he was first developed in Germany where he was called the Pudel.  He may have come to France by way of German soldiers during the early Renaissance times.  In France, he is still called Chien Canard or duck dog because his original purpose was to retrieve fowl that hunters had downed in water.  Over time three varieties, Standard, Miniature, and Toy were created.  The only difference between each variety is the size.  All other key characteristics are the same. The Poodle is an extremely intelligent breed.  He is lively, good-natured, friendly, and extremely loyal.  Although he began as a hunting dog, he has become popular as a circus performer and as a companion.  Because the Poodle does not shed his coat, he is an ideal dog for people with allergies.

The head of the Poodle is long, narrow and straight with a slight but definite stop (drop-off between the skull and muzzle between the eyes).  The teeth come together is an scissors bite.  The eyes are dark, almond-shaped and set wide apart.  The ears are long, wide, and hang close to the face with abundant feathering.  The back is short.  The legs are straight and muscular.  The feet are small, compact and oval shaped under arched toes.  The gait is light and springy with the legs moving parallel to one another and the head carried high. Tail docking is now being left to the discretion of individual breeders. Most show breeders will still dock tails, however this is changing slowly. In Europe dogs are shown with full tails

The coat is dense and harsh.  Although the coat is non shed, it does grow continuously so needs regular clipping and brushing.  The coat is profuse with firm texture and curly but will cord when not combed.  The coat may be any solid color including black, white, cafe au lait, apricot, brown, silver, gray, blue, and, of course, our favorite, red.  Although solid colors are the only ones able to compete in conformation, the parti, phantom and other colors and patterns are purebred poodles and registered with the AKC/CKC. They may compete in any obedience or agility sanctioned event. The coat may be cut in various styles.  The original purpose of trimming the coat was to aid the dog in the water since its profuse coat would become cumbersome and heavy otherwise.  Most pet poodles are kept in a puppy trim, with differences made to the face and length of hair on the ears.  Some poodles may have a top knot as well.

Varieties of Poodles

There are three varieties of Poodles: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Terms such as a "Royal Standard," "Tea Cup Toy," or "Tiny Toy Poodle" are marketing gimmicks, used to promote the sale of animals that are dramatically over or under the norm in size.

Toy Poodle: The toy is the smallest variety and should be no larger than 10" high at the shoulder. This size is particularly well-suited to apartment life or as a traveling companion for retired people.

Miniature Poodle: The Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized animal standing between 10" and 15" high at the shoulder. This variety is a sturdy compromise between the Toy and the Standard, suitable both to apartment life as well as the hardy lifestyle of a family with children.

Standard Poodle: The Standard is the largest of the three varieties, with no restriction on size. Typically Standards will be about 21" to 27" high at the shoulder, with the females usually a little smaller than the males. Being a larger, more substantial animal, the Standard will usually require more room for exercise than the other two variety

For more information on the Miniature Poodle standard, see the Canadian Kennel Club website at www.ckc.ca

Even though there are references to tiny Poodles in the breed literature, no attempt was made to develop a true Toy until after the Miniature had been given separate breed status in England in 1910. Due to the success with the Miniatures, Breeders decided to reduce the size of the Poodle even more.

They succeed in establishing the breed so well that by the late 1940’s it was granted separate breed status.

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