Poodle Standard Dog Breed
The Poodle’s coat may be groomed into three basic styles: the “pet clip” (or puppy clip), with relatively short hair all over the body, the “English saddle” clip, and the “Continental” clip with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles and pom-poms left on the tails and hips. All other clips are not admissible in shows. The coat is either curly or corded. All solid colors are permissible.
The Poodle standard originates from Central Europe and Asia, but is commonly associated with France. It’s skills cover a whole range of functions including hunting water animals, military dog, guide dog, guard dog and performer. It’s origins can be dated back to the 1500’s. The Poodle is used as a working hunter and duck retriever. The distinctive and stylish hair cut that has a real function. Whilst the Poodle’s body coat protects and buoys the dog in the water the hindquarters are shaved in order that the dog can swim more easily. The Poodle is also known by the other names of Barbone and Caniche.
The original poodles were the larger ones, but their intelligence and cheery disposition led to breeding down to miniature and toy sizes for companion dogs for the ladies of the court. Today the poodle comes in four sizes: standard, 15 inches and over; miniature, 10-15 inches; toy, less than 10 inches, and teacup. (All measurements are taken at the withers, the high point of the shoulder. The only difference between the three AKC recognized poodles is size; theoretically, small standards and large miniatures or small miniatures and large toys could come from the same litter.)
Identical to the Standard and Miniature Poodle except in height, he is a decedent of the Miniature Poodle. The Toy Poodle is a dainty, sensitive little dog who is a perfect pet for a less active person who has time to pamper this natural little clown and be amused by his quaint antics. He a bright, perky little dog who is easy to train and eager to please. The Toy Poodle is the smallest version of the Poodle. Originally used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl, he was later favored by circus performers for his comic appearance and the ease to train him.
There are three sizes of Poodle, all considered part of the same breed: going from smallest to largest, these are the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. The Standard is probably the oldest of the three varieties, and some still carry on the Poodle tradition of working as a water retriever. No matter the size, Poodles are renowned for a playful but dignified personality and keen intelligence. When it comes to training, this is an “A” student, and the Poodle excels at performance sports such as obedience, agility, and hunt tests.
