Poodle Information
AKC Standards for Poodles
Poodle Breed Standard
Non-Sporting Group & Toy Group
The standard for the Toy Poodle is the same for the Standard and Miniature varieties except for heights.
General Appearance, Carriage, & Condition
The Poodle is 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.
Size, Proportion, & Substance
The Miniature Poodle is 15” or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10”. Any Poodle that is over 15” or is 10” or less at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature Poodle. (They weigh 12 to 18 lbs.) They are not yappy like many of the smaller breeds. Although they love to be cuddled, they can be just as tough as their larger cousins.
Miniature Poodles
Miniatures are the next size up from Toys. At their shoulder-high point, they are 11” to 15” and weigh 12 to 17 lbs.
They are suitable for families with children and are probably the most popular size. Like Toys, they need daily exercise. Be sure to engage them in fun activities where they can learn as well as exercise.
If you see a Miniature Poodle for sale and want to buy her, it may be suited for apartment living. Just make sure there is enough room for them to get exercise indoors as well as outside.
Miniatures are members of the American Kennel Club non-sporting breeds class. They often star in obedience training over the other two sizes, although all sizes learn quickly and never forget!
A Mini Poodle needs more exercise than a Toy, and they like playing their favorite games with you. They’re good for taking on shorter walks. Like most dogs, she’ll appreciate doing rather than just sitting.
A Poodle who isn’t getting as much activity as he wants will find ways to amuse himself, maybe in ways not amusing to you!
If you see a Miniature Poodle for sale and want to buy her, it may be suited for apartment living. Just make sure there is enough room for them to get exercise indoors as well as outside.
Miniatures are members of the American Kennel Club non-sporting breeds class. They often star in obedience training over the other two sizes, although all sizes learn quickly and never forget!
A Mini Poodle needs more exercise than a Toy, and they like playing their favorite games with you. They’re good for taking on shorter walks. Like most dogs, she’ll appreciate doing rather than just sitting.
A Poodle who isn’t getting as much activity as he wants will find ways to amuse himself, maybe in ways not amusing to you!
Toy Poodles
The Toy Poodle is 10” or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle more than 10” at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle.
Toys are the smallest of the Poodle sizes. You can pick them up and take them with you. At the shoulder-high point, they are 10” and under.
We’ve seen them in tote bags carried by their owners. Toys have big personalities and think they are Standards. They weigh about 6 to 12 lbs.
Holly acted much bigger than she was, although we don’t think she realized she wasn’t a big dog. Toys are very spirited, not high-strung, just happy, and love to play, be active, and make you happy! Toys should not be spoiled. Even though they are little, spoiling them can sometimes make them think they are the top dog in the family.
There’s a possibility of turning a cute puppy into an aggressive dog. Train your Toy puppy as soon as you bring them home, and you’ll have a happy, gentle, and loving family member.
Should you get a Toy if you have small kids in the family? It can work, but you may want to look at a Miniature or Standard if the kids are very young.
The Toy may not hold up well to rough play. He may also feel like he is a top dog over the young kids and not relate as well to them as he will to the adults in the family as he will see them as pack leaders.
Toys need to be exercised. If you want to buy Toy Poodle puppies, playing with them in the yard or house daily is fine, but walking them daily is also good, as exercise benefits their health and helps keep them trim.
If you live in an apartment or condo, take them outside for walks daily. Toys are in the Toy group of the American Kennel Club.
Toys are more suited for single adults, families with grown children, and retired couples.
Retirees will find a Poodle that gives them structure again, as they like daily routines. And it gets you out walking with your dog, so both of you get healthy exercise.
Teacup Poodles are tiny Toys and the result of breeding smaller Toys. Teacups may suffer more health problems than the Toy and may have a shortened lifespan due to inherited illnesses.
As long as the Toy Poodle is definitely a Toy Poodle, and the Miniature Poodle is a Miniature Poodle, both in balance and proportion for the variety, diminutiveness shall be the deciding factor when all other points are equal.
Toys are the smallest of the Poodle sizes. You can pick them up and take them with you. At the shoulder-high point, they are 10” and under.
We’ve seen them in tote bags carried by their owners. Toys have big personalities and think they are Standards. They weigh about 6 to 12 lbs.
Holly acted much bigger than she was, although we don’t think she realized she wasn’t a big dog. Toys are very spirited, not high-strung, just happy, and love to play, be active, and make you happy! Toys should not be spoiled. Even though they are little, spoiling them can sometimes make them think they are the top dog in the family.
There’s a possibility of turning a cute puppy into an aggressive dog. Train your Toy puppy as soon as you bring them home, and you’ll have a happy, gentle, and loving family member.
Should you get a Toy if you have small kids in the family? It can work, but you may want to look at a Miniature or Standard if the kids are very young.
The Toy may not hold up well to rough play. He may also feel like he is a top dog over the young kids and not relate as well to them as he will to the adults in the family as he will see them as pack leaders.
Toys need to be exercised. If you want to buy Toy Poodle puppies, playing with them in the yard or house daily is fine, but walking them daily is also good, as exercise benefits their health and helps keep them trim.
If you live in an apartment or condo, take them outside for walks daily. Toys are in the Toy group of the American Kennel Club.
Toys are more suited for single adults, families with grown children, and retired couples.
Retirees will find a Poodle that gives them structure again, as they like daily routines. And it gets you out walking with your dog, so both of you get healthy exercise.
Teacup Poodles are tiny Toys and the result of breeding smaller Toys. Teacups may suffer more health problems than the Toy and may have a shortened lifespan due to inherited illnesses.
As long as the Toy Poodle is definitely a Toy Poodle, and the Miniature Poodle is a Miniature Poodle, both in balance and proportion for the variety, diminutiveness shall be the deciding factor when all other points are equal.
Moyen or Klein Pudel
Moyen is the French word for medium, which is the fourth size in France. The rest of Europe refers to them as Kleins (medium). They are a recognized size in Europe. Sadly, they are not a recognized size in the United States. Per the AKC, anything over 15” is considered a Standard. Their size ranges from 15” to 18”, and they weigh between 20 to 35 lbs. This size makes them wonderful apartment dogs. They are also a great size for children. They are big enough to play hard but small enough to sit beside you on the couch and cuddle.
Standard Poodles
The Standard Poodle is over 15” at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle 15” or less in height shall be disqualified from competition as a Standard Poodle. (The average height is 24”, and the typical weight is 45 lbs. and up.)
You see an ad for Standard Poodles for sale, and like that they are a bigger dog. Standards are the largest of the Poodle sizes and are 15” or over at the highest shoulder point.
They can be up to 25” in height. They weigh 40 to 55 lbs. (females will be at the lower end.). As they are large dogs, they will need to have a larger yard to run around in and will need to be walked on a daily basis.
They are not suited as much for apartment living as Toys are, but each person will need to make that decision.
Keep in mind they need daily exercise, and if your apartment gives them room to exercise and walk around PLUS daily walking, a Standard may be the right size.
These big, active dogs are said to be the most adaptable-sized Poodle. Standards are also members of the AKC non-sporting breeds group. Standards seem, at times, to be actually smiling in pictures.
They’re very personable with a pleasing, happy disposition. Some Standard pups, between smiles, get serious, studious looks on their faces. They’re just taking in their surroundings, studying, and learning.
Whatever Poodle sizes are right for you, you will have a faithful, fun, and extremely intelligent companion that will love you for a long time.
You see an ad for Standard Poodles for sale, and like that they are a bigger dog. Standards are the largest of the Poodle sizes and are 15” or over at the highest shoulder point.
They can be up to 25” in height. They weigh 40 to 55 lbs. (females will be at the lower end.). As they are large dogs, they will need to have a larger yard to run around in and will need to be walked on a daily basis.
They are not suited as much for apartment living as Toys are, but each person will need to make that decision.
Keep in mind they need daily exercise, and if your apartment gives them room to exercise and walk around PLUS daily walking, a Standard may be the right size.
These big, active dogs are said to be the most adaptable-sized Poodle. Standards are also members of the AKC non-sporting breeds group. Standards seem, at times, to be actually smiling in pictures.
They’re very personable with a pleasing, happy disposition. Some Standard pups, between smiles, get serious, studious looks on their faces. They’re just taking in their surroundings, studying, and learning.
Whatever Poodle sizes are right for you, you will have a faithful, fun, and extremely intelligent companion that will love you for a long time.
All Poodle Sizes
Proportion
To ensure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of the 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
The bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in proportion to the size of the dog.
Head & Expression
(a) Eyes – The eyes are 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.
(b) Ears – The ears hang 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.
(c) Skull – The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. The cheekbones and muscles are flat. The length from the occiput stops at about the same as the length of the muzzle.
(d) Muzzle – The muzzle is long, straight, and fine, with slight chiseling under the eyes. It is strong without lippiness. The chin is definite enough to preclude snippiness. Major fault: lack of chin.
(e) Teeth – The teeth are white, strong, and with a scissors bite. Major fault: undershot, overshot, wry mouth.
(b) Ears – The ears hang 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.
(c) Skull – The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. The cheekbones and muscles are flat. The length from the occiput stops at about the same as the length of the muzzle.
(d) Muzzle – The muzzle is long, straight, and fine, with slight chiseling under the eyes. It is strong without lippiness. The chin is definite enough to preclude snippiness. Major fault: lack of chin.
(e) Teeth – The teeth are white, strong, and with a scissors bite. Major fault: undershot, overshot, wry mouth.
Neck, Topline, & Body
The neck is well-proportioned, strong, and long enough to carry the head high and with dignity. The skin is snug at the throat. The neck rises from strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. Major fault: ewe neck.
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.
Body
(a) The chest is deep and moderately wide with well-sprung ribs. (b) The loin is short, broad, and muscular. (c) The tail is straight, set on high, carried up, and docked of sufficient length to ensure a balanced outline. Major fault: set low, curled, or carried over the back.
Forequarters
The shoulders are strong and smoothly muscled. The shoulder blade is well laid back and approximately the same length as the upper foreleg. Major fault: steep shoulder.
(a) Forelegs – The forelegs are 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.
(b) Feet – The feet are rather small and oval in shape, with toes well arched and cushioned on thick, firm pads. The nails are short but not excessively shortened. The feet turn neither in nor out. Major fault: paper or splay foot.
(a) Forelegs – The forelegs are 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.
(b) Feet – The feet are rather small and oval in shape, with toes well arched and cushioned on thick, firm pads. The nails are short but not excessively shortened. The feet turn neither in nor out. Major fault: paper or splay foot.
Hindquarters
The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters.
(a) The hind legs are straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. They are muscular with width in the region of the stifles, which are well bent. The femur and tibia are about equal in length. The hock to heel is short and perpendicular to the ground. When standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Major fault: cow-hocks.
(a) The hind legs are straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. They are muscular with width in the region of the stifles, which are well bent. The femur and tibia are about equal in length. The hock to heel is short and perpendicular to the ground. When standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Major fault: cow-hocks.
Coat
(a) Quality (1) Curly – The hair is of a naturally harsh texture and dense throughout. (2) Corded – The hair hangs in tight, even cords of varying lengths. It is longer on the mane or body coat, head, and ears. It is shorter on puffs, bracelets, and pompoms.
(b) Clip – A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the “Puppy” clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or older 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.
(1) “Puppy” – A Poodle under a year old may be shown in the “Puppy” clip with the long coat. The face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompom on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat and smooth line, shaping of the coat is permissible.
(2) “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 pompom 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 ensure overall balance.
(3) “Continental” – In the “Continental” clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The hindquarters are shaved with pompoms (optional) on the hips. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs.
There is a pompom 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 ensure overall balance.
(4) “Sporting” – In the “Sporting” clip, a Poodle shall be shown with its face, feet, throat, and base of tail shaved, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head and a pompom 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.
(b) Clip – A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the “Puppy” clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or older 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.
(1) “Puppy” – A Poodle under a year old may be shown in the “Puppy” clip with the long coat. The face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompom on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat and smooth line, shaping of the coat is permissible.
(2) “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 pompom 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 ensure overall balance.
(3) “Continental” – In the “Continental” clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The hindquarters are shaved with pompoms (optional) on the hips. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs.
There is a pompom 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 ensure overall balance.
(4) “Sporting” – In the “Sporting” clip, a Poodle shall be shown with its face, feet, throat, and base of tail shaved, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head and a pompom 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 on 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 the ruff’s tipping. 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, 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: The color of the nose, lips, and eye-rims are incomplete or of the wrong color for the color of the 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.
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.
Gait
Temperament
The gait is a straightforward trot with light, springy action and strong hindquarters drive. Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential.
The Poodle carries himself proudly and is very active and intelligent. The Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to themselves. Major fault: shyness or sharpness.
Major Faults
Major faults are any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the Breed Standard.
Disqualifications
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. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color on the skin but of two or more colors. Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified.
UKC accepts all color poodles, including multi-colors (parti), BUT NOT THE MERLE COLOR.