How to Identify a Poodle

Standard Poodle

The poodle is a proud and intelligent breed. It comes in three sizes – the standard, miniature and toy. All three sizes are the same in looks, but differ in height. Many people who are allergic to the dander in dogs, but love dogs, get a poodle. Their hair does not seem to bother people with allergies as much as other dog hair or fur.

Instructions

1. Look at the general appearance of the poodle. It is shaped like a square and well-proportioned. The length of the dog as measured from the breastbone to the rear is about the same as the measurement at the withers. The standard poodle is over 15 inches at the withers, the miniature poodle is under 15 inches at the withers, but over 10 inches. The toy poodle is the smallest and is 10 inches or under at the withers.

2. Make sure the head shows the correct expression. The oval eyes are very dark and set wide apart, creating the alert, intelligent expression. The eyes should not protrude. The long ear leather hangs close to the head and is wide and heavily feathered. The long muzzle is fine, has a bit of chiseling under the eyes and has a definite chin.

3. Check that the longish neck is strong and properly proportioned with the rest of the body. It should be long enough to carry the head with dignity and sets into shoulders that are smoothly muscled. The shoulder blade is well-angulated, but not steep. The chest is deep and slightly wide. The small feet are oval, leading to arched toes and firm, thick pads. The rear angulation balances the front angulation. The rear legs are muscular. The docked tail is carried straight and upward.

4. Pet the coat. It is curly, harsh and quite dense. It may be corded. The clip is called an English Saddle or Continental clip. The coat is one color–and can be blue, gray, silver, brown, apricot, cream or café-au-lait. The feathering at the ears and the ruff may be a bit darker in shade. The brown and café-au-lait poodles have liver-colored noses, while the rest have a black or self-colored nose.