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This Illustrated Discussion of the Australian Poodle Breed Standard has been prepared for the purpose of promoting better understanding of, and appreciation for, the Poodle. We have attempted to do this by clarifying certain points of the Breed Standard by use of written explanations, illustrations and photographs.
Further, in order to assist the serious student relate the external appearance of the Poodle to the underlying reasons for this appearance, some of the illustrations depict the skeletal structure; some drawings have been exaggerated in order to emphasise the points and therefore are not anatomically accurate nor are they intended to be. We realise that there is a divergence of opinion on various finer points and for this reason we have endeavoured to avoid possible argumentative aspects. It is essential that breeders, exhibitors and judges all have sufficient flexibility to accommodate valid differences of opinion; the Breed Standard must fit many diverse 'types' differing in both style and details. We believe, however, that this Illustrated Discussion will serve as a solid basis upon which an individual may build his/her concept of their ideal Poodle. |
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(based on the Pre 1987 Kennel Club Breed Standard, London. Amended May 2000) with our Discussion Notes following each section. |
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CHARACTERISTICS |
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GENERAL APPEARANCE |
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Discussion Notes: |
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1. Balance expresses the harmonious development of all parts. This is important because if one part is deficient then full use cannot be made of the other parts of the body. Balance may also be used to describe the functionally efficient co-ordination of all the characteristics that make for smooth, flexible action. 2. The head is naturally carried high with a slight arch of the neck in a correctly constructed Poodle, giving the required "proud carriage"(also refer to NECK). |
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Figure 1 |
| The drawing on page 4 of the ANKC Extended Poodle Breed Standard of 2008 (Figure 2) of the Poodle incorrectly constructed to fit in the square box is misleading to judges and students of the breed and, in line with the research detailed above, the image should be ignored. It is noted that the drawing appears to be an identical copy of that used on page 8 the American Kennel Club booklet titled "Illustrated Study of the Poodle Breed Standard". |
Figure 2 ANKC Extended Breed Standard image of their 'correct' square Poodle 
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| For those determined to find the "square poodle" then the RED lines shown on the image below on this 1924 postcard photograph of a Poodle in the "Historically Correct Clip" indicates a possibly acceptable position for the "square"". [Note: the red and white lines are printed on the photograph c1924, not drawn in later, so the subject matter of the "square poodle" was obviously being actively discussed 100 years ago.] | |
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