1. "Profuse" means abundant; "dense" means thick. The Poodle has two coats: a thick, softer coat which is intermingled with harsher guard hairs; it is these guard hairs which provide the "harsh texture" that is required. Often it is only at maturity (2-3 years of age) that the truly harsh coat is present, particularly in the Miniature and Toy varieties.

2. Due to the thorough grooming and precise scissoring of the Poodle coat seen in the show ring today, the coat is usually blown dry after bathing; such a method straightens the coat in preparation for scissoring and consequently the short hair is usually seen straight rather than "curly". Left ungroomed, the Poodle coat is naturally "thick and curly".

3. Only an adult dog will be seen in the "traditional lion clip" as until approximately 12 months of age there is not sufficient coat for this clip.

A younger dog is exhibited in the PUPPY CLIP (Figure A) which has several variations; the Breed Standard does not specify any particular requirements. Similarly, it does not state the age when the Poodle should be exhibited in the adult (traditional lion) clip but an exhibitor will generally move the dog into the adult clip when there is sufficient hair for it to 'wear' this trim and this occurs at approximately 12 months of age.

Figure A

The "TRADITIONAL LION CLIP" takes one of two forms, both of which are equally acceptable.

THE CONTINENTAL LION TRIM
which is often referred to in Australia as "The Continental Trim", whereby the hindquarters are shaved (Figure B), leaving a rosette on each hip (optional).

Figure B

THE ENGLISH SADDLE TRIM
which is often referred to in Australia as "The Lion Trim", whereby the hair on the hindquarters is left longer (Figure C); sometimes a kidney-shaped area is shaved on each flank.

Figure C

CORDED POODLE
Poodle coat, left ungroomed, is naturally curly and with sufficient length it will tend to cord itself; a Corded Poodle (Figure D), provided it is in the "traditional lion clip", is equally eligible for exhibition.

Figure D