Читать книгу Poodle - S. Meyer Clark - Страница 22

BREED STANDARD FOR THE POODLE

A breed standard is the blueprint of the dog, a written description of what breeders and judges are looking for in a perfect Poodle, both physically and temperamentally. While there has never been a “perfect” Poodle, nor a flawless example of any breed, breeders use the standard as a set of goals for which to strive. Judges use the standard to evaluate how well the breeders are doing in reaching that goal.

Poodles are compared to a breed standard in the show ring. The dog that most closely “conforms” to the standard is regarded as the best.

The following description is excerpted from the standard of the American Kennel Club (AKC). Those interested in showing should obtain the complete standard to acquaint themselves with all details, faults and disqualifications.

THE AKC STANDARD FOR THE POODLE

The standard for the Poodle (Toy variety) is the same as for the Standard and Minature varieties except as regards height.

GENERAL APPEARANCE, CARRIAGE AND CONDITION

That of a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly.

SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE

Size: The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. The Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders.

Proportion: To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of 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: Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in proportion to size of dog.

HEAD AND EXPRESSION

(a) Eyes—very dark, oval in shape and set far enough apart and positioned to create an alert intelligent expression.

(b) Ears—hanging close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level. The ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered.

(c) Skull—moderately rounded, with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones and muscles flat.

The physical attributes of a Poodle are measured against the standard as are gait and temperament.

(d) Muzzle—long, straight and fine, with slight chiseling under the eyes. Strong without lippiness. The chin definite enough to preclude snipiness. Teeth—white, strong and with a scissors bite.

The correct Poodle head has a moderately rounded skull and a long, straight, fine muzzle.

NECK, TOPLINE, BODY

Neck well proportioned, strong and long enough to permit the head to be carried high and with dignity. The neck rises from strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. The topline is level, neither sloping nor roached, with the exception of a slight hollow just behind the shoulder.

Incorrect muzzle; too much chin.

Correct head in profile.

BODY

(a) Chest deep and moderately wide with well sprung ribs.

(b) The loin is short, broad and muscular.

(c) Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked of sufficient length to insure a balanced outline.

English Saddle clip.

FOREQUARTERS

Strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. The shoulder blade is well laid back. Forelegs straight and parallel when viewed from the front. Dewclaws may be removed.

FEET

The feet are rather small, oval in shape with toes well arched and cushioned on thick firm pads. The feet turn neither in nor out.

HINDQUARTERS

The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. Hind legs straight and parallel when viewed from the rear.

COAT

(a) Quality—(1) Curly: of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. (2) Corded: hanging in tight even cords of varying length, longer on mane or body coat, head, and ears; shorter on puffs, bracelets, and pompons.

Standard Lion clip without hip pompon.

(b) Clip—A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the Puppy clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over 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 coat long. The face, throat, feet and base of the tail are shaved. There is a pompon on the end of the tail.

The Poodle has strong teeth in a scissors bite.

(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 pompon 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. (3) Continental—In the Continental clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The hindquarters are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. (4) Sporting—In the Sporting clip, a Poodle shall be shown with face, feet, throat and base of tail shaved, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head and a pompon on the end of the tail. The rest of the body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog.

Correct angulation of rear.

Incorrect rear; stifle straight.

Puppy clip.

Puppy clip showing the body outline.

The Lion clip is the clip of choice in the UK, where dogs are judged against the breed standard of The Kennel Club.

Incorrect foot.

Correct foot.

In all clips the hair of the topknot may be left free or held in place by elastic bands.

COLOR

The coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, café-au-laits, apricots and creams, the coat may show varying shades of the same color. Brown and café-au-lait Poodles have liver-colored noses, eye-rims and 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.

GAIT

A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive. Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential.