ABKC Breed Standard – Standard Poodle
General Appearance
The Standard Poodle is a well-balanced, intelligent, and elegant dog of proud carriage and athletic ability. The breed must exhibit refinement without weakness and substance without coarseness. Overall appearance is one of harmony, soundness, and dignity. Excessive exaggeration, whether structural or cosmetic, is undesirable. Judges must prioritize correct structure, balance, and functional movement over grooming presentation.
Size
Standard Poodle Only
Height: Over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders.
There is no upper height limit; however, dogs must remain balanced, sound, and true to breed type. Extreme size that compromises structure or movement is a fault.
Proportion
The Standard Poodle is squarely built. Length of body is approximately equal to height at the withers. Bone is moderate and in proportion to the overall size of the dog.
Head
The head is proportionate to the body, clean-cut, and refined.
Skull
Moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. Skull and muzzle are of approximately equal length.
Muzzle
Long, straight, and strong. Lips are tight and clean.
Nose
Well-developed nostrils. Nose color is black in black, white, gray, silver, blue, and cream dogs; brown in brown, red, and apricot dogs.
Eyes
Almond-shaped, dark, and set slightly obliquely with an alert expression.
Ears
Set on at or slightly below eye level, hanging close to the head, long and flat.
Neck
Long, strong, and gracefully arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders.
Forequarters
Well laid-back shoulders. Forelegs straight and parallel.
Body
Chest deep to the elbows. Topline level. Loin short and strong.
Hindquarters
Muscular and well angulated. Hocks well let down.
Feet
Small, oval, and compact with well-arched toes.
Tail
Set on high and carried up. Docked or natural per local regulations.
Coat
Curly or corded. Dense, harsh-textured, and well maintained.
Color
All solid colors acceptable. No parti-coloring.
Gait
Light, springy, and effortless with good reach and drive.
Temperament
Intelligent, alert, confident, and friendly.
Faults
Penalize according to severity: poor balance, weak topline, improper coat, unsound movement.
Disqualifications
Aggressive or extremely shy behavior; severe structural unsoundness; albinism; deceptive practices.
