This section is the home for all information regarding the poodle breed. You can find articles on poodle health, choosing the right breeder, AKC guidelines, and much more!
The Standard for the Poodle (Toy variety) is the same as for the Standard and Miniature varieties except as regards to height.
That of a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.
The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle.
The Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature Poodle.
The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height shall be disqualified from competition as a Standard Poodle.
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 hind legs are in proportion to size of dog.
Neck well proportioned, strong and long enough to permit the head to be carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at throat. The neck rises from strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. Major fault: ewe neck.
The topline is level, neither sloping nor roached, from the highest point of the shoulder blade to the base of the tail, with the exception of a slight hollow just behind the shoulder.
The coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear colors are definitely preferred, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to be considered a fault. Brown and cafe-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. Major fault: color of nose, lips and eye-rims incomplete, or of wrong color for color of dog.
Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but is of two or more colors.
A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive. Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential.
carries himself proudly, very active, intelligent; the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Major fault: shyness or sharpness.
Any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the Breed Standard.
Size-- A dog over or under the height limits specified shall be disqualified. Clip-- A dog in any type of clip other than those listed under coat shall be disqualified. Parti-colors-- The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but of two or more colors. Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified.
General appearance, temperament, carriage and condition.......30
Head, expression, ears, eyes and teeth.......20
Body, neck, legs, feet and tail.......20
Gait.......20
Coat, color and texture.......10
Buying a puppy is different from the experience of buying anything else. A puppy is a long-term investment, a loved companion and hopefully will be with you for 10-12 years or more. Picking the right breeder will mean support, behavioral counseling, and training advice throughout the life of your canine companion.
A responsible breeders’ main interest will always be that of the breed and the individual puppies. It should never be about any profit. A responsible breeder has done all the research, knows the breed inside and out. The responsible breeder will have done all genetic testing for their breed and is breeding only with the goal to improve the breed.
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The following are questions that you should use as a guide to ask a breeder before buying a Poodle.
Poodles are prone to certain genetic maladies just like all breeds.
Be sure you are purchasing your Poodle from a reputable breeder that does the appropriate genetic testing and breeds to the AKC Breed Standard. The tests listed in each guide are just a basic guide that all breeders should perform on all breeding stock. There are many more tests that can be preformed should a breeder wish. Please be informed about the breed and exactly what the tests are and what test should be preformed prior to asking questions. An informed buyer is someone that knows about the breed and has a step up on education in the breed and what to look for in a puppy. There is no guarantee that even though parents of a litter have been tested that a puppy will not develop some sort of genetic disease within it's lifetime, but having genetic testing done on all breeding stock lowers the chances of incidences.
The following are questions that you should use as a guide to ask a breeder before buying a Miniature Poodle.
Miniature Poodles are prone to certain genetic maladies just like all breeds.
Be sure you are purchasing your Miniature Poodle from a reputable breeder that does the appropriate genetic testing and breeds to the AKC Breed Standard. The tests listed below are just a basic guide that all breeders should perform on all breeding stock. There are many more tests that can be preformed should a breeder wish. Please be informed about the breed and exactly what the tests are and what test should be preformed prior to asking questions. An informed buyer is someone that knows about the breed and has a step up on education in the breed and what to look for in a puppy. There is no guarantee that even though parents of a litter have been tested that a puppy will not develop some sort of genetic disease within it's lifetime, but having genetic testing done on all breeding stock lowers the chances of incidences.
The following is a guideline to use when speaking to breeders about possible puppies and their line of Miniature Poodles. Use this as a tool to make the very best and educated decision about your new Miniature Poodle. There is a printer friendly version at the bottom of the page you can access to print an easy to use guide while you are on the phone.
Breeders usually love to talk about their Miniature Poodle and the line of Miniature Poodle that they have produced. Please ask to see copies of all genetic testing.
Have the dam and sire's hips been x-rayed for hip dysplasia?
This is a condition in which the head of the femur fits improperly into the hip joint socket, causing Pain and lameness. Pain killers and/or surgery are the usual treatments. If answer to this questions is no, decline to buy a puppy. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disorder but can be diagnosed as early as six months of age. Hip dysplasia can be a painful and crippling disorder which in some cases can be treated by expensive surgery.
For further information: offa.org
Has breeding stock been tested for Patella Sub-luxation?
This is a slipped kneecap, a condition in which the patella slides in and out of the groove where it is normally held in place by ligaments. This causes hopping or favoring of the leg until the kneecap slips back into place. In some cases, in can be surgically corrected.
Have the dam and sire been tested for sebaceous adenitis within the two past years?
Is there any history of sebaceous adenitis in relatives of the sire and dam?
SA is a skin disorder which causes hair loss and skin flaking and thickening. There is no cure. For further information: offa.org
Have the dam and sire had their eyes tested regularly for progressive retinal atrophy and other hereditary eye diseases?
A puppy carrying two genes for PRA has the potential to go totally blind at any age. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy. For further information: vmdb.org/cerf
Has breeding stock been tested for thyroid malfunction?
This is a condition resulting from an inadequate production of thyroid hormone. Also treated with drug therapy, its symptoms include a coarse, brittle coat that falls out, thickening and discoloration of the skin, lethargy, obesity, mental slowness and irregular heart cycles.
Has breeding stock been tested for Mitral Valve Disease?
The heart consists of 4 chambers - 2 atria and 2 ventricles. The atrioventricular (AV) valves ensure that the blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart beats. A defect in the mitral valve (the left atrioventricular valve) causes backflow of blood into the left atrium, or mitral regurgitation. Less commonly, a narrowing or stenosis of the valve can be identified. Because of the leaky valve, the heart is less efficient at pumping blood to the body.
Has screening been done for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)?
A decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBC's) or the amount of hemoglobin, resulting in a decrease in the oxygen- carrying capacity of the blood.
Has testing been done for Cushings Disease?
This is a disease that occurs from the overproduction of cortisone by the adrenal glands.
Has screening been done for Addison's disease?
Has testing been done for juvenile diabetes?
Has there been any occurrence of bloat or gastric torsion, seizure, epilepsy, hemolytic anemia, allergic skin diseases, thrombocytopenia, allergic gastroenteritis in the sire or dam or their relatives?
These problems can be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in some lines.
How many years of experience does the breeder have?
How many liters a year do they produce and for what reason?
Most breeders that breed for the AKC breed standard breed only one time a year. If the answer is 'for the money', decline to purchase a puppy. These people do not have the welfare of the Miniature Poodle as a priority.
Does the breeder sell pets only on a spay/neuter contract?
The breeder that does sell on contract cares enough about the animal to assure that it is not being used and abused as a puppy mill dog. It also shows that the breeder is concerned about pet overpopulation and maintaining the DOG as a quality breed.
Is the breeder willing to take the animal back if you can no longer keep it?
Reputable breeders will request that should the buyer not be able to keep the pup that the pup be returned to the breeder.
Ask for at least three references from people who own puppies purchased from this breeder. Ask each about their dog's health and temperament.
Names & Phone numbers:
If you are able to purchase a puppy locally:
Ask to look at the whelping room and puppy areas. Note total environment.
Record the answer to each of the following:
Ask about the breeder's older Miniature Poodle and their life expectancy. Miniature Poodles have been known to live anywhere from 12- 20 years!
Take your puppy to your veterinarian within 48 hours. Your puppy should be examined thoroughly. If problems are found return puppy immediately to the breeder with the veterinarian's report. The breeder should be willing to guarantee the puppy's health.
Genetic testing is done to help breeders avoid passing on genetically transmitted diseases and anomalies. There is no line of living creatures totally free of genetic problems, including humans, but the incidence of problems can be markedly decreased by careful and selective breeding. Take each of these points into consideration when choosing your next Miniature Poodle.
The following are questions that you should use as a guide to ask a breeder before buying a Standard Poodle.
Standard Poodles are prone to certain genetic maladies just like all breeds.
Be sure you are purchasing your Standard Poodle from a reputable breeder that does the appropriate genetic testing and breeds to the AKC Breed Standard. The tests listed below are just a basic guide that all breeders should perform on all breeding stock. There are many more tests that can be preformed should a breeder wish. Please be informed about the breed and exactly what the tests are and what test should be preformed prior to asking questions. An informed buyer is someone that knows about the breed and has a step up on education in the breed and what to look for in a puppy. There is no guarantee that even though parents of a litter have been tested that a puppy will not develop some sort of genetic disease within it's lifetime, but having genetic testing done on all breeding stock lowers the chances of incidences.
The following is a guideline to use when speaking to breeders about possible puppies and their line of Standard Poodles. Use this as a tool to make the very best and educated decision about your new Standard Poodle. There is a printer friendly version at the bottom of the page you can access to print an easy to use guide while you are on the phone.
Breeders usually love to talk about their Standard Poodle and the line of Standard Poodle that they have produced. Please ask to see copies of all genetic testing.
Have the dam and sire's hips been x-rayed for hip dysplasia?
This is a condition in which the head of the femur fits improperly into the hip joint socket, causing Pain and lameness. Pain killers and/or surgery are the usual treatments. If answer to this questions is no, decline to buy a puppy. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disorder but can be diagnosed as early as six months of age. Hip dysplasia can be a painful and crippling disorder which in some cases can be treated by expensive surgery.
For further information: offa.org
Have the dam and sire been tested for sebaceous adenitis within the past years?
Is there any history of sebaceous adenitis in relatives of the sire and dam?
SA is a skin disorder which causes hair loss and skin flaking and thickening. There is no cure. For further information: offa.org
Is there any history of the line having Liver Shunts?
Liver Shunts are abnormal vascular connections between the hepatic portal vein and systemic circulation. Such anomalies cause blood in the gastrointestinal tract to be diverted past the liver, there by limiting the liver's vital functions in metabolism and detoxification of compounds.
Have the dam and sire had a DNA test for vWD, von Willebrand's Disease?
This is a disorder that involves a tendency to bleed easily, is caused by a deficiency in the von Willebrand factor, a protein found in the blood plasma. As with PRA and hip dysplasia, VWD testing is recommended. For further information: vetgen.com
Have the dam and sire had their eyes tested regularly for progressive retinal atrophy and other hereditary eye diseases?
A puppy carrying two genes for PRA has the potential to go totally blind at any age. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy. For further information: vmdb.org/cerf
Has breeding stock been tested for thyroid malfunction?
This is a condition resulting from an inadequate production of thyroid hormone. Also treated with drug therapy, its symptoms include a coarse, brittle coat that falls out, thickening and discoloration of the skin, lethargy, obesity, mental slowness and irregular heart cycles.
Has breeding stock been tested for Mitral Valve Disease?
The heart consists of 4 chambers - 2 atria and 2 ventricles. The atrioventricular (AV) valves ensure that the blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart beats. A defect in the mitral valve (the left atrioventricular valve) causes backflow of blood into the left atrium, or mitral regurgitation. Less commonly, a narrowing or stenosis of the valve can be identified. Because of the leaky valve, the heart is less efficient at pumping blood to the body.
Has screening been done for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)?
A decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBC's) or the amount of hemoglobin, resulting in a decrease in the oxygen- carrying capacity of the blood.
Has testing been done for Cushings Disease?
This is a disease that occurs from the overproduction of cortisone by the adrenal glands.
Has screening been done for Addison's disease?
This is a disorder caused by a deficiency in adreno cortical hormones most commonly occurring in young to middle aged dogs.
Has testing been done for juvenile diabetes?
Juvenile renal disease (JRD) and other congenital or familial forms of renal dysplasia are seen in about twenty breeds of dogs including The Standard Poodle. According to Kenneth Bovee, DVM, (Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania), the clinical entity has considerable variation from breed to breed and has completely different prevalence rates. A table which lists all of the congenital and familial renal diseases of dogs by breed can be found in Veterinary Pediatrics Dogs & Cats from Birth to Six Months.
Has there been any occurrence of bloat or gastric torsion, seizure, epilepsy, hemolytic anemia, allergic skin diseases, thrombocytopenia, allergic gastroenteritis in the sire or dam or their relatives?
These problems can be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in some lines.
How many years of experience does the breeder have?
How many liters a year do they produce and for what reason?
Most breeders that breed for the AKC breed standard breed only one time a year. If the answer is 'for the money', decline to purchase a puppy. These people do not have the welfare of the Standard Poodle as a priority.
Does the breeder sell pets only on a spay/neuter contract?
The breeder that does sell on contract cares enough about the animal to assure that it is not being used and abused as a puppy mill dog. It also shows that the breeder is concerned about pet overpopulation and maintaining the DOG as a quality breed.
Is the breeder willing to take the animal back if you can no longer keep it?
Reputable breeders will request that should the buyer not be able to keep the pup that the pup be returned to the breeder.
Ask for at least three references from people who own puppies purchased from this breeder. Ask each about their dog's health and temperament.
Names & Phone numbers:
If you are able to purchase a puppy locally:
Ask to look at the whelping room and puppy areas. Note total environment.
Record the answer to each of the following:
Ask about the breeder's older Standard Poodle and their life expectancy. Standard Poodles have been known to live anywhere from 12- 20 years!
Take your puppy to your veterinarian within 48 hours. Your puppy should be examined thoroughly. If problems are found return puppy immediately to the breeder with the veterinarian's report. The breeder should be willing to guarantee the puppy's health.
Genetic testing is done to help breeders avoid passing on genetically transmitted diseases and anomalies. There is no line of living creatures totally free of genetic problems, including humans, but the incidence of problems can be markedly decreased by careful and selective breeding. Take each of these points into consideration when choosing your next Standard Poodle.
The following are questions that you should use as a guide to ask a breeder before buying a Toy Poodle.
Toy Poodles are prone to certain genetic maladies just like all breeds.
Be sure you are purchasing your Toy Poodle from a reputable breeder that does the appropriate genetic testing and breeds to the AKC Breed Toy. The tests listed below are just a basic guide that all breeders should perform on all breeding stock. There are many more tests that can be preformed should a breeder wish. Please be informed about the breed and exactly what the tests are and what test should be preformed prior to asking questions. An informed buyer is someone that knows about the breed and has a step up on education in the breed and what to look for in a puppy. There is no guarantee that even though parents of a litter have been tested that a puppy will not develop some sort of genetic disease within it's lifetime, but having genetic testing done on all breeding stock lowers the chances of incidences.
The following is a guideline to use when speaking to breeders about possible puppies and their line of Toy Poodles. Use this as a tool to make the very best and educated decision about your new Toy Poodle. There is a printer friendly version at the bottom of the page you can access to print an easy to use guide while you are on the phone.
Breeders usually love to talk about their Toy Poodle and the line of Toy Poodle that they have produced. Please ask to see copies of all genetic testing.
Have the dam and sire's hips been x-rayed for hip dysplasia?
This is a condition in which the head of the femur fits improperly into the hip joint socket, causing Pain and lameness. Pain killers and/or surgery are the usual treatments. If answer to this questions is no, decline to buy a puppy. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disorder but can be diagnosed as early as six months of age. Hip dysplasia can be a painful and crippling disorder which in some cases can be treated by expensive surgery.
For further information: offa.org
Have the dam and sire been tested for sebaceous adenitis within the past years?
Is there any history of sebaceous adenitis in relatives of the sire and dam?
SA is a skin disorder which causes hair loss and skin flaking and thickening. There is no cure. For further information: offa.org
Has breeding stock been tested for Patella Sub-luxation?
This is a slipped kneecap, a condition in which the patella slides in and out of the groove where it is normally held in place by ligaments. This causes hopping or favoring of the leg until the kneecap slips back into place. In some cases, in can be surgically corrected.
Have the dam and sire had their eyes tested regularly for progressive retinal atrophy and other hereditary eye diseases?
A puppy carrying two genes for PRA has the potential to go totally blind at any age. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy. For further information: vmdb.org/cerf
Has breeding stock been tested for thyroid malfunction?
This is a condition resulting from an inadequate production of thyroid hormone. Also treated with drug therapy, its symptoms include a coarse, brittle coat that falls out, thickening and discoloration of the skin, lethargy, obesity, mental slowness and irregular heart cycles.
Has breeding stock been tested for Mitral Valve Disease?
The heart consists of 4 chambers - 2 atria and 2 ventricles. The atrioventricular (AV) valves ensure that the blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart beats. A defect in the mitral valve (the left atrioventricular valve) causes backflow of blood into the left atrium, or mitral regurgitation. Less commonly, a narrowing or stenosis of the valve can be identified. Because of the leaky valve, the heart is less efficient at pumping blood to the body.
Has screening been done for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)?
A decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBC's) or the amount of hemoglobin, resulting in a decrease in the oxygen- carrying capacity of the blood.
Has testing been done for Cushings Disease?
This is a disease that occurs from the overproduction of cortisone by the adrenal glands.
Has screening been done for Addison's disease?
This is a disorder caused by a deficiency in adreno cortical hormones most commonly occurring in young to middle aged dogs.
Has testing been done for juvenile diabetes?
Juvenile renal disease (JRD) and other congenital or familial forms of renal dysplasia are seen in about twenty breeds of dogs including The Toy Poodle. According to Kenneth Bovee, DVM, (Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania), the clinical entity has considerable variation from breed to breed and has completely different prevalence rates. A table which lists all of the congenital and familial renal diseases of dogs by breed can be found in Veterinary Pediatrics Dogs & Cats from Birth to Six Months.
Has there been any occurrence of bloat or gastric torsion, seizure, epilepsy, hemolytic anemia, allergic skin diseases, thrombocytopenia, allergic gastroenteritis in the sire or dam or their relatives?
These problems can be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in some lines.
How many years of experience does the breeder have?
How many liters a year do they produce and for what reason?
Most breeders that breed for the AKC breed Toy breed only one time a year. If the answer is 'for the money', decline to purchase a puppy. These people do not have the welfare of the Toy Poodle as a priority.
Does the breeder sell pets only on a spay/neuter contract?
The breeder that does sell on contract cares enough about the animal to assure that it is not being used and abused as a puppy mill dog. It also shows that the breeder is concerned about pet overpopulation and maintaining the DOG as a quality breed.
Is the breeder willing to take the animal back if you can no longer keep it?
Reputable breeders will request that should the buyer not be able to keep the pup that the pup be returned to the breeder.
Ask for at least three references from people who own puppies purchased from this breeder. Ask each about their dog's health and temperament.
Names & Phone numbers:
If you are able to purchase a puppy locally:
Ask to look at the whelping room and puppy areas. Note total environment.
Record the answer to each of the following:
Ask about the breeder's older Toy Poodle and their life expectancy. Toy Poodles have been known to live anywhere from 12- 20 years!
Take your puppy to your veterinarian within 48 hours. Your puppy should be examined thoroughly. If problems are found return puppy immediately to the breeder with the veterinarian's report. The breeder should be willing to guarantee the puppy's health.
Genetic testing is done to help breeders avoid passing on genetically transmitted diseases and anomalies. There is no line of living creatures totally free of genetic problems, including humans, but the incidence of problems can be markedly decreased by careful and selective breeding. Take each of these points into consideration when choosing your next Toy Poodle.