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FCI Standard N° 172

The Medium Poodle

The perfect synthesis between the inexhaustible energy of a sporting dog and the refined elegance of a companion animal. The true morphological center of gravity of the breed.

Size and Proportions: The Perfect Balance

The Medium Poodle stands right at the center of the breed's classification, with a height at the withers ranging from above 35 cm up to 45 cm. Within this size bracket, sexual dimorphism must be clearly apparent, allowing an expert eye to immediately distinguish a male from a female.

Proportions are the cornerstone for interpreting the correct architecture of this dog:

Key Morphological Parameters

  • Medium-lined profile: The length of its body (measured from the scapolo-ischial point) must be slightly greater than the height at the withers.
  • Horizontal harmony: The distance from the withers to the ground is practically equal to that from the croup to the ground.
  • Vertical solidity: The distance from the elbow to the ground corresponds to 5/9 of the height at the withers. This biomechanical ratio is crucial: it gives the dog that proud, upstanding appearance without ever compromising its necessary stability.

Detailed Anatomy: Functional Elegance

The Head and Expression

The head must express nobility: straight-lined, proportioned, beautifully chiseled, and completely free of heaviness or excessive fineness.

  • Muzzle and Skull: The length of the muzzle represents approximately 9/10 of that of the skull. The longitudinal axes of the skull and muzzle are slightly divergent, a detail that the careful breeder always verifies with precision.
  • Eyes: The ardent and intelligent expression is conveyed by almond-shaped eyes, black or dark brown, depending on the coat's pigment base.
  • Ears: Quite long and covered with wavy hair, they fall flat. When pulled forward, they must reach or ideally surpass the corner of the lips.

The Body and Movement

The neck, free of dewlap and oval in cross-section, carries a head held proudly high, a typical expression of the breed's temperament.

  • Trunk: The back is short and the loin appears firm and well-muscled. The chest let down to elbow level, ensuring ample space for the heart and lungs.
  • Limbs: The forelegs are perfectly straight and parallel. The hindlegs are robust and characterized by well-marked musculature; the pronounced angulations of the stifle and hock constitute the secret behind its sporting dynamics.
  • Gait: Thanks to this impeccable construction, the movement of the Medium Poodle is unmistakable: a light and springy stride that almost seems to defy gravity, in stark contrast to rolling or heavy gaits.

The Coat

A true hallmark, the coat can be curly (woolly, dense, and elastic) or corded (with characteristic cords at least 20 cm long). The standard accepts beautiful solid colors such as black, white, brown, grey, and fawn, as well as charming parti-color variations (bi-colors, tuxedo, brindle, and tri-colors).

Approfondimento Consigliato Colori Ammessi e Regole di Pigmentazione
Explore Approved Colors

Faults: Zootechnical Evaluation

A serious breeder does not hide faults, but studies them to constantly improve selection. Any departure from the standard must be penalized in proportion to its severity and its impact on the welfare and functionality of the dog.

1. General Faults

Any departure from the points described in the standard is considered a fault, the severity of which should be evaluated in proportion to the deviation itself and its consequences on the dog's welfare.

2. Serious Faults

These faults significantly alter the functionality and typical features of the specimen:

  • • Atypical expression (eyes too large or sunken, ears too short).
  • • Pointed muzzle or convex nasal bridge (Roman nose).
  • • Swayback (concave) or roach (convex) back.
  • • Smooth and extended gait (betrays the springy movement).
  • • Incorrect coat texture (sparse, soft, or harsh).
  • • Absence of two premolars 2 (2 PM2).

3. Disqualifying Faults

They represent insurmountable red lines, leading to exclusion from breeding and official show rings:

  • • Temperament: Any specimen that is aggressive or overly timid.
  • • Lack of Type: Signs indicating introduction of foreign blood, especially in the head.
  • • Severe physical abnormalities: Taillessness (anurous), natural short tail (brachyurous).
  • • Presence of dewclaws (or traces) on the hind legs.
  • • Odontostomatology: Overshot, undershot, or lack of critical teeth (1 incisor, 1 canine, 1 carnassial, or more than 3 premolars except PM1).
  • • Nose completely depigmented (flesh-colored/pink).
  • • Color: In solid-colored specimens, the presence of white patches (except for white specimens).

"Keeping its morphology and behavioral balance intact is our primary duty as professionals and lovers of the breed."