Logo Barboncino.it Barboncino
FCI Standard N° 172

The Standard Poodle

The proud and majestic founding size of the breed. An in-depth cynotechnic analysis of its proportions, elastic gait, and morphological specificities.

General Appearance and Vital Proportions

The Standard Poodle is not simply a "large dog"; it must be an exact enlarged and well-developed replica of the Medium Poodle, keeping all breed characteristics completely intact. The general appearance is that of a moderately long-bodied dog, harmoniously built, conveying an immediate impression of elegance and pride.

Proportions Defining the Type

  • The length of the body (measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock) is slightly greater than the height at the withers.
  • The distance from the withers to the ground is practically equal to the distance from the croup to the ground.
  • The height from the elbow to the ground corresponds exactly to 5/9 of the total height at the withers, giving the dog that typical "upstanding" yet solid look.

Regarding size, the Standard Poodle measures above 45 centimeters up to 60 centimeters. However, a maximum tolerance of +2 cm is allowed for specimens of exceptional quality. In all cases, sexual dimorphism between males and females must be clearly apparent.

Detailed Morphological Analysis

The Head and Expression

The Poodle's head must be distinguished, rectilinear, and proportioned to the rest of the body. It should never appear too heavy and coarse, nor excessively fine and hollowed: clean chiseling is paramount.

  • Skull and Muzzle: The width of the skull is less than half the total length of the head. Seen from above it has an oval shape, while in profile it is slightly convex. The longitudinal axes of the skull and muzzle are slightly divergent, a crucial cynotechnic feature for the breed. The length of the muzzle is approximately 9/10 of that of the skull.
  • Eyes: The almond-shaped eyes, positioned at the level of the stop (which is slight but never receding), are slightly oblique. They feature an ardent and lively expression, and their color ranges from black to dark brown or dark amber depending on the coat.
  • Ears: Quite long and covered with wavy hairs, falling flat along the cheeks. A proper ear, when pulled forward, must reach and ideally pass the corner of the lip.
  • Dentition: A complete set of solid teeth with a perfect scissor bite is required.

The Body: An Athlete's Engine

The neck is solid, oval in cross-section, slightly arched behind the nape, and completely free of dewlap, allowing the dog to carry its head high and proud.

  • Topline and Back: The topline must be harmonious and well-sustained, with a short back and firm, muscular loin.
  • The Chest (Standard Size Specificity): The chest let down to the elbow. In the Standard Poodle, there is a specific and vital metric: the chest circumference, measured right behind the shoulders, must exceed the height at the withers by at least 10 centimeters. This thoracic volume is a legacy of its water-retrieving past and ensures excellent cardiopulmonary capacity.
  • Tail: Set high, at the level of the loin line. The ideal carriage, when moving, is at a "9 or 10 o'clock" angle relative to the backline. Tail docking is no longer permitted.

Limbs and Gait

  • Forequarters and Hindquarters: Forelegs are perfectly straight and parallel, with the shoulder blade forming an angle of 110° with the upper arm (humerus). Hindlegs are muscular and parallel, with pronounced angulations at the coxo-femoral, femoro-tibial (stifle), and tibio-tarsal (hock) joints. Feet are small, tight, short oval in shape, with hard pads. Rear dewclaws must not be present.
  • Gait: The correct balance between proportions and angulations produces the signature Poodle movement, which must be described as "springy and light". It is an elastic stride expressing joy and dynamism.

The Coat: Curly or Corded

The hair is the hallmark of the breed and presents itself with no undercoat. It can express itself in two variants:

  • Curly Coat: Profuse, of fine, woolly texture, well-crinkled, elastic, and resistant to the pressure of the hand. It must form even, tight curls.
  • Corded Coat: Profuse, of fine, woolly texture, dense, forming characteristic cords measuring at least 20 centimeters in length.

The color spectrum is vast, including both solid coats (black, white, brown, grey, fawn) and multi-colored coats (such as black and white, blue/grey and white, tri-color, brindle, tuxedo, etc.). The skin must be supple, pigmented, and never loose.

Approfondimento Consigliato Colori Ammessi e Regole di Pigmentazione
Explore Pigmentation Rules

Faults: From Imperfections to Disqualifications

As breeders and sector professionals, we know well that the "perfect" dog does not exist, but the Standard provides a clear guide on deviations, classifying them based on their impact on health and breed type.

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

Deviations that significantly compromise the elegance, functionality, or "type" of the breed:

  • • Eyes too large, sunken, or too light.
  • • Ears too short (not reaching the corner of the lips).
  • • Pointed muzzle or "en sifflet" (nose tip extending past the vertical line).
  • • Convex nasal bridge (Roman nose).
  • • Swayback or roach (arched) back.
  • • Tail with a set too low or a steep croup.
  • • Rear angulations too straight or hyper-angulated.
  • • Smooth and elongated gait (atypical, it should be springy).
  • • Sparse, soft, or harsh coat; non-uniform color.
  • • Nose only partially depigmented.
  • • Absence of two premolars (2 PM2).

3. Disqualifying Faults

Leading to immediate exclusion from evaluation and official breeding, as they indicate severe health issues or total loss of type:

  • • Aggressive or overly timid temperament.
  • • Evident physical or behavioral abnormalities.
  • • Oversize: height exceeding 62 centimeters.
  • • Clear lack of type (suspected crossbreeding).
  • • Anurous (tailless) or brachyurous (natural short tail) dogs.
  • • Presence of dewclaws (or traces) on the hind legs.
  • • Any sign of dwarfism (apple skull, bulging eyes, etc.).
  • • Tail carried completely curled over the back.
  • • White patch on the body in solid-colored specimens.
  • • Nose completely depigmented (flesh-colored/pink).
  • • Mismarking or "pirate mark" in multi-colored coats.
  • • Severe dental faults (overshot, undershot, missing incisors, canines, carnassials, etc.).

"The Standard Poodle is a masterpiece of rustic-elegant balance. Respecting its standard means preserving not only its breathtaking beauty, but above all its health, vigor, and that golden character that makes it one of the most loved dogs in the world."