Sizes
As most groomers know, three sizes of poodles exist – the toy, the miniature, and
the standard. According to AKC specifications, standard poodles must be over
15 inches tall when measured from the highest point of the shoulder. In 1935,
a white standard poodle won best in show at the Westminster dog show in New
York, propelling the breed’s popularity to new levels in the US. Within 25 years,
it became the number one dog registered by the AKC and remained the top
dog for 22 consecutive years.
Although the standard poodle has existed longer than the smaller sizes, there
is some evidence that suggest miniatures were bred only a short time later.
Miniature poodles are characterized by being 15 inches or shorter at the
shoulder with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. It is believed that minis
were bred as truffle hunting dogs. Standards were so big they would damage the
truffles, but the smaller and lighter footed minis were less likely to do any harm.
Minis are popular today as great family dogs and talented agility participants.
Even smaller than the mini is the toy poodle, which stands at 10 inches or shorter
at the shoulder. Toy poodles are believed to have been bred as companions
and originated in the 1700s in England. They were the top choice for circus
performances, as they are agile and like all poodles, intelligent. Toys remain a preferred breed for companionship and
agility sports such as flyball.
It is interesting to note that different organizations throughout the world use varying heights to define the sizes and that
some consider the sizes to be separate breeds while others do not.
Colours
When poodles were first bred, there were only 3 coat
colours – black, white, and parti colour (black and
white). Today, a wide variety of colours and patterns
exist. Most poodle people are familiar with the
common colours black, white, blue, silver, red,
apricot, brown, cream, and grey. All of these colours
are accepted by the American Kennel Club.
Parti colour though, despite being an original
poodle colour, is not accepted. In fact, no non-
solid poodle colours are accepted, including
the following:
• Parti: White with one other solid
colour
• Phantom: Doberman markings on
a poodle
• Brindle: A pattern in which
darker bands appear on a lighter
background
• Sable: Born dark but fades to a
cream with black tips on the ears
and tail
Poodles may have a variety of other colour
combinations, including silver brindles and brindle
partis, but the aforementioned combinations are
the most prevalent. Of course white and cream are
most prevalent in the competition ring!
Be sure to check out the next issue for part two of Creative Buddies:
Poodles when Emily discusses more about poodles and their popular
breed profile and pet trims!