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The Poodle has a character full of fun and is intelligent and obedient. It has proven to be a useful competitor in obedience competitions. Poodles have a fondness for water, if the owner permits, but is much favoured for the show ring where, exhibited in the traditional lion clip, it is a beauty to behold. It is also, debatably, the most difficult breed to prepare for the show ring, involving the owner in a day's canine beauty treatment.

Size
TOY POODLE:
Height: should be under 11 inches (28 cm) at the withers MINIATURE POODLE:
Height: should be under 15 inches (38 cm), but not under 11 inches (28 cm) at the withers

Coat
Dense, naturally harsh texture throughout, frizzy or curly. All hair hanging in tight even cords of varying lengths. A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the Puppy Clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over must be shown in the English Saddle or Continental Clip. A Poodle shown in competitive classes in any other clip shall be disqualified. However, the brood Bitch and Stud Dog may be shown in any clip.

(a) Puppy Clip: A Poodle under a year old may be shown in the Puppy Clip with the coat long. The face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is permissible.

(b)English Saddle Clip: In the English Saddle Clip, the face, throat, feet, forelegs, and base of tail are shaved, leaving bracelets on the forelegs, and a pompon on the end of the tail. The hindquarters are covered with a short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two shaved bands on each hind leg at the stifle and hock joints. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the bracelets are visible. The rest of the body may be shaped in order to ensure overall balance.

(c)Continental Clip: In the Continental clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail are shaved. The hindquarters are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are shaved leaving bracelets on the forelegs and rear legs. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the bracelets are visible. The rest of the body may be shaped to ensure overall balance.

In all three clips, the hair of the topknot may be left free, or shaped, or held in place by elastic bands used only on the skull.

Colour and Skin
Any solid colour. The coat is an even solid colour at the skin. In the blues, greys, silvers, browns, café-au-laits, apricots, and creams, the coat may show varying shades of the same colour. This is frequently present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. Note: the tan-point pattern expressed in light and dark shades of the same colour is to be discouraged. While clear colours are definitely preferred, such natural variations in the shading of the coat are not to be considered faults. Brown and café-au-lait Poodles may have brown-coloured noses, eye rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, grey, silver, cream, and white Poodles have black noses, eye rims and lips, and black or self-coloured toenails, and very dark eyes. In the apricots, while the foregoing colour is preferred, brown noses, eye rims and lips and dark amber eyes are permitted, but not desirable. Particoloured Poodles shall be disqualified. Particoloured is at least two definite colours appearing in clearly defined markings at the skin. The skin is pliable, tight, and not mottled.

Exercise
The Poodle will enjoy a ball game in the garden, practising obedience exercises or trotting beside you in the park. Poodles make excellent pets for the apartment dweller.

Grooming
Use a wire-pin pneumatic brush and a wire-toothed comb for daily grooming. The lion clip is an essential for the show ring but, pet owners generally resort to the more natural lamb clip. You may wish to take you Poodle to a dog groomer for clipping as this is a learned art and must be practiced every 6 weeks. Regular bathing is essential for Poodles.

Feeding
TOY POODLE:
Recommended would be 1/3 – 1/2 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food, with a biscuit, or 1 – 1 1/2 cups dry dog food.
MINIATURE POODLE:
Recommended would be 3/4 – 1 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food, with a biscuit, or 1 1/2 cups dry dog food. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Poodle.

Origin and History
The Poodle was originally a shaggy guard, a retriever and protector of sheep, with origins similar to the Irish Water Spaniel and, no doubt, a common ancestor in the French Barbet and Hungarian Water Hound.

The Poodle may not be, as many suppose, solely of French origin. It originated in Germany as a water retriever, even the word 'poodle' comes from the German 'pudelnass' or puddle, and from this large, sturdy dog, the Standard Poodle, The Miniature and the Toy Poodle have evolved.

The breed has been known in England since Prince Rupert of the Rhine, in company with his Poodle, came to the aid of Charles I in battle. The breed was favooured also by Marie Antoinette who rumor has it, invented the lion clip to match the uniform of her courtiers. The Poodle is a very popular breed the world over.

Celebrity Owners
Marilyn Monroe owned a Poodle named Maf, short for Mafia; the Poodle was a gift from Frank Sinatra.