4

sizes

6

colors

9.

FCI group

Toy poodle

Miniature poodle

Medium poodle

Standard poodle

Purebred poodle breeding is our main priority.

Members of the European Poodle Club (EPC) are national poodle breeders’ clubs that oversee and support only the breeding of purebred poodles. If you like the poodle breed, please contact breeders officially registered with the International Canine Federation (FCI).

Please be responsible and do not support poodle breeding without a pedigree.

Standard FCI N°172 / 5.4.2024 / EN

(Caniche)

Official standard for download (PDF)

The poodle is characterized by loyalty, trainability, and a very good ability to learn. It’s no wonder that you often see them at the top of the rankings of the most intelligent breeds. They are very lively, cheerful, and energetic dogs, always in a good mood. They make very pleasant companions and partners for any joint activities.

Don’t try to train a poodle using traditional methods. They require a more sensitive approach, making them ideal candidates for training with positive reinforcement.

 

Sizes:

  • TOY: height 24 – 28 cm (tolerance -1 cm).
  • MINIATURE (also dwarf): height over 28 – 35 cm.
  • MEDIUM: height over 35 cm – 45 cm.
  • STANDARD: height over 45 cm – 60 cm (tolerance + 2 cm).

Each size is judged separately at shows.

 

Officially recognized colors:

  • White: solid white
  • Black: any white marking is highly undesirable.
  • Brown: brown should be deep, rather dark, uniform and warm. Any white marking is highly undesirable.
  • Fawn: Fawn must be uniform. Can go from pale fawn to red fawn or even be orange fawn (apricot). Eyelids, nose, lips, gums, palate, natural orifices, scrotum and pads are well pigmented. For light fawn subjects, all pigmentation should be as dark as possible. Any white marking is highly undesirable. Beige and its paler derivatives are not admitted.
  • Grey: Grey must be uniform, deep, neither blackish nor whitish, but depending on age may present some shades of grey. Any white marking is highly undesirable.
  • Other colors: detailed descripton you can find in official standard.

Etymologically, the French word “caniche” (poodle) derives from the word “cane,” which means duck (in other countries, this word evokes the sound of splashing). Poodles were historically used for waterfowl hunting. They originally come from barbets (spaniels – hunting dogs), from which they have retained many characteristic features. In 1743, “caniche” referred to female barbets. Subsequently, barbets and poodles began to separate gradually. Breeders devoted a lot of effort to obtaining solid-colored individuals. The poodle became a very popular companion dog thanks to its friendly, cheerful, and loyal nature, as well as its four sizes and various color varieties, among which everyone could choose their preferred one.

Did you know that....

Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, not just as fashionable pets. Their curly, dense coat protected them from cold water, and their excellent swimming ability made them adept at retrieving waterfowl for hunters.

Did you know that....

Poodles are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience training, agility, and various dog sports.

Did you know that....

Poodles have been owned by many famous figures throughout history, including Winston Churchill, Pablo Picasso, and Marie Antoinette.