THE POODLE 539 



length, without knots or cords ; if fluffy, all the unshorn parts should be combed 

 or teased out free from all matting, cords, or curls. 



Colotirs. Should be self for preference. Whites and blacks seem the most 

 popular, but specimens with shades of blue, brown, red, and grey are occasionally 

 seen, and have classes provided for them at some of the larger shows. 



General Appearance is that of a very active, intelligent, elegant-looking dog, 

 stepping out well, and carrying himself proudly. 



The white Poodle should have dark eyes, black or very dark liver-coloured 

 nose, lips, and toe-nails. 



The red or brown Poodle should have dark, amber-coloured eyes, dark liver- 

 coloured nose, lips, and toe-nails. 



The blue or grey Poodle should be as even in colour as possible, and have 

 dark eyes, lips, and toe-nails. 



All the other points of the white, red, brown, blue, or grey Poodles should 

 be the same as in the perfect black Poodles. 



It is strongly recommended by the Poodle Club that only one-third of the 

 body be clipped or shaved, and that the hair be left on the forehead. 



STANDARD OF VALUE OF POINTS 



Head and Ears ... ... .. ... ... ... ... 15 



Eyes and Expression ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 



Neck and Shoulders ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 



Shape of Body, Loins, Back, and Carriage of Stern ... ... 15 



Legs and Feet ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 



Condition, Bone, and Muscle ... ... ... ... ... 10 



Colour and Texture of Coat ... ... ... ... ... 15 



General Appearance and Movement ... ... ... ... 15 



Total 100 



As regards choice of a Poodle, much depends on the individual 

 taste of the intending buyer, both as to the sort wished for and the 

 purpose for which it is required. There are few varieties of dogs 

 which give a wider scope for choice than is afforded by the 

 Poodle, as they can be had of every size, from quite yolb. to 

 3lb. or 4lb. in weight, with coats a mass of small, tight curls 

 almost as close and fine as on Retrievers and Water-spaniels, or 

 with long, hanging ringlets sweeping the ground as they walk along, 

 or with all the unshaved parts covered in soft, fluffy hair. The 

 last named, it may be added, is a manipulated, and not a natural, 

 condition of the coat. As to which of these varieties should be 

 decided upon is a matter for the individual. 



When the size of the intended purchase is settled, for which 

 purpose the purchaser should make a point of seeing, if possible, 

 the parents and grandparents of the puppies, select one with a head 

 fairly long for its age, and narrow across the skull, with lengthy 

 ears, fine in texture of skin and hair, and set on low, close fitting to 

 the sides of head, straight on its legs, muscular in its limbs, 

 with a short back and gaily carried tail, but not curling over the 

 back. The eyes should be dark and intelligent-looking, and there 



