The Poodle
The Poodle Club of Canada is the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognized National Breed Club for Poodles. We are dedicated to preserving the integrity, function, and long-term health of the breed in all three varieties—Standard, Miniature, and Toy. This section introduces the breed standard, health considerations, versatility, trims, and colour.
Breed Standard
The Poodle is a versatile breed, easily moving from the living room, to the field, agility ring and show ring. Poodles can be trimmed in a wide variety of trims, come in a variety of colours. There are 3 varieties of Poodle – The Standard, Miniature and Toy. The standard is the same for all sizes.
Health and Testing
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
One of the primary goals of responsible breeders is to improve the Poodle — not only in type and temperament, but in overall health and longevity. Thoughtful breeding means working to reduce the risk of inherited conditions and making informed decisions based on available health information.
Health testing plays an important role in this process.
In North America, many breed health screening programs are coordinated through OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). OFA is a nonprofit organization that maintains a public database of health testing results for dogs. These evaluations may include orthopedic assessments (such as hips and elbows), eye examinations performed by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, cardiac evaluations, and DNA-based genetic testing.
CHIC (Canine Health Information Centre)
CHIC program is a partnership between OFA and participating breed clubs. Each participating breed club determines which health tests are considered foundational for that breed. When a dog completes the required tests for its breed — and the results are made publicly available — the dog is issued a CHIC number.
It is important to understand that a CHIC number does not necessarily mean a dog is “clear” of every condition. Rather, it indicates that the dog has completed the recommended testing and that the results are accessible in the public database. Transparency is a key part of the CHIC program.
Some breeders may complete all required health testing but choose not to make the results publicly searchable through the OFA website. In those cases, prospective puppy buyers should feel comfortable asking the breeder for documented proof of completed health testing. Responsible breeders will readily provide copies of certifications or test reports and will explain the results.
The tests typically required to achieve a CHIC number for Poodles vary slightly by size variety (Toy, Miniature, and Standard), as certain conditions are more prevalent in specific sizes. These recommended evaluations are intended to support informed breeding decisions and promote the long-term health of the breed.
Recommended Health Testing by Variety
Toy Poodles
- DNA test for prcd – Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Patellar Luxation
Miniature Poodles
- DNA test for prcd – Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Recommended: DNA test for Miniature Poodle Dwarfism
(Osteochondrodysplasia)
Standards
- Hips Dysplasia
- Yearly Eye Exam
- One of the following:
- Thyroid
- Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
- Heart
Recommended to prevent breeding 2 carriers:
- Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEwS)
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)
Also recommended:
- Elbows
Recommended for all sizes:
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) Canine Genetic Diversity
- Colour Profile
Poodle Trims
Poodles are known for their distinctive and often elaborate haircuts. While trims may vary in style and length, all recognized show trims preserve the breed’s purpose, outline and structure. In Canada, as in many other countries, certain trims are recognized and accepted in conformation shows. These include the Puppy Trim, Continental Trim, and English Saddle Trim.
Show Trims
Puppy Trim
This trim is for Poodles under 12 months old. It features a uniform length of coat over the body, with a slightly longer topknot. The face, feet, and base of the tail are shaved, giving the puppy a neat and tidy appearance.
Continental Trim
This is one of the most iconic Poodle trims. It involves shaving the face, throat, feet, and part of the tail, leaving rosettes on the hips, and poms on the lower legs. The rest of the body is left with a full coat, which is scissored into shape.
Short Continental Trim
In recent years, a shorter, more manageable version of the Continental has gained popularity. Often referred to as the Modified Continental or Historically Correct Continental, it is the same trim as the traditional one, but shorter all over, and can be styled with or without bands to hold the topknot, a line break over the ears is also acceptable. In Canada, the correct term for this trim regardless of length is still the Continental Trim.
English Saddle Trim
Similar to the Continental Trim, the English Saddle Trim also involves shaving the face, feet, and base of the tail. However, it leaves more hair on the legs and has a distinctive “saddle” of hair on the back. This trim is less common but still accepted in conformation shows.
Examples of Show Trims
Black Miniature “Ada” Continental Trim – submitted by Natasha Taphorn
Apricot Standard – Continental Trim – submitted by Natalie Lasanen
Puppy Trim – White Miniature “Moana” – submitted by Barbara Caissie
Silver Miniature “Emily” Owned by Amy Jackson – Fringe Poodles
White Standard – Short Continental Trim – submitted by Julie Wilkins
Laney – Standard Puppy – Owned by Jennifer Van Doorn – Sailso Poodles
Puppy Trim – Brown Standard – submitted by Lisa Glickman
White Standard – Banded topknot – submitted by Julie Wilkins
Brown Standard Puppy Trim – submitted by Lisa Glickman
“Juno” – New Champion
White Standard – Continental Trim – submitted by Julie Wilkins
Puppy Trim – Apricot Miniature – submitted by Julie Wilkins
Pet Trims
Beyond the show ring, many Poodle owners opt for more practical and manageable pet trims. These trims are designed for ease of maintenance and comfort while still showcasing the Poodle’s unique coat. Examples:
Kennel, Sporting, Miami/Bikini, Teddy Bear, Modern, German. In almost all trims, the face, feet are shaved.
Poodle coats can also be trimmed creatively – to resemble other breeds such as the Bedlington or a Schnauzer. Additionally, their coats can be coloured with pet friendly dyes for a unique look.
Whether for the show ring or everyday life, Poodle haircuts can be tailored to suit the dog’s lifestyle and the owner’s preferences. Each trim highlights the Poodle’s elegant and versatile coat, making them one of the most stylish breeds around.
Submitted by Rayn Redish
Submitted by Rayn Redish
Submitted by Julie Wilkins
Submitted by Julie Wilkins
“Hewson” Submitted by Eileen Mackey
Submitted by Rayn Redish – Toy and Standard Poodles
Creative Grooming – Submitted by Julie Wilkins
Submitted by Rayn Redish
“Posie” – Creative Groom – submitted by Eileen Mackey
“Merlin” Submitted by Eileen Mackey
Town and Country – Groom by Julie Wilkins
Submitted by Rayn Redish
Colour
While the Breed standard and conformation shows only allow for Poodles of one solid colours, they do come in a variety of other naturally occuring colours and can compete in a variety of other CKC and PCC sanctioned events.
Rules of Eligibility Information (ROE)
ROE for Poodles – Source The Canadian Kennel Club
Submitted by Michelle Hope
Submitted by Michelle Hope
Submitted by Michelle Hope
Submitted by Michelle Hope
Merle is not a recognized colour in Poodles. The merle pattern is introduced through crossbreeding and can be associated with increased health risks. For this reason, responsible breeders of purebred Poodles do not intentionally produce merle-coloured dogs.
The PCC does not accept membership from Breeders who specifically breed to produce the merle colour.
The Versatile Poodle
Beyond appearance and structure, the Poodle is celebrated for its versatility. From the show ring to competitive sports and companion activities, the breed’s intelligence and athleticism allow it to thrive in many disciplines.
Conformation
Learn about showing Poodles
Performance
Learn about Obedience, Rally, Agility.
And More
Hunt, Scent, Trick Dog, Herding, Draft and More.
Submitted by Rayn Redish
Miniature Poodle – Weaves
Standard Poodle 2024 PCC Draft Dog Match
Submitted by Rayn Redish
Poodles are not defined by a single role — their versatility is part of what makes the breed so remarkable