Corded Poolde  

   Historians 

The Corded Poodle is a Poodle whose hair has been allowed to grow in the corded manner: it is not a distinct breed. Most national registries recognize two coat types for Poodles: curly and corded. Some Poodles have coats which will more or less naturally cord, others must be coaxed into it, but virtually all Poodles are capable of having corded hair once their adult hair has been established. Puppies can be born with either type of coat, even in the same litter. Once cords have been established, they cannot be brushed out, but must be clipped away. Breed historians seem to agree that the corded coat is the older of the two varieties. Corded coats are more difficult to take care of, and corded dogs fell out of fashion, in favor of those with wooly coats.

Temperament  Poodles are generally intelligent, alert, and active. In particular, the Standard variety is quite independent and has a noticeable hunting drive. Even Toys will point birds. Because they are so intelligent, they can become bored easily, and can get quite creative about finding mischief. Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and, therefore, are eager to please. They are excellentwatchdogs, but unlike some working breeds, don't usually become "one-person" dogs when they are part of a family. Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children. When they are from good bloodlines, all three varieties are fairly mellow dogs. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. They don't require as much exercise as other hunting or working breeds (even the Standards), but being agile and athletic, they appreciate lots of exercise.

Care   Poodles make good companions and are extremely loyal, sometimes to the point of being possessive. The owner should be a competent trainer, as poodles can be willful if trained poorly. Well-trained Poodles are eager to please and love putting on a show for family and friends. Poodles do not shed and are considered hypo allergenic  breed. (See list of Hypoallergenic dog breeds  Some Poodles have hyperactive tear ducts that do not drain very well. It is quite common to see Poodles with streaks of gooey brownish-red secretions in the corners of their eyes. If lots of drainage needs to occur, the tear duct may clog and a small ball of yellowish mucous may form near the tear duct. It is advisable to gently remove this accumulation with a lint-free and soft towel wrapped around the index finger. Many products exist in pet stores designed to help remove this drainage from Poodles' faces, as it can be unattractive. Often these clear solutions are applied to a cotton ball which is then firmly wiped over the stained fur.  Poodles' coats require plenty of grooming to keep the constantly growing hair at a manageable length and to prevent it from matting. Matted fur can be very difficult to untangle, and often the clumps must be cut out with scissors. There a number of short pet clips that make a very easily maintained family pet.

General Appearance * *  Well balanced, elegant looking with very proud carriage.

Characteristics **  Distinguished by a special type of clip for show activity and by a type of coat which does not moult.

Temperament ** Gay - spirited and good tempered.

Head and skull **  Long and fine with slight peak. Skull not broad, moderate stop. Foreface strong, well chisellrd, not falling away under eyes, cheek bones and muscle flat. Lips tightfitting. Chin well defined but not protruding. Head in proportion to size of dog

Eyes ** Almond shaped, dark, not set too close together, full of fire and intelligence.

Ears ** Leather long and wide, set low, hanging close to face.

Mouth ** Jaws strong with perfect, regular, complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. A full set of 42 teeth is desirable.

Neck ** Well proportioned, of good length and strong to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity. Skin fitting tightly at the throat.

ForeQuarters ** Well laid back shoulders, strong and nuscular. Legs set straight from shoulders, well musculed.

Body **  Chest deep and moderately wide. Ribs well sprung and rounded. Back short, strong, slightly hollowed, loins broad and muscular.

HindQuarters **  Thighs well developed and muscular, well bnt stifles, hocks well let down, hindlegs turning neither in nor out.

Feet ** Tght, proportionately small, oval in shape, turning neither in nor out, toes arched, pads thick and hard, well cushioned. Pasterns strong.

Tail ** Set rather high, carried at slight angle away from body, never curled or carried over back, thick at root, Customarily docked.

Gait/ Movement ** Sound free and light movement essential with plenty of drive.

Coat ** Very profuse and dense, of good harsh texture. All short hair close, thick and curly. It is strongly recommended that the traditional lion clip be adhered to.

Size ** Poodles Standard over 38 cms { 15 ins }. Poodles Miniature: height at shoulder should be under  cms 28 cms { 11 ins }.

Faults **  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fauld and the seriousness with which the fauld should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note **  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully desended into the scrotum.

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