As we get ready to watch Poodles in the conformation ring today, I’m reminded just how much there is to learn—and how exciting that learning can be when it’s shared. 🐾

Some of my fellow Poodle friends recently encouraged me to take them along on my judging journey—to share what I’m learning as I go, so we can all grow together. So here it goes…

I’m still learning, still asking questions, still discovering what lies beneath the hair and what truly defines type, movement, and balance. And if you’ve ever been curious too—about how these dogs are evaluated or what makes a great Poodle stand out—I’d love to invite you to come along. 🐩

Whether you’re new to the world of conformation or have been around it for years, there’s always more to uncover. Let’s raise the bar together—with open minds, willing hands, and a shared love for this incredible breed. ❤️

What’s Beneath the Hair: Judging the Poodle With Structure and Purpose
More Than Coat Deep

A beautifully groomed Poodle may turn heads—but true excellence begins beneath the hair. Before evaluating topknots and outlines, you must understand what lies beneath: the bone, the balance, the muscle, the angles. Without structure, there is no function. Without function, there is no type.

And type—true Poodle type—is not created with scissors. It is bred in the bone, shaped by nature, refined by purpose, and confirmed by the hands and eyes of those who know what they’re looking for.

The Rule of Fives – Judging the Poodle with Purpose
A Teaching Framework for Preserving Breed Type in All Three Varieties

“Poodle type is not just coat and pompoms—it is silhouette, structure, expression, movement, and pride in motion. When done right, it’s unforgettable. When missed, it’s tragic.”

Before isolating features, you must see the Poodle as a whole. This is a silhouette breed, and its type is defined by a composite of elegance, balance, coat, soundness, and carriage. Whether Toy, Miniature, or Standard, all Poodles must appear:

• Squarely built, with a level topline and proud head carriage
• Effortlessly moving, with light, springy action
• Elegantly groomed, wearing one of the accepted trims
• Intelligent and confident, carrying an air of distinction

RULE 1: CHARACTER & CARRIAGE
(30 Points – General Appearance, Temperament, Carriage, Condition)

• Carriage should be proud: head and tail held high
• Temperament must be confident, curious, and animated
• The ring presence should be immediate and undeniable If it doesn’t carry itself like a Poodle—don’t award it.

RULE 2: OUTLINE & BALANCE
(20 Points – Body, Neck, Legs, Feet, Tail)

• Square build: Length from prosternum to rump equals height at withers
• Neck flows cleanly into a level topline
• Tail is set high and carried up, never dropped or curled
• Bone is moderate and breed-appropriate “If you hesitate to call it a Poodle from silhouette alone—move on.”

RULE 3: HEAD & EXPRESSION
(20 Points – Head, Expression, Ears, Eyes, Teeth)

• Skull: Slightly rounded with flat cheeks and a slight but distinct stop
• Muzzle: Long, straight, with strong underjaw
• Eyes: Dark, oval, alert—not round or light
• Ears: Set at or below eye line, long, well-feathered
• Bite: Scissor, with complete dentition “The Poodle must look at you with awareness, not confusion.”

RULE 4: MOVEMENT
(20 Points – Gait)

• Balanced reach and drive
• Moves straight and true, coming and going
• Head and tail remain high during motion
• Rear feet drive forward from under the body, extending fully—not falling short or flying out behind the tailset “Movement is your x-ray machine—it reveals what the coat conceals.” True drive originates under the body and finishes with balanced reach and follow-through—powerful, purposeful, never exaggerated.

RULE 5: COAT, COLOR & TRIM
(10 Points – Coat, Color, Texture)

• Texture: Dense, harsh, and curly—not soft or woolly
• Accepted trims only (Continental, English Saddle, Puppy, Corded)
• Solid colors, even at the skin. No merle or parti. “Trim is the icing—but the cake must be sound, square, and typey underneath.” ✂️

Hands-On Anatomy: What’s Beneath the Hair

To judge accurately, you must go beyond the outline. Use your hands to verify structure:

Head

• Equal length muzzle and skull
• Parallel planes, slight stop, strong underjaw

Neck

• Long, arched, muscular crest
• Clean blend into shoulders

Shoulders & Front

• Scapula laid back ~45°
• Humerus of equal length, 90° angle at point of shoulder
• Elbows directly beneath withers

Ribcage

• Well-sprung, heart-shaped
• Chest to elbows, smooth flow to tuck-up

Topline

• Level back, slight rise over muscled loin

Hindquarters

• Pelvis angled ~30°, tail set high
• Well-bent stifles (90–110°), hocks short and straight
• Feet under pin bones Don’t just observe—touch to confirm. 🖐️

When to Withhold: Integrity in Action

If a Poodle fails two or more of the five core priorities—especially character or movement—it should not be awarded. Even in limited entries:

• Withhold respectfully
• Be willing to teach
• Uphold the Standard, not the style “If it waddles like a duck, acts like a duck, and is covered in Poodle hair—it’s still not a Poodle.” 🦆 Remember: Balance in movement is born from structure—not sculpted by scissors.

Ten Traits That Make a Poodle a Poodle

1. Square, elegant silhouette
2. Proud head and tail carriage
3. Light, elastic movement
4. Intelligent, oval eye expression
5. Dense, curly coat of harsh texture
6. Balanced angulation
7. Strong, clean head with flat cheeks
8. Tight, oval feet
9. “Up-on-leg” appearance
10. Confident, animated presence

Conclusion: Structure Is Purpose Made Visible

A Poodle must be more than pretty. It must function—as an athlete, a retriever, and a partner with poise and brains. That function is built on structure, and that structure must be preserved.

We may sculpt them with scissors—but the real artistry is in the breeding. ✨

Reward what is real, not what is sprayed on.
Preserve type. Protect structure. Let the Poodle speak for itself—head high, feet flying, with pride in every step.