| The Poodle's coat consists of two types of hair. The | | | | of the kidneys (optional) and around the ankles for |
| outer coat should be thick, wiry and curly. The | | | | protection from the cold. |
| undercoat must be soft and woolly to provide warmth. | | | | The English Saddle clip permits a short mantle of hair |
| Puppies, however, are exceptions. Poodle puppy coats | | | | over the hindquarters and fullcoat from the waist to |
| are soft and fine with little or no curl, but often with a | | | | the topknot and ears. The ankle and knee joints are |
| slight wave. | | | | also protected with pompons. |
| As the dog matures into adulthood, the coat develops | | | | All Poodles are given a topknot of hair over the skull |
| a thick, curly quality. The best way to judge a puppy's | | | | that is brushed out and groomed to stand erect in a |
| potential adult coat is to look at the parents. If they | | | | rounded pompon. Adult dogs must be shown in either |
| carry good coats, theirpuppies will likely possess them | | | | the English Saddle or Continental clip; the only |
| too. | | | | exception being competitors in Stud Dog classes, for |
| Ever since the first hunters trimmed their retrieving | | | | which a Sporting clip is permitted. The English Saddle |
| dogs to prevent drowning, the Poodle hairstyle has | | | | and Continental are the clips of choice for the |
| been a favorite topic of conversation among dog | | | | conformation ring around the world, except in the UK, |
| people. Initially, Poodles sported either a Continental clip | | | | where the Lion clip is preferred. |
| or an English Saddle clip. Now, hundreds of years later, | | | | Pet Poodles and those not being shown in breed |
| these are still popular as they are required clips for | | | | conformation classes at dog shows are usually |
| show dogs. | | | | groomed in styles designed for ease of maintenance. |
| Puppies under one year of age are shown in a simple | | | | Often the body hair is clipped short, with the legs |
| trim known as a Puppy clip. Only the face, throat, feet | | | | trimmed a bit longer. Some male Poodles sport tiny |
| and base of tail are clipped. The tail displays the | | | | mustaches around the muzzles. |
| characteristic pompom at its end. The body coat is | | | | The pet style is usually determined by the owner's |
| lightly trimmed to give it a neat unbroken line for a | | | | willingness and capability to maintain the coat in a |
| pleasant appearance. | | | | well-groomed fashion. In addition. Poodles that spend a |
| The Continental clip has full hair around the chest and | | | | lot of time outdoors are usually kept shorter because |
| rib cage, with shaved hindquarters and legs. Large | | | | it's easier to keep the coat clean when the hair isn't |
| pompons are sculpted over each hip above the area | | | | too long. |