Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, refers to inherited disorders affecting the retina of the eye. Visual impairment is slow but progressive. Night blindness can be the first signal of trouble, and there is no known way to stop onset.

      Other conditions of the eye that have been observed in the Poodle include corneal dystrophy, congenital night blindness, entropion and tear duct anomalies.

       SKIN PROBLEMS

      Atopic dermatitis refers to an unusual or atypical condition of the derma or skin. It can be difficult to diagnose.

      Sebaceous adenitis is inflammatory damage to hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It is most often seen in Standard Poodles but also seen in Toys and Miniatures. It is a hereditary condition. There is no known cure, but treatment to control it includes frequent bathing to reduce surface scale and to increase moisture to the skin.

      Color dilution alopecia is an anomaly that usually occurs in dogs bred for unusual coat colors, such as those described as “blue,” which is a diluted form of black. The condition, when it occurs, is not curable. Moisturizers and frequent shampooing can lessen the incidence of dry, scaly skin.

      Seborrhea is an abnormal and excessive discharge from the sebaceous glands in the skin; it must be treated medically.

       ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS

      Cruciate ligament injury is a condition in which diagonally crossed ligaments in the rear leg are injured and must be corrected surgically. This condition is painful to the dog.

      Elbow dysplasia, also known as osteochondrosis, is often found in young growing dogs. It is genetic. Dogs allowed to exercise in excess are often at risk for this condition. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has implemented a screening procedure in which dogs’ elbows are x-rayed and the x-rays are examined and evaluated. Abnormal elbows are graded based on the severity of the dysplasia, while normal elbows of dogs 24 months old and older receive OFA certification. This scheme is designed to help identify dysplastic dogs and to help breeders eliminate affected dogs from their breeding programs.

      Hip dysplasia is similar to elbow dysplasia; it is a genetically acquired problem of the hips in which the head of the femur does not fit correctly into the hip joint. The OFA also has a screening program for hips, in which hip x-rays of dogs at least 24 months old are evaluated and graded in one of seven categories: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate and Severe. Only hips graded Fair or better are given OFA numbers. Again, this screening process identifies dysplastic dogs to help breeders to select healthy breeding stock free of genetic defects.

      Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a disorder of the hip joint, often seen in young small-breed dogs, which causes lameness and pain in one leg. Surgical removal of the femoral head is the usual treatment.

      Kneecap dislocation or medial patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of place and rests on the inside of the knee. This condition is mostly seen in small dogs. Therapy may help, but surgery is more frequently used to relieve the problem. It is most probably genetic in origin.

       OTHER PROBLEMS

      Following are brief descriptions of some conditions seen in many breeds and that can occur in the Poodle.

      Bloat or stomach torsion is a condition in which the stomach twists over and fills with air, releasing toxins into the bloodstream. This requires immediate medical help. It can be fatal if not treated early enough. This condition is usually a concern for deep-chested breeds and may affect the Standard Poodle; your vet can advise you of precautionary measures against bloat.

      Cushing’s syndrome is a pituitary disorder in which the body produces too much cortisone. It is medically treatable.

      Hypothyroidism is a hormone problem usually seen in older dogs. It can be treated by a veterinarian.

      Patent ductus heart disease is a congenital heart defect that is genetic. Surgery is required for correction.

      Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by a seizure in the brain that can be controlled with medication.

      Von Willebrand’s disease is genetic in nature. It is a bleeding disorder in which a low clotting factor can prove fatal. Dogs should be tested for clotting factor prior to surgery.

       BREED STANDARD FOR THE POODLE

      A breed standard is the blueprint of the dog, a written description of what breeders and judges are looking for in a perfect Poodle, both physically and temperamentally. While there has never been a “perfect” Poodle, nor a flawless example of any breed, breeders use the standard as a set of goals for which to strive. Judges use the standard to evaluate how well the breeders are doing in reaching that goal.

       Poodles are compared to a breed standard in the show ring. The dog that most closely “conforms” to the standard is regarded as the best.

      The following description is excerpted from the standard of the American Kennel Club (AKC). Those interested in showing should obtain the complete standard to acquaint themselves with all details, faults and disqualifications.

THE AKC STANDARD FOR THE POODLE

      The standard for the Poodle (Toy variety) is the same as for the Standard and Minature varieties except as regards height.

       GENERAL APPEARANCE, CARRIAGE AND CONDITION

      That of a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly.

       SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE

      Size: The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. The Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders.

      Proportion: To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground.

      Substance: Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in proportion to size of dog.

       HEAD AND EXPRESSION

      (a) Eyes—very dark, oval in shape and set far enough apart and positioned to create an alert intelligent expression.

      (b) Ears—hanging close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level. The ear leather is long, wide and thickly feathered.

      (c) Skull—moderately rounded, with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones and muscles flat.

       The physical attributes of a Poodle are measured against the standard as are gait and temperament.

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