Probably the best-known Poodle of his day in this country was Ch.  The Model, a black corded dog belonging to Mr. H. A. Dagois, who imported him from the Continent.  Model was a medium-sized dog, very well proportioned, and with a beautifully moulded head and dark, expressive eyes, and I believe was only once beaten in the show ring.  He died some few years ago at a ripe old age, but a great many of the best-known Poodles of the present day claim relationship to him.  One of his most famous descendants was Ch.  The Joker, also black corded, who was very successful at exhibitions.  Another very handsome dog was Ch.  Vladimir, again a black corded, belonging to Miss Haulgrave.

Since 1905 the curly Poodles have very much improved, and the best specimens of the breed are now to be found in their ranks.  Ch.  Orchard Admiral, the property of Mrs. Crouch, a son of Ch.  The Joker and Lady Godiva, is probably the best specimen living.  White Poodles, of which Mrs. Crouch’s Orchard White Boy is a notable specimen, ought to be more widely kept than they are, but it must be admitted that the task of keeping a full-sized white Poodle’s coat clean in a town is no light one.

Toy White Poodles, consequently, are very popular.  The toy variety should not exceed fifteen inches in height at the shoulder, and in all respects should be a miniature of the full-sized dog, with the same points.

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POINTS OF THE PERFECT POODLE:  GENERAL APPEARANCE—­That of a very active, intelligent, and elegant-looking dog, well built, and carrying himself very proudly.  HEAD—­Long, straight, and fine, the skull not broad, with a slight peak at the back.  MUZZLE—­Long (but not snipy) and strong—­not full in cheek; teeth white, strong, and level; gums black, lips black and not showing lippiness.  EYES—­Almond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence.  NOSE—­Black and sharp.  EARS—­The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face.  NECK—­Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity.  SHOULDERS—­Strong and muscular, sloping well to the back.  CHEST—­Deep and moderately wide.  BACK—­Short, strong, and slightly hollowed, the loins broad and muscular, the ribs well sprung and braced up.  FEET—­Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard.  LEGS—­Fore-legs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle.  Hind-legs very muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down.  TAIL—­Set on rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back.  COAT—­Very profuse, and of good hard texture; if corded, hanging in tight, even cords; if non-corded, very thick and strong, of even length, the curls close and thick, without knots or cords.  COLOURS—­All black, all white, all red, all blue.  THE WHITE POODLE should have dark eyes, black or very dark liver nose, lips, and toe-nails.  THE RED POODLE should have dark amber eyes, dark liver nose, lips, and toe-nails.  THE BLUE POODLE should be of even colour, and have dark eyes, lips, and toe-nails.  All the other points of White, Red, and Blue poodles should be the same as the perfect Black Poodle.