I am a poodle owner since the 1970's. I watch the Westminster Dog Show every year. Naturally, I am always rooting for the poodles in the shows but I feel that the show clip (I believe that one writer called it the Continental Clip) does not do justice to this wonderful breed. Last night people were saying that Uno had a wonderful personality and appealed to the common man. Maybe he does. But poodles have wonderful personalities that do not show in the ring. In the clip that they have to wear, they look stilted and unapproachable. I truly respect the work that the groomer does on these dogs. I know that this clip is a traditional clip that speaks to the history of the dog, but isn't it time to make changes in this traditional way of showing poodles? People laugh at them. Their hair is pulled so tightly back from their faces that it pulls their eyes out of shape. They would look so much nicer if their hair was clipped in a natural look. Then people could get past the clip and learn to appreciate the dog and see his personality shine through. They are funny, friendly, sometimes silly dogs that are entertaining and fun to live with. They are loving and faithful, not aloof and cold.
That is my opinion. I am a poodle lover. Everyone has his favorite dog and pulls for his favorite breed to win in shows. It is an awesome job to be a judge, I think. No matter what a judge does, someone will be mad at him.

I also like poodles a great deal! Unfortunately, the AKC Standard REQUIRES that any poodle over the age of 12 months MUST be in either a Continental or Saddle Clip. The Poodle Club of America would have to vote to change/alter this part of the standard. PCA members are generally breeders/owners of poodles (all varieties). Puppies can be shown in puppy clips. I've also seen poodles shown in a Continental clip but the hair has been corded, rather than brushed out. It's a different look that is
a little less "froo-froo" in appearance.

A poodle is a VERY intelligent caring dog. They make wonderful companions and fantastic field dogs. I saw a standard poodle at a field trial with many many labradors and he out worked ALL of them ... I can assure you, NO huntsman was laughing at that dog by the end of the day; he beat their labs like a drum ... even with the "silly" hair cut!

Anyhow, I suggest that you contact the Poodle Club of America's secretary to find out why they utilize the Continental for shows. The continental was designed to best protect and serve the dog;
the hair is left on the dog, covering joints and vital organs, and removed from the dog, to reduce drag and weight, while he swims -- it is a field/working clip.

HTH