Description and Standard translated from a pamphlet of the Societe Serinophile "La Nationale"
The Parisian Frilled Canary is the giant of all known varieties of the canary. It is from 20- 21 centimetres long, from the tip of the beak to the extremity of the tail, and has a wingspan of 29-30 centimetres. It is a well-built bird, robust and vigorous, prolific and a good singer like the common canary. It is distinguished by several special characteristics which form its show properties.
These are: (1) Type; (2) Feathering; (3) Elegance.
TYPE Its length of body and of feather, its massive contours, dense and soft, form an imposing and harmonious general effect.
FEATHERING In the Parisian Frill three types of feather can be found.
These are: (1) Soft (the most sought after); (2) Ordinary, or semi-soft; (3) Hard.
All three qualities of feather can be equally frilled.
Among the voluminous plumage of the Parisian Frill, three principal kinds of frill can be distinguished:
(1) The Mantle; (2) The Jabot; (3) The Fins.
The Mantle: This is formed by the feathers of the back which are divided by a central longitudinal parting between the two wings to fall as elegantly and symmetrically as possi- ble on each side. The feathers of the mantle must be long and well furnished, which adds to the size of the bird. Sometimes they extend well down towards the rump which is a good point. At shows, exhibits having "shoulder", that is to say good width of mantle, will have an advantage.
The Jabot: This must be double-sided, that is to say that the frills, long and well-furnished, must adorn each side of the breast and abdomen to form a voluminous frilly "shirt-front", symmetrical and in the form of a closed shell.
The Fins: These are composed of two bunches of feathers starting from the region of the thighs on each side of the bird to rise upwards concentrically round the wings. To be perfect, the two fins must be symmetrical and adorned with fine, soft feathers which are long and well curled up.
In addition to these three main kinds of frill, there exist equally a certain number of secondary frills completing the general effect and harmony of the subject. These are:
The Head:
1. Feathers coming down on one or both sides of the head forming a "skull-cap."
2. Curled up and rolled in the form of a "helmet"
3. Sweeping each side of the face to give a "whiskered" effect.
The Neck: A general collar of curled feathers.
The Rump: Feathers falling on each side of the base of the tail, similar to the saddle feathers of a cockerel, called "cock feathers". The rump must be long and densely feathered.
ELEGANCE This is brought about by the carriage, which is proud and majestic, by the arrangement of the frills, and by the perfect symmetry of the bird.
In the Parisian Frill, two forms of carriage can be distinguished: (1) High carriage (well raised up); (2) Low carriage. At shows, the high carriage will always be preferred.
Flights: The flight feathers must be long and as regular as is possible. Legs and Feet: Two types can be distinguished which are more or less characterised by the kind of feathering on the leg - 1) where the thighs are covered with long feathers which also cover the rest of the Ieg to some extent ("trousered" type); 2) the type where the thighs are covered with short silky feathering without any long feathers covering the legs. At shows, a "trousered" subject will always have a preference.
Tail: The tail must be long and straight, closely folded, and ending as squarely as possible. A deeply forked tail is a fault, as, too, is a raised tail.
Condition: Being essentially an exhibition bird, the Parisian Frilled Canary must be presente on the showbench with all the care possible and in irreproachable condition, meticulous cleanliness and perfect health.
STANDARD
| PLUMAGE: | Long, fine, silky voluminous. | 10 |
| POSTURE: | Erect, proud, majestic. | 10 |
| MANTLE, SHOULDERS, BOUQUET. | The middle parting from the back is formed by long and very thick feathers which hang down on either side of the shoulders and the wings. The bouquet, which is one of quality, is shaped by an effIorescent coat of feathers going down towards the back. | 10 |
| JABOT: | Long and thick feathers which decorate each side of the breast and form a symmetrical jabot in the shape of a shell. | 10 |
| FINS (FLANKS): | Long, broad (wide) and well developed. The supporting feathers above the thighs must strive upwards symmetrically until height of wings. | 15 |
| HEAD: | Strong, Calotte: Feathers fall to one side of the head. Casque: upwards striving feathers form a "fielmet". Sideboards. | 7 |
| NECK: | Well stocked, thick; must have a collar. | 3 |
| COCK FEATHERS OLIVE: | Long and thick, with feathers hanging down from root of the tail on both sides. | 5 |
| WINGS: | Long, regular, well closed. | 5 |
| LEGS & CLAWS: | Long and strong, with well feathered thighs. Corkscrew nails, on young birds root must be recognisable. | 5 |
| TAIL: | Long, broad, square end, closed. | 5 |
| GENERAL CONDITION: | Accustomed to the cage, clean, healthy condition. | 5 |
| LENGTH: | 7-1/2 inch – 19cm.(minimum) | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100 | |