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Poodle Colors
Overview
There is so much to talk about regarding Poodle colors! Let's get started!
We will discuss:
There is so much to talk about regarding Poodle colors! Let's get started!
We will discuss:
- Poodle colors
- Parti-colors
- Phantom Poodles
- Mis-marks and more
Solid Colors
Let's first discuss solid colors. The
majority of Poodles are solid and of those, the most common color is
black. Here is the list of solid Poodle colors:
- Apricot
- Black
- Blue
- Brown
- Cafe Au lait
- Cream
- Gray
- Red
- Silver
- Silver beige
- White
Apricot - This is a watered down red, as is a recessive f gene is present, the Poodle would then be red. It is the recessive f gene which causes an otherwise red to fade to this color. Some apricot Poodles are so light that they appear to be cream, however you will notice a red tint to the hair. A true apricot poodle will have some points or black spots on their skin. Liver points are acceptable but not preferred in the U.S. See More About Apricot Poodles
Black - A true black Poodle is a deep ink black. The dog's coat will have zero blue or silver tinting and not have any white or silver guard hairs. The face when shaved will be deep black, as well. A true black will not "clear" or "fade". Blacks will have black points and dark brown eyes. See More About Black Poodles
Blue - This is a diluted (faded) black. All blue Poodles are born black and then "clear" (lighten) as the pup grows.This often happens within the first year but this change can take place as late as 2 years in some cases. For this reason, many blue Poodles are registered as black. The outer coat of a blue poodle is usually as dark as that of a black, but hairs at the root is a mix of colors. The amount of each color depends on the age of the dog. In middle-aged dogs, medium brown predominates. True blue Poodles will have black points and dark brown eyes.
Brown - A brown Poodle is a deep, dark color and in no way can be confused with Cafe Au lait which is much lighter. Pure brown Poodles must have liver points and dark amber eyes. Brown is created by the bb gene, as opposed to the BB gene of black Poodles, and therefore will have no black pigment anywhere on the body, including the eyes and nose.
Cafe Au lait - This is a light brown color and some confused this with sliver beige. However, a sliver beige Poodle will be born brown. A Cafe Au lait will have liver points and dark amber eyes.
Cream - These Poodles will have black points or "stains". It is the Cch gene which causes an otherwise brown Poodle to be cream
Gray - While a Poodle can be born gray and stay gray, it is also not uncommon for a black Poodle to turn gray at the age of 4-5 years old.
Red - This only became an official color in 1980 and now many breeders in Canada have come together to form the Apricot Red Poodle Club. A true red will have black points. Liver points are acceptable but not preferred in the U.S. See More About Red Poodles
Silver - A true silver Poodle is born black and "clears" by the age of 2. However, you will know a true silver by the age of 6 weeks, when the face and paws "clear" and the rest of the coat will follow in suit over the next year or two. Silvers will have black points and dark brown eyes. This color is a diluted gray, caused by the silver allele V gene.
Silver Beige - This is a diluted brown, therefore a true silver beige Poodle is born brown. By 6 weeks, silver beige will appear on the face and paws with a full coat change by the age of 2 years. The dog will have liver points and dark amber eyes
White - Most white Poodles are a pure, snow white. However, some breeders will dub a white tinted with apricot or beige as being white. A bit of black spotting is acceptable on a white, however there should never be any ticking in the white. The ticking gene is a totally separate gene that makes the coat appear dirty.
Color Changes
When a Poodle puppy is a solid, one must understand that many variables can affect what will become the adult coat. When a pup keeps the same color coat, this is known as "holding". However, many Poodles "clear". To "clear" means when the coat fades or lightens to another color. A lightening of the coat does not necessarily occur evenly all over the coat, rather Poodle color will often hold more on the dog's ears and the thicker guard hairs.
When a Poodle Turns Gray
Poodles have a gene that is called "Progressive Graying", called the G locus. When a black, blue, or brown dog has the mutation in this gene, they gradually fade in color as they grow.
Not all black, blue, or brown poodles have the mutation, but some do. Since it is a dominant mutation, if one of the parents was Progressively Graying, then there is 50% chance that the pups have the mutation as well. You will begin to see the change in color starting at a 2-3 months of age and it is usually complete by the time the dog is mature. In some dogs there may be small changes throughout the life of the dog.
Skin Color
Skin color can change as well. The most common reason for a Poodle to have a change of color on the skin is exposure to sunlight and this most commonly happens on the belly. It is not uncommon for a pink belly to have darker spots appear. An owner should be concerned if those darker spots are raised above the skin and should have the dog's veterinarian take a look at any raised, dark areas.
- Cafe Au lait Poodles are born dark brown and change to cafe around the age of 2 yrs
- Blue Poodles are born black and change over by the age of 2 years
- Sliver Poodles are born black and change over by the age of 2 years
- Apricots are often born a dark shade that lightens by the age of 2 years
When a Poodle Turns Gray
Poodles have a gene that is called "Progressive Graying", called the G locus. When a black, blue, or brown dog has the mutation in this gene, they gradually fade in color as they grow.
Not all black, blue, or brown poodles have the mutation, but some do. Since it is a dominant mutation, if one of the parents was Progressively Graying, then there is 50% chance that the pups have the mutation as well. You will begin to see the change in color starting at a 2-3 months of age and it is usually complete by the time the dog is mature. In some dogs there may be small changes throughout the life of the dog.
Skin Color
Skin color can change as well. The most common reason for a Poodle to have a change of color on the skin is exposure to sunlight and this most commonly happens on the belly. It is not uncommon for a pink belly to have darker spots appear. An owner should be concerned if those darker spots are raised above the skin and should have the dog's veterinarian take a look at any raised, dark areas.
Parti- Colors, Phantom & Mismark information here
Photos & Much More Information
The colors of a Poodle is a very complex topic. This, of course is an overview. Do you know the terms used for each part of a Poodle's body that color appears on? Do you know which color to register a Poodle if their color is to be changing as they grow? Did you ever see photos of every Poodle color in the world?
Would you like to see:
The colors of a Poodle is a very complex topic. This, of course is an overview. Do you know the terms used for each part of a Poodle's body that color appears on? Do you know which color to register a Poodle if their color is to be changing as they grow? Did you ever see photos of every Poodle color in the world?
Would you like to see:
- Photos of every color in the AKC list of Poodle colors
- Photos of colors that you do not see on the AKC list of colors, but breeders do have on their AKC applications
- Explanation of color genes, in terms anyone can understand, to describe how the pairing of certain Poodle create certain colored litters
- Photos of every single type of marking a Poodle can have
- Photos of every place a color can fall on a Poodle
- Detailed and easy to understand explanation of coloring, pigmentation & why certain colors exist
- Detailed and Complete Grooming and Clipping instructions with step-by-step photos.
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Free, detailed, personal advice for life with the AllPoodleInfo Experts
