Poodle colors and markings are some of the physical characteristics that make the breed captivating. Due to their rich history of breeding and selection, a wide variety of hues can be found in this breed today.
In fact, the Poodle color range is so diverse that it may feel overwhelming to pick from all those options. From solid-colored Poodles to silver-beige Poodles and even rare ones, there are many choices for you to explore.
However, if you are unsure what kind of Poodle color best suits you, do not fret. This article features 35 Poodle colors as well as markings, with accompanying pictures and descriptions of how they look. Let’s begin!
How Many Poodle Colors Are There?
In general, only a total of 11 Poodle colors are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). In reality, though, these are just the tip of the iceberg, as 24 more Poodle coat colors have been identified by breeders and fans.
Yet, while these additional fur shades have not been officially registered with any canine club, keep in mind that dogs exhibiting them are still purebreds. They just don’t fall within the accepted color range for Poodles.
A list of the 11 American Kennel Club-accepted Poodle colors is provided below:
- White
- Gray
- Apricot
- Cafe Au Lait
- Black
- Blue
- Silver
- Red
- Brown
- Cream
- Silver Beige
On the flip side, the following are 24 non-standard Poodle colors for you to check out:
- Black and Cream
- Black and Apricot
- Black and Brown
- Black and Gray
- Black and Red
- Black and Silver
- Black and Tan
- Black and White
- Blue and White
- Brown and Apricot
- Brown and White
- Cream and White
- Gray and White
- Red and Apricot
- Red and White
- White and Apricot
- White and Silver
- Phantom
- Merle
- Tri-Colored
- Brindle
- Parti-Colored
- Sable
- Albino
What’s more, all these 35 Poodle coat colors are beautiful and unique in their own way. So no matter which Poodle color you select for your family, you will likely be making a stylish choice.
Not unless you are planning on participating in dog shows organized by the AKC, Poodle Club of America (PCA), and the United Kennel Club (UKC). Otherwise, sticking to solid colors is probably your best bet.
35 Poodle Colors
1. White Poodle
At the top of this list is the white Poodle. It is an incredibly common color of the breed and is one that many people are familiar with. The white Poodle’s coat is completely white, with no other markings or variations.
In most instances, you will find that white Poodles exhibit black-colored points — eyes, nose, lips, paw pads, toenails, and eyelids. These points help to accentuate their beautiful white curly coats even further.
However, it is worth mentioning that some white Poodles may have a slight apricot or beige hue on their ears. This doesn’t affect their status as purebred dogs by any means, though.
Fortunately, major kennel clubs recognize this variation in coloration as acceptable for registration purposes — so don’t let it deter you from adopting one of these snowy pups.
2. Gray Poodle
If you are pondering over which Poodle color to choose for yourself or your family, you might want to consider a gray Poodle. A canine of this type will either sport a light gray tint or a darker shade of gray.
In addition, the gray Poodle photo shown above reveals that although all dogs with this coloring have a similar appearance, there are some variations within one pup alone.
To be specific, you will see that a mix of light and dark shades is present in this particular pooch’s coat. So if you decide to adopt one as well, you’ll surely have an adorable little furball that everyone will love.
Another thing to note about gray Poodles is that they can come in two forms. They are either born gray or black and then turn gray due to the progressive graying gene or G locus.
3. Apricot Poodle
For those who are fond of rare-colored pooches, the apricot Poodle is right up your alley. It has a dull orange coat color that gives it the appearance of a stuffed toy, such as a teddy bear.
Apricot Poodles, being the diluted version of the red Poodle variety, can be found sporting liver-colored eyelids, lips, and noses. Thankfully, though, this doesn’t impact their pedigrees.
According to the AKC, as long as these dogs’ points aren’t incompletely or wrongly pigmented, they’re still considered purebreds in good standing.
Yet do take note that black points are still preferable to liver ones if you’re looking to enter your apricot Poodle in the show ring.
4. Café Au Lait Poodle
If you have seen a Poodle with a shiny tan base coat, then chances are it’s a cafe au lait Poodle. It is one of the most popular colors of Poodles today and can be seen on many show dogs.
Generally speaking, cafe au lait Poodles are often mistaken for cream and silver-beige ones.
Still, it should be noted that the eyes of a cafe au lait Poodle are usually dark brown or liver in color, which makes them easy to distinguish from others.
Interestingly, it has been reported that cafe au lait Poodles are born dark brown. It is just that their fur turns lighter as they age until they achieve a glossy tawny hue at about two years old.
5. Black Poodle
As fashionable as a Poodle can be, the black Poodle is the most stylish of all. It is also basically one of the most popular and sought-after colors for this hypoallergenic breed.
Typically, a black Poodle will have a lustrous, solid black coat free from any markings or spots at all. However, bear in mind that some black Poodles may exhibit white markings on their face or chest area.
What’s more, since these canines are dark-pigmented, they don’t require as much grooming as other Poodle colors do. Just brush your black Poodle regularly and keep it trimmed up, and you should be good to go.
One thing you should know about black Poodles is that their color may actually lighten over time.
Thus, even though your pup is born black, the G locus could cause its coat to fade into brownish-gray or silver shades instead of staying jet-black for its entire lifespan.
6. Blue Poodle
Blue Poodles are another type of Poodle coat color that is born black but turns blue as they age. Having said that, the “blue” coloration of a blue Poodle isn’t really blue at all — it is more grayish-blue or slate-colored.
However, given that blue Poodles flaunt a deep and rich coat color, they do look very much like black ones. This leads most people to think that they are actually black Poodles.
Despite their similar appearance, you will notice that a blue Poodle will have lighter roots than its black counterpart. It also tends to appear shinier under lighting conditions, such as direct sunlight.
Overall, blue Poodles can be registered with the AKC and UKC so long as they meet the required standards of appearance and health.
7. Silver Poodle
Often mistaken for gray, silver-beige, and blue Poodles, the silver Poodle is actually a true silver color. It is on the glossier and more metallic side of the Poodle spectrum, so much so that it looks like it has been polished.
Silver Poodles, in general, can be seen displaying black-pigmented points. As you can see in the silver Poodle photo above, their eyes also come in black but are more commonly a deep brown or dark purple color.
However, it is worth highlighting that silver Poodles are born black, too. They don’t turn into a silvery color until they reach maturity, usually around 2 to 3 years old.
8. Red Poodle
After being accepted as a standard Poodle coat color in the 1980s — thanks to the efforts of the people behind the Apricot Red Poodle Club — the red Poodle has become one of the most popular varieties of this breed.
If you closely examine the red Poodle photo, you will notice that these dogs have black noses, lips, and eye rims alongside reddish-brown coats. Their nail beds and eyes are pitch-dark in color, too.
Remember, though, that the color of a red Poodle may vary from dog to dog. Some will have darker coats, almost looking fiery, while others will be on the duller side.
9. Brown Poodle
The brown Poodle is one of the most popular hues for this dog breed. It is dark mahogany in color and is similar to that of a chocolate Labrador Retriever.
Based on the presented brown Poodle photo, these pooches should sport self-colored points. This means their snouts, mouths, and eyelids will be the same shade as their bodies.
Moreover, true brown Poodles will not retain white markings whatsoever. They also have dark amber eyes, which makes them look even more striking than other Poodle color varieties.
As with blacks, brown Poodles stay brown their whole lives or turn lighter as they reach adulthood. The most common solid colors born from this variety are the cream Poodle, silver-beige Poodle, and café au lait Poodle.
10. Cream Poodle
If you adore light-colored canines, a Poodle with a cream hue is your best bet. Its coat will be of a lighter shade of blonde, but not so much so that it appears white.
Additionally, because cream Poodles are typically born brown and then change color as they age, you will find that their noses, lips, eye rims, and toenails are all that remain of their original coloration.
With that being said, it should come as no surprise that a few pups can also be born with black points, especially if they are light-pigmented from birth.
11. Silver Beige Poodle
Another Poodle pigment that’s born brown is the silver beige Poodle. It is a combination of silver and brown, with either the light or dark shades of each color dominating.
Most of the time, silver beige Poodles, as with their cream brethren, will display liver-colored points. Their eyes will appear brown as well, accompanied by an almost white mask covering their faces.
However, it is worth noting that this is just one of the many ways that a silver beige Poodle can look.
Its face may either remain dark brown, turn cream, or, as with the silver beige Poodle presented in the photo above, become completely white — there’s no telling.
12. Black and Cream Poodle
Even though parti Poodles are not recognized by well-known dog clubs, the black and cream Poodle is a prevalent color combination that’s sought after by owners looking for a unique look.
Black and cream Poodles are characterized by their predominantly black coats with blonde markings on their eyebrows, legs, chest, and tail. The lightest areas of the dog’s coat may be cream or almost white in color.
13. Black and Apricot Poodle
The black and apricot Poodle is a type of phantom Poodle best known for its dull orange blotches. Specifically, it has a black base coat alongside an apricot-colored chest, limbs, neck, underside, and muzzle area.
As with their black counterparts, black and apricot Poodles will display black points, too. Even so, note that the PCA, AKC, and UKC do not recognize this particular color variation.
Despite this, these canines are still popular among those who love Poodles but want something a little out of the ordinary.
14. Black and Brown Poodle
Black and brown Poodles are just what they sound like, pups with a mainly black coat and brown markings.
Like other parti Poodles, a black and brown Poodle will have a neck, chest, inner ears, muzzle, eyebrows, and legs that are differently colored. In this case, all four of those areas will be light or dark brown.
15. Black and Gray Poodle
If you are looking for a Poodle with the same fur color as blue Poodles but without the high price tag, then the black and gray Poodle may be the one for you.
At first glance, black and gray Poodles look like they are covered in charcoal dust. This is because they have different shades of jet and slate throughout their coat.
To add to that, these pooches usually have dark gray-colored noses that contrast with their opaque fur. They also bear distinctive black eyes that can give them an overall fierce appearance.
16. Black and Red Poodle
Since the K locus is a dominant gene in Poodles, it is not surprising that the black Poodle is the most common. Still, there are some cases wherein a few red marks may occur on the coat, resulting in a black and red Poodle.
Generally, black and red Poodles, when compared to other blacks flaunting differently colored markings, will be more striking. This is because their redness will stand out more prominently against their dark coat.
Likewise, you will observe that their black points enhance their overall beauty as well as provide a striking contrast to the red areas of their bodies.
17. Black and Silver Poodle
Commonly mistaken for the black-and-gray, blue, and gray Poodle, this pup displaying black and silver fur has a unique look that will surely turn heads.
In general, black and silver Poodles are the perfect example of how different colors can be mixed to create a specific effect. The result is a dog with a coat that is both striking and sleek.
However, it is still up for debate as to whether these black and silver canines should be considered purebred or not. Some clubs categorize them as either blue or silver, while others do not recognize them at all.
Either way, a black and silver Poodle promises to be nothing short of stunning.
18. Black and Tan Poodle
The black and tan Poodle is one Poodle variety that has a black base coat and tan markings. Such markings may appear as a patch on the chest, as well as on the leg, tail, face, and ear areas of a particular canine.
As with other black-colored Poodles, a black and tan Poodle will sport dark points. This means its nose, lips, toenails, and eye rims will be black in color. The same applies to its eyes, which should appear pitch-dark as well.
19. Black and White Poodle
Last on the long list of black Poodles with differently colored blotches is the black and white Poodle. This hair color variety has a shiny black coat mixed with large patches of white fur on the chest, legs, tail, and face.
However, keep in mind that there are some instances where a Poodle will have predominantly white fur over its body, accompanied by irregularly-shaped, black spots.
In any case, it still belongs to this category because all its parts are black and white.
20. Blue and White Poodle
Have you ever seen a pupper as elegant and regal as this one? This blue and white Poodle is not only beautiful, but it has an air of sophistication about it that just makes you want to gaze at it for hours on end.
As mentioned, the blue coloration in Poodles is a diluted version of black. This makes it easy to confuse with its black and white counterpart, as they look almost identical from afar.
Under direct sunlight, though, the difference becomes obvious: the blue pigment of this pup’s coat will reflect light differently. You’ll also notice that it is on the bluish-gray side of the Poodle rainbow.
21. Brown and Apricot Poodle
The brown and apricot Poodle is a type of phantom Poodle. This coat color includes all the diluted versions of reds mixed together, creating a distinctly defined look.
To avoid confusion, though, the apricot parts — ears, eyebrows, muzzle, limbs, chest, and neck — are more on the cream-like side of the spectrum, while the brown areas lean towards a deep mahogany hue.
In addition, you will observe that brown and apricot Poodles have solid black noses. Their lips and eyes often bear a similar shade of black as well.
22. Brown and White Poodle
If you can’t get enough of the cuteness that the brown and apricot Poodle provides, then the brown and white Poodle variety is sure to put a smile on your face.
Typically, these brown and white pups have coats that are white throughout with dark brown markings. That said, it should come as no shock that some may exhibit equal amounts of each pigment as well.
23. Cream and White Poodle
The name says it all — the cream and white Poodle is a combination of two of the palest colors in the Poodle family. It has a white base coat with cream accents on its ears, face, neck, paws, and tail.
However, it should be noted that cream and white Poodles can have a few other colors mixed into their coats as well, such as light brown and tan. This makes them even more beautiful than their monochromatic cousins.
24. Gray and White Poodle
The gray and white Poodle is one type of parti Poodle variety that you should consider. It is a mixture of white and gray, coming with black-pigmented points, which makes for a spectacular appearance.
Still, you should be aware that the intensity of this Poodle coat variety’s gray hue will vary among individuals. A handful may have more of a charcoal-like tone, while others may have a more slate-like coloring.
In either case, all gray and white Poodles will typically sport black eyes.
Yet, note that some dogs may have eyes that are brownish or amber in color rather than black, especially if they’re from a line where this trait has been passed down for generations.
25. Red and Apricot Poodle
Upon initial inspection, you might think the picture above just shows a solid red Poodle. However, if you look closer, you’ll notice that this is actually a red and apricot Poodle.
Finding the apricot markings on red and apricot-colored Poodles can be challenging at first; however, once you know what to look for, it becomes easier to see them.
First, take note that the apricot shade is not as rich as the red hue. Instead of looking like a ripe peach or starkly tan, it’s more of a duller tint of orange.
Another way to tell if you are looking at a red and apricot Poodle is by looking for lighter patches on the muzzle, chest, and underbelly. These apricot markings are sometimes visible on their legs, too.
26. Red and White Poodle
The red and white Poodle fur shade combines the bold, vibrant color of red with the classic, timeless tint of white. The result is a Poodle that looks like it was born for style and elegance.
Commonly, red and white Poodles exhibit black points. They also often maintain jet-black eyes, which can be striking against their predominantly light fur.
However, remember that genetics play an important role in determining how a dog will look as an adult — so don’t be surprised if your pup ends up with more or less black than expected.
27. White and Apricot Poodle
A little darker than their cream and white counterparts, the white and apricot Poodle is one of the most sought-after parti-Poodles in the country. It is not difficult to see why, as these pups are incredibly beautiful.
In general, you will find that white and apricot-colored Poodles will flaunt mainly white coats, characterized by patches of apricot or wheaten on their head and face. Similarly, their back area is often tinged with apricot tint, too.
However, one should note that these canines’ points tend to be self-colored, meaning they have dark brown noses, nails, lips, and eyelids instead of black ones.
28. White and Silver Poodle
Looking like a cloud but with a touch of metal-like hue, the white and silver Poodle is a type of Poodle that’s sure to catch everyone’s attention. It has a shiny coat that makes it look like it’s been dusted in glitter.
Bear in mind, though, that not all white and silver Poodles are the same. Some will only have silver-tipped hairs on their faces, bellies, and legs, while others will have them on their entire body.
Yet, no matter which type of white and silver Poodle you get your hands on, you can be sure that it will stand out from the crowd.
29. Phantom Poodle
Often confused for parti Poodles, phantom Poodles are another group of pooches retaining two-toned coats.
Unlike their counterparts, however, phantom Poodles have a clearly defined color difference. Their overall fluffs will be one color, and their legs, chests, eyebrows, ears, muzzles, and necks another.
These mentioned areas, in particular, will either appear red, tan, cream, white, or brown — whereas the rest of the body will be any of the following tints: black, gray, silver, chocolate brown, or reddish-brown.
30. Merle Poodle
Mottled, unique, and eye-catching, the merle Poodle is a coat color that has captivated the hearts of many dog fanciers. This coloration is characterized by a patchwork pattern of black, tan, and gray hues.
However, it should be highlighted that merle patterning is not a natural occurrence in the French Poodle breed; as such, many experts believe it is best to avoid breeding merle Poodles altogether.
Most of the time, merle-colored canines are also prone to blindness. So if you wish to purchase a merle Poodle, it is highly recommended that you get a dog that has been tested for vision issues first.
31. Tri-Colored Poodle
For anyone who is searching for a multi-colored Poodle, the tri-colored Poodle should be at the top of your list. The tri-colored Poodles have three different shades on their coats: white, black, and brown or cream.
Since you already know that parti Poodles aren’t recognized by kennel registries and clubs, it should come as no surprise that tri-colored Poodles are also not recognized.
Yet, it is worth noting that these dogs’ popularity has caused their numbers to increase rapidly over the years. This may be due in part to their striking appearance and unique color combination.
32. Brindle Poodle
As surprising as it may seem, the French Poodle breed can also be found in a brindle coat. The term brindling refers to the striping or streaking effect on a dog’s fur, often resembling tiger stripes.
Typically, brindle Poodles will flaunt black-colored noses, lips, eyelids, and toes. Their eyes will also be dark in color, making them all the more striking.
Unfortunately, no dog registry currently lists this particular type of Poodle as a recognized color variation. That said, there is no denying how beautiful these puppers look when you see them up close.
33. Parti-Colored Poodle or Parti Poodle
A parti-colored Poodle, also known as a parti Poodle, has a white base coat with patches of another color. These patches are irregularly shaped and vary in size from small to large.
However, note that as unique as parti Poodles may look, they cannot be registered as purebred dogs because they do not meet the breed standard set by major kennel clubs.
Nonetheless, if you want something different from your usual black or white Poodles, a parti Poodle may be just the pup for you.
34. Sable Poodle
If you are looking to own a one-of-a-kind Poodle, look no further than sable Poodles. These canines exhibit brownish coats with black tips, almost as if they were dipped in mud.
What’s more, a sable Poodle will often display a black-pigmented nose, lips, eye rims, and paws, adding an extra touch of class to its already unique appearance.
However, it should be noted that The Kennel Club (TKC) is the only registry that recognizes sable Poodles. This makes them quite rare and expensive — but also worth every penny.
35. Albino Poodle
While the existence of albino Poodles is a bit controversial, as they are predisposed to genetic defects and are often born deaf, a few breeders have been able to produce this unusual Poodle coat color.
Based on the albino Poodle photo above, it is easy to see why many people are enamored with these canines. Their points are pink-colored instead of black, and their ears, feet, and nailbeds are pink as well.
All these are due to the albinism gene that causes the absence or partial loss of pigment in cells in the skin or hair coloration.
Sadly, many opportunistic breeders will sell these dogs under false facades, claiming that these animals are “rare” or “unique,” when all they’re doing is selling a Poodle with a serious inborn defect for an inflated price.
Poodle Markings
Even though most kennel clubs prefer solid-pigmented Poodles, this is not to say that you can’t find a well-bred pup with markings. In fact, it is not unusual to see Poodles with white patches on their faces, feet, or chests.
However, in order to really help you, below are detailed descriptions of the many markings that the Poodle breed can maintain:
White Mask
Whether a Poodle bears a darker or lighter shade of outer coat, a white mask can typically be found on its face. Such a marking is quite distinctive and adds to the overall appeal of this breed.
To be clear, a white mask is a facial marking covering the eyes, muzzle, or forehead of a particular canine. In some cases, it may even extend down to the Poodle’s chin or neck area but generally stops at a specific point.
While it may not be considered a major flaw, a white mask can sometimes be undesirable in French Poodles. This is especially true when the mark covers up almost all of the dog’s face.
Black Mask
In the same way that a white mask is typical on Poodles, a black mask is just as common. This marking is easy to identify: it is simply a black coloring surrounding your furry friend’s eye, muzzle, and mouth areas.
A black mask is typically seen on black pups, but you will find that some white and silver Poodles have them as well.
As a matter of fact, even those displaying a dark mahogany coat may have traces of jet coloration around their noses and lips.
White Markings
White markings on the French Poodle breed are not uncommon. In truth, these marks can be found in several places on the dog’s body.
For example, you may notice a handful of white hairs appearing on the chest and feet of your pet. To add to that, its tail, limbs, and face can also likely be marked by this light coloration.
Still, given that parti Poodles aren’t recognized by major kennel clubs, they often have more strict rules when it comes to deciding what qualifies as acceptable white markings versus unacceptable ones.
Hence, if your black, brown, or blue Poodle seems to sport too much white in certain areas, then it may not be allowed entry into well-known dog shows.
Black Points
If you closely examine the white Poodle photo above, you will notice that the dog’s paws, nose, lips, eye rims, eyes, and toenails are all black. This means that this particular Poodle maintains “black points.”
Usually, these black points are desirable for blue, black, gray, silver, cream, red, and white Poodles, as major canine clubs require them to be maintained by their members.
The exception, however, is when these black points, instead of liver-colored ones, appear on cafe au lait, brown, and apricot Poodles.
In this case, dogs of this type are not eligible to compete in AKC and UKC-sanctioned show rings.
Ticking
Interestingly, French Poodles can also have ticking, which is defined as differently-sized dots of color appearing on their coat.
Such specks are usually white or black in hue, but they can sometimes be grey or brown tint as well.
In most cases, white, cafe au lait, black, and red Poodles tend to display some sort of ticking.
Still, remember that the gene responsible for this patterning is recessive and will only appear when two carriers are bred together.
Tuxedo
Looking like a gentleman, a Poodle exhibiting a tuxedo-like marking is distinguished by its black coat having white accents on the chest, legs, belly, and neck.
Having said that, it is worth noting that these accents can be solid white, or they can have tan or cream highlights throughout them. Either way, the overall effect is still one of elegance and sophistication.
Similarly, even though a tuxedo-like blotch is mostly seen on black-colored pooches, sable and cream Poodles can also exhibit this marking; however, it will look more like a harlequin pattern than anything else.
Poodle Breed Standards & Disqualifications
Generally speaking, whatever size variety of Poodle you choose to own — Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or Toy Poodle — the standards and disqualifications for coat colors will be the same.
For one, the American Kennel Club states that only solid-colored Poodles are eligible for registration. This means pooches with brindle patterns, parti-colors, and mismarkings are not allowed to partake in their events.
This kennel club’s breed standard for the Poodle also requires that brown and cafe au lait dogs must have self-colored points, including light or dark brown noses, lips, eyelids, paw pads, toenails, and dark amber eyes.
Meanwhile, note that it is considered a major fault if blue, gray, silver, cream, black, and white Poodles fail to display black points.
The same rules are followed by the United Kennel Club, Poodle Club of America, Fédération Cynologique International (FCI), and other dog fancy organizations.
However, one should keep in mind that all these kennel clubs allow coat color variations within certain limits.
So if you own cream-colored Poodles with varying shades of red or apricot markings on their bodies, it won’t be a problem.
On the other hand, owners of merle and albino pups shouldn’t expect good things when they register their pets. Such dogs are regarded as genetically defective and should not be bred at all.
Do Poodle Colors Affect Behavior and Health?
Before you judge a dark-colored Poodle, consider this: the pigment of your dog’s coat does not affect behavior and personality. With this in mind, you may be able to find the ideal Poodle for your family despite its color.
Remember that upbringing is what really matters. So even if you have a brown, gray, or black Poodle, it can still become a loving member of your household if it is trained adequately from an early age.
On the flip side, Poodle colors and health, unfortunately, do not always go hand-in-hand. Many people are still surprised to learn that albino Poodles are actually born with vision problems and deafness.
The same goes for canines carrying two recessive genes — such as silver, blue, and apricot Poodles. They are more prone to color dilution alopecia (CDA), hot spots, and other skin issues than their deep-colored cousins.
For this reason, before adopting any type of Poodle with white fur or unusual coat color, do your research and consult a veterinarian.
Do Poodle Puppies Change Colors as They Grow?
When you see a black Poodle puppy, it is hard to believe that this dainty little canine will turn out to be any hue other than black. That said, your eyes aren’t deceiving you — Poodle puppies do change colors as they age.
In the case of black Poodles, though, a sudden appearance of a few white hairs here and there is pretty common, especially on their chest, muzzle, and feet.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that their whole coat will be anything other than solid black.
However, given that Poodles are well-known for having a “progressive graying” gene or G locus, it’s not out of the ordinary for them to start turning gray at an early age.
Most pooches affected by this genetic trait are black, red, and blue Poodles; still, it’s possible for any color variation of the breed to be affected by this gene, particularly if both parents carry it.
In fact, even café au lait Poodles are born brown before they start turning into a creamy coffee-like pigmentation.
Other reasons for sudden color change in the Poodle breed include but are not limited to skin allergies, cancer, and extreme sun exposure.
What Color Will My Poodle Puppy Be?
There’s no surefire way to know how your unborn Poodle puppy will turn out. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great ways to get a good idea of what color it will express.
First, examine the fur shade of its mother and father. Yet it’s important to note that not all pups will be born with a coat color similar to their parents — this is just a general guideline for what you might expect.
For one, if the dad has light-colored hair and the mom has black fur, their offspring will likely fall somewhere in between. Some may even have lighter tints of brown or grey.
Still, bear in mind that black is dominant in most dog breeds, so the majority of the pups produced from this pairing will be born black.
Second, consulting Poodle breeders can help you learn what colors are possible for your pup. Their experience with different litters can help narrow down which hues are most likely to occur in your new friend’s coat.
Finally, you may want to check out DNA testing as well. This is the most accurate way to determine what shade your Poodle puppy will be at birth — but it’s also the most expensive method available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Rare Poodle Colors?
With the many colors the Poodle can come in, it can be hard to know which ones are rarer. Yet, countless Poodle breeders and lovers have all come to agree that apricot, cream, and red are more uncommon than the rest.
Likewise, if you include non-official hues, sable and brindle Poodles will rank next. Only a few of these distinctive colorings exist in each litter, meaning that most puppies will be either black or white when they’re born.
What Is the Most Desirable Poodle Color?
Generally speaking, silver and silver beige Poodles are the most desirable ones. They look elegant and exude an aura of sophistication that can’t be matched by any other Poodle color.
Many aspiring Poodle owners have also remarked that they’re more likely to get noticed if they have a silver or silver beige Poodle by their side.
What Are the Common Colors of Poodles?
The most common Poodle colors are white and black. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that these two varieties make up more than half of all Poodles in the United States.
Why Is My Red Poodle Turning White?
In most cases, red Poodles turn white because of the progressive graying gene or G locus.
This dominant gene is responsible for the change in shade from red to white or gray, and it can be passed down from generation to generation.
However, it is worth noting that red canines are not the only ones susceptible to progressive graying; Poodles with other coat colors, such as black, blue, and brown, may also experience this color change over time.
Is Apricot a Rare Poodle Color?
Yes, apricot Poodles belong to a rarer color spectrum of the breed, along with red, cream, sable, and brindle. All of these pigments occur less frequently than traditional white, black, and gray Poodles.
With that being said, despite the rarity of the apricot Poodle color, it is one of the official varieties recognized by the AKC, UKC, and FCI.
So, which Poodle color is your favorite? Don’t forget to drop your thoughts about the 35 Poodle colors and markings in the comments!
