Apricot Poodle: The Ultimate Guide to the Rare Poodle Color

The apricot Poodle stands out from other Poodle variants because of its teddy bear-like color. These pooches are almost always the center of attention wherever they go! But are they really the rarest Poodle color?

Whether you are planning to own an apricot Poodle or you’re just curious about this lovely dog, this guide is for you.

Here, we’ll discuss all you need to know about the infamous apricot Poodle, so be sure to stick until the end!

What Is an Apricot Poodle?

The apricot Poodle is a purebred dog that is popular for its light yellow or orangish coat. These dogs have lighter colors than the red Poodle and brown Poodle. Their colors closely resemble cream Poodles, but real apricot Poodles have a slight tint of red to their fur.

Poodles have been around since the 15th century, but it was only in 1898 that the first apricot Poodle came to be.

The very first apricot Poodle was sold to an English kennel, which then continued producing the variant.

Like any other Poodle, apricot Poodles come in three different sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. We will discuss these apricot Poodle sizes later in the article.

While it is common to see apricot Poodles as fashionable dogs or admired for their cute appearance and fluffy coat, there is so much more to them.

Apricot Poodles are smart and athletic dogs. They are also very reliable as they can be guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs if provided with proper training.

Feel free to watch this video to get to know more about apricot Poodles!

Are Apricot Poodles Rare?

Yes, apricot Poodles are rare dogs. Despite being one of the most recognizable Poodle variants around, the apricot remains to be a scarce gem in the dog world.

Most Poodles in the market are black, white, cream, parti, and red. There are also phantom Poodles, which are often mistaken as the rarest; however, this is not actually the case.

One of the reasons why apricot Poodles are rare lies in their genetics. These dogs carry a recessive gene responsible for their subtle, yellow-orangish coloration. Sadly, this recessive gene is very difficult to reproduce.

One might think that apricot Poodles are not rare at all. After all, there are a lot of brown or cream Poodles. Surely, some of them are apricots, right? Well, sadly, that is not the truth of the matter.

Apricot is a light yellowish and orangish color that looks like a watered-down brown. Achieving this sophisticated coat color for Poodles involves an intricate process of breeding and color mixing.

What Is the Difference Between Red and Apricot Poodles?

The apricot and red are the last two colors recognized in Poodles. This makes red and apricot some of the most unique colors of the breed.

Apricots were first recognized in 1898, while red Poodles existed around 1890. The most striking difference between the two lies in their coat color. However, there are still many pet enthusiasts who get confused between the two.

To put it simply, apricot Poodles have a light yellowish or orangish coat, while red Poodles possess a bright red-colored coat. Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell each other apart unless you put them side by side.

However, it is clear that red Poodles have a darker coat than apricot Poodles. Once you get the hang of telling which is which, you can identify an apricot from a red Poodle from a mile away.

Aside from physical appearance, red and apricot Poodles also differ in their coat genetics. Experts claim that the red coloring in red Poodles is the result of a recessive gene known as “Rufus.”

At the end of the day, despite these differences, they are just like any other Poodles out there — loving, intelligent, and extremely loyal.

In fact, if you mistakenly get a red Poodle rather than an apricot, chances are, you wouldn’t even notice it right away!

Apricot Poodle Appearance

Apricot Poodles have a coat that looks yellowish or orangish, depending on the lighting condition. In general, this color is a diluted brown, but it is different from the more common cream.

Interestingly, apricot Poodles can change coat colors depending on their exposure to UV light. Being out in the sun too much can make their coat look much lighter.

Aside from their color, apricot Poodles share many physical features with the rest of the Poodle family.

These dogs have either black or brown eye rims, a curly and soft double coat, and almond-shaped eyes. The nose color of the apricot Poodle is usually brown or black, while their eyes can be any shade of brown.

Apricot Poodle Color Genetics

In a room full of Poodles, it can be a bit hard to spot an apricot Poodle because of its close resemblance to red or cream Poodles, which is pretty understandable.

Nonetheless, the apricot Poodle’s genetics are what makes it truly special. Apricot Poodles have a genetic mutation that affects their production of eumelanin — one of the two pigments responsible for a dog’s coat color.

In apricots, eumelanin production becomes restricted, giving pheomelanin the upper hand.

Furthermore, apricot Poodles are homozygous for the “E” gene. As a result, darker types of coloration are blocked out, leaving a light brown coat.

With that in mind, it is important to realize that apricot Poodles don’t come with a uniform coat. Their recessive gene is sensitive to ultraviolet light.

In effect, the coat color of apricot Poodles will vary depending on how often they get exposed to sunlight. Usually, these dogs will have a slightly darker backside and lighter belly coats.

In terms of breeding, the apricot Poodle is one tricky pooch to produce. The breeding process of these dogs requires a significant amount of research and DNA testing.

The most common way to produce an apricot Poodle is by mixing two apricots. It is also possible to get an apricot Poodle from red Poodles. However, there is no clear-cut way to say whether or not color dilution will kick in.

Do Apricot Poodle Puppies Change Color as They Grow?

Poodles come in many different shades and colors. One characteristic that this breed has is that their color when they are born can change to another as they grow up. This process is called “clearing” or “fading.”

This commonly happens after they turn two years old. Poodles with darker colored coats can “clear” into something lighter over time.

At around three years old, a Poodle might go through another “clearing” or “fading,” but this time, the resulting color will most likely be their permanent one.

The same is true for the apricot Poodle. More often than not, apricots will go one or two shades lighter as they age.

In fact, in some instances, the final coat color of an apricot Poodle is very far from its color during its puppy years.

If you end up getting an apricot Poodle, observe its coat once it turns two or three years old. There is a pretty decent chance that its shade will also fade into the next lighter color — cream.

Apricot Poodle Temperament and Personality

Apricot Poodles do not have any distinction from other Poodle colors when it comes to temperament. They are the same active, smart, and loving pooches that pet owners adore.

Originally bred as water retrievers, apricot Poodles are intelligent and highly trainable. They are up for any task you give them because they enjoy the physical and mental workout.

Aside from all these exciting things, the apricot Poodle is also considered the second most intelligent dog breed. Surely, this dog won’t run out of wits!

Despite their primary disposition as hunter dogs, apricot Poodles are one of the most popular family dogs of today. Their friendly and loving character are only two of the reasons why.

These dogs make the perfect buddy for children as they are non-aggressive and can quickly form bonds with people. This is especially true if they are raised alongside them and are given proper training.

Apricot Poodles also do well with other animals and pets. However, if you decide to get an apricot Toy Poodle, make sure to keep an eye on them when around your larger pets.

Apricot Poodle Lifespan and Health Issues

The life expectancy of the apricot Poodle ranges from 11 to 16 years, but this may vary depending on its size.

Apricot Toy and Miniature Poodles can live up to 14 to 16 years, while apricot Standard Poodles live up to 11 to 13 years.

Poodles are generally known to be healthy dogs with a few health issues. The coat color of a Poodle does not necessarily affect its health, so apricots have the same health problems as other Poodles.

Here are some common health issues faced by apricot Poodles:

• Bloat: Bloat is a common health issue in Poodles. This occurs when gas gets trapped inside a dog’s stomach. When this happens, digestion is interrupted, causing a build-up of pressure. Even with surgical intervention, bloat has a 20% fatality rate.
• Addison’s Disease: Addison’s disease is caused by decreased hormone production. This condition is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Addison’s disease is usually treated by hormone replacement therapy.
• Thyroid Issues: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two illnesses in which thyroxine is produced abnormally. Thyroxine is the hormone that controls a dog’s metabolism. A dog with thyroid issues may experience heart or liver failure, kidney failure, and brain damage.

Though apricot Poodles only experience a few health issues, it is still important to keep an eye on their health.

Make sure to take good care of your apricot Poodle by giving them a nutritious diet, regular vet visits, and exercise.

Apricot Poodle Grooming Needs

Apricot Poodles don’t have special grooming-related needs like other Poodle colors. Poodles’ grooming routine, in general, can be challenging because of their long, curly hair.

To properly groom your apricots, it is advisable to brush them every day using two grooming brushes — the slicker brush and the bristle brush.

The slicker brush is used to remove tangles and matting in your apricot Poodle. A little force is needed when using this brush, but don’t get too carried away.

When you’re done detangling your apricot Poodle’s hair, it’s now time to switch to a standard bristle brush. This brush will remove the hair that got caught up in the curls of your pooch as a result of the detangling.

Also, keep in mind to only use Poodle-specific shampoos when bathing your apricot Poodles. Bathing should be done once a month unless your Poodle gets dirty from outdoor activity.

Getting a haircut is a part of every Poodle’s grooming routine. The most popular haircut for Poodles is the French Poodle hairdo, but there are also other options.

How Much Does an Apricot Poodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

An apricot Poodle puppy will set you back $3,000 to $4,000, especially ones from champion bloodlines. If you’re on a tight budget, you may also choose to adopt from a local rescue or shelter for around $600.

Aside from the price of the puppy itself, you should also expect other costs associated with owning an apricot Poodle, which include expenses for toys, vet visits, bed, crate, and more.

Here is a breakdown of the initial costs associated with apricot Poodle ownership:

Keep in mind that these estimates are exclusive of the price of the puppy itself as well as the recurring costs.

The monthly cost of owning an apricot Poodle is nothing special. Expect to spend $200 to $250 for this pooch. If you take your dog to the groomers more often, then this range will surely go up!

Places to Find Apricot Poodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption

After getting to know the apricot Poodle, you probably can’t wait to get one. So, if you’re wondering where you can buy or adopt this rare pup, read along.

Below are some breeders where you might find apricot Poodle puppies for sale:

• Abounding Poodles – Abounding Poodles is an AKC-recognized breeder located in Alabama. They specialize in Toy Poodles in four colors, including apricot. This breeder provides health tests and DNA tests for all their dogs, so you are sure to get a high-quality and healthy pup from them.
• Great Lakes Poodles – Great Lakes Poodles is owned and run by a dedicated breeder who has extensive knowledge and experience about the Poodle breed. This breeder produces healthy and well-socialized Miniature Poodles in all coat colors, including apricot.
• KC Poodles – Located in Pennsylvania, KC Poodles has tons of purebred Poodles for adoption. They specialize in puppies in the colors red, black, agouti wolf, phantom, brown, and apricot.

If you fancy adoption, check out the following reputable rescues for apricot Poodles:

• NorCal Poodle Rescue – Established in 1985, NorCal Poodle is an all-volunteer organization based in Northern California. They provide all necessary care for their rescued dogs, from grooming to medications. Give them a call and see if they have apricot Poodles in their care.
• Carolina Poodle Rescue (CPR) – CPR is a non-profit organization that intends to rehabilitate unwanted or abandoned Poodles. Their primary service area is South Carolina, but they also extend their care to nearby states. They occasionally have apricot Poodles in their rescue.
• IDOG Rescue – Founded in 2006, IDOG Rescue is a non-profit organization that dedicates its time and efforts to rescuing, protecting, and rehoming purebred Poodles, such as apricot Poodles, as well as Poodle mixes, such as Goldendoodles.

If you need more options, join Poodle rescue groups on Facebook or check out Reddit threads. You’ll surely stumble on other reputable sources near you.

Dog Name Ideas for Apricot Poodle Puppies

Naming our pets is one of the most memorable yet challenging tasks we have to do as fur parents. Our dogs will bear the names we chose for them for their lifetime. This is why we have to think about it carefully.

Nonetheless, dog naming shouldn’t be a frustrating decision we have to make but an enjoyable experience to cherish. To help you with this task, I listed below some of the best names you can give your apricot Poodle.

• Butternut
• Burnt
• Acacia
• Paprika
• Cajun
• Noodle
• Pumpkin
• Sunny
• Yolk
• Honey

You can always get creative in choosing your dog’s name. However, make sure that it is unique and distinct so that your dog will not get confused whenever you call it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Apricot Poodles Hypoallergenic?

Scientifically speaking, no dog has ever been proven to be hypoallergenic. Hence, we cannot claim that apricot Poodles are hypoallergenic, although most would say it is.

Like all Poodles, the dander levels of apricot Poodles are relatively low compared to other breeds. This makes them more tolerable for people with allergies; however, they are not completely hypoallergenic.

If you have pet allergies, we would suggest spending some time with a Poodle first to determine if they are suitable for you. 

What Is the Rarest Color of a Poodle?

People have different opinions about which Poodle color is the rarest. Some claim it’s blue, while others say red. However, scientifically speaking, apricots are the rarest among the bunch.

While blue and red are also pretty tricky to breed, apricots are on the next level. These pups require tedious effort and experience to produce properly.

Do Apricot Poodles Shed a Lot?

No, apricot Poodles don’t shed a lot. In fact, these dogs will not have any loose fur unless you brush them vigorously. They do shed a few strands of hair, though, but it gets caught up in their curls, so you won’t really notice them.

What Poodle Color Is Most Expensive?

Poodles, in general, are expensive because breeders invest a lot of time and money in breeding them. But, the most expensive Poodle color would have to be apricot as it is the rarest and hardest to find.

Some breeders advertise the phantom as the most expensive Poodle color. However, it is not a recognized color as per the breed standards.

Final Thoughts

The apricot Poodle is the same Poodle we all know and love, only in a different coat color.

To some, apricots are more special because of their sophisticated color and rarity. That said, this dog is just as awesome as any other Poodle.

Whether you’re an experienced or first-time dog owner, you’ll surely have a blast having apricot Poodles as your best friend!

So, what are your thoughts about the rare apricot Poodle variant? Share them in the comment section below!