Poodle colors & markings are truly beautiful and numerous. I love helping new families understand the beautiful Poodle colors & markings found in the Miniature Poodle breed. I am a breeder who specializes in parti-colored Poodles and occasionally will produce solid, abstract, and phantom puppies. Many first-time Poodle owners come to me because they want a puppy with unique coloring, and parti coats are some of the most eye-catching and memorable in the Poodle world.
This guide will help you understand Poodle colors, how they change, and why many families choose a parti Poodle from Golden B Acres – Small Dog Breeds Kansas. Contact us here if you have any questions!
Poodle Colors & Markings: What Makes Parti Poodles Unique
At Golden B Acres, our main focus is breeding healthy, well-tempered parti Poodles. The parti pattern is at least 50% white with spots of another solid color. These spots can appear anywhere on the coat, and each puppy has a one-of-a-kind design that is sure to stand out.
Popular Parti Color Combinations We Produce
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Black and white parti
Black Parti Poodle
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Red and white parti
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Brown (chocolate) and white parti
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Apricot and white parti
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Silver and white parti
- Blue and white parti
- Phantom and white parti
Parti Poodles stand out for their one of a kind coats. They also have that charm, personality, and photographic beauty that Poodles are well known for. Many families choose them because they are extremely stunning and truly unique.
Poodle Colors & Markings: Understanding All Poodle Colors
Even though we mostly breed the parti pattern, Poodles can come in many other colors and patterns. We also occasionally have solid and abstract puppies. Understanding the full color range helps families compare their options and pick a puppy that fits their home and lifestyle. The below chart helps show some of the Poodle colors.
Solid Poodle Colors
Solid colored Poodles are all one color from head to tail. These are the classic Poodle colors that many people know and love. Solid colored Poodles are the only colors that are allowed to show in AKC conformation classes.
Common Solid Colors
Solid Colored Poodles
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Black
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White
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Cream
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Red
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Apricot
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Brown
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Blue (born black, lightens to smoky gray)
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Silver (born black, lightens even cleaner and brighter)
Solid colors are popular among show homes, but many companion families love them too.
Phantom Poodle Markings
A phantom Poodle is a usually solid color (they can also be a parti), and has distinct tan, silver, cream, or red point
Phantom
style markings in specific areas:
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Eyebrows
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Cheeks
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Chest
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Legs
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Underside of tail
Phantoms can be black/tan, brown/tan, silver/cream, or other combinations. They are striking and less common than other markings, making them highly sought after. We do have phantoms regularly and the parti phantoms are absolutely stunning!
Sable Poodles
Sable Poodles are often born much darker than they will be as adults. As they grow, the dark tipping on their coat lightens and reveals a softer color underneath. We do not breed sable colored Poodles at this time.
Key Traits of Sable Poodles
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Lighten as they age
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Often change dramatically
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Keep darker accents on ears or muzzle
Their transformation is one of the most fascinating among Poodle colors.
Cafe’ Au Lait
A Cafe’ Au Lait Poodles are born a dark brown color and gradually fade to a lighter silver brown shade that resembles coffee with milk. They keep their brown, liver colored noses and eye lids instead of being black. They are distinct from a true brown or silver beige color.
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Brindle Poodles
Brindle
Brindle Poodles have a tiger-striped pattern that can appear bold or subtle. This pattern is one of the less common
ones and adds a unique, textured look to the coat. Some of our dogs have the brindle color in their ancestry.
Abstract Poodles
Abstract Poodles are mostly solid but have small white markings. These may appear on the chest, chin, paws, or
Abstract Markings
forehead.
They do not have enough white to be considered parti, but they still stand out beautifully. One of the more sought after abstract Poodles is called a tuxedo. All four of their feet are white, their chin, neck, and chest is also white. We have abstract Poodle puppies quite often.
Poodle Colors & Markings: Why Families Love Parti Poodles from Golden B Acres
1. Each Puppy Is One-of-a-Kind
Parti Poodles have natural patterns that can never be duplicated. Their coats are like little pieces of art.
2. They Photograph Beautifully
The contrast between the white and color patches makes them stand out in pictures, which families love.
3. They Have Wonderful Temperaments
Color doesn’t affect personality, but our lines are known for being gentle, social, playful, and intelligent.
4. They Are Becoming More Popular Each Year
More families are discovering how fun and unique parti Poodles are.
Poodle Colors & Markings: How Poodle Colors Change Over Time
Many new owners are surprised to learn that Poodle colors often change as the puppy grows. This is completely normal. The fading gene is something that so far can’t be tested for, but it provides surprising and beautiful colors. We have produced many silver and blue puppies. We have also had puppies whose red, or apricot coats fade.
Common Color Changes
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Black puppies may fade to blue or silver
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Brown puppies may lighten to café-au-lait
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Reds and apricots often fade to lighter shades
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Sables lighten significantly with age
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Parti white stays bright, while colored patches may soften
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Phantom markings remain but can lighten in tone
At Golden B Acres – Small Dog Breeds Kansas, I explain expected color changes for each puppy so families know what to expect.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Family
While color is fun to explore, temperament and health should always be your top priorities. Still, color does play a role for many families. Here are a few simple things to consider:
Poodle Colors & Markings: Helpful Tips for Picking Your Ideal Color
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Parti coats hide dirt well and add lots of visual interest
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Light coats may show tear staining more easily
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Dark coats can show dust but look sleek and elegant
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Patterned coats (parti, phantom, sable) create a bold and unique look
In the end, the best puppy is the one whose temperament fits best with your family. Color is simply the frosting on the cake!
Poodle Colors & Markings: A Warm Welcome from Golden B Acres
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Poodle colors & markings, especially our beloved parti Poodles. At Golden B Acres – Small Dog Breeds Kansas, I’m committed to raising healthy, well-socialized puppies with beautiful markings and wonderful personalities. These are just some of the colors found in the Poodle breed. You can learn more about Poodle colors & markings on the AKC website here.
If you have questions about colors, upcoming litters, or picking the right puppy for your home, I’m always here to help. Check out our available Miniature Poodle puppies and upcoming litters here.