Poodles Colors and Patterns

• Description: A deep, rich mahogany red coat with black points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads), Liver-colored points are permissible but not preferred.

• Genetics: Like apricot, red is expressed via the ee genotype. However, stronger expression of Rufus modifiers intensifies the color to a true Irish Setter red. DD ensures no dilution, while BB or Bb maintains black pigment in points.

• Description: A soft, warm orange, golden or gold with pink tinge shade, black points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads), Liver-colored points are permissible but not preferred.

• Genetics: ee genotype at the E locus permits only phaeomelanin. Modifiers such as Rufus polygenes influence the depth of the orange hue. B locus is typically BB or Bb.

• Description: A pale off-white creamy shade not to be confused with Cafe Au Lait or Sliver beige, both colors of which are born their darker shades and cleared to the lighter shade with age, Creams are born cream. black points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads).

• Genetics: ee at the E locus results in phaeomelanin expression. Minimal Rufus influence and presence of modifiers that lighten pigment determine the cream tone.

• Description: A pure white coat with black points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads).

• Genetics: The ee genotype at the E locus prevents eumelanin expression, allowing only phaeomelanin. White may also result from extreme dilution or masking over very pale cream.

• Description: A deep, inky jet-black coat with black points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads).

• Genetics: Dominant eumelanin production. Genotype is typically BB or Bb at the B locus, with EE or Ee at the E locus. The absence of dilution (DD) maintains the rich black tone.

• Description: A dark, steel-gray shade that softens over time, with black points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads).

• Genetics: Dogs are born black with silver or white hairs between their paw pads, (BB or Bb at the B locus) and likely either carry the silvering gene (such as a progressive graying modifier, such as G). which acts to lighten the black coat gradually or when BB or Bb is paired with the dilute gene dd at the D locus. Blue is essentially a diluted black, often accompanied by slower pigment clearing than silvers. While Blue genetically starts as black it is its own distinct color

• Description: Gray is a variation of Silver, that starts black and clears with age, with black points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads).

• Genetics: Dogs are born black (BB or Bb at the B locus) and carry the silvering gene (likely a progressive graying modifier, such as G). The gene acts to lighten the black coat gradually.

• Description: A shimmering pale gray that starts black and clears with age, with black points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads).

• Genetics: Dogs are born black (BB or Bb at the B locus) and carry the silvering gene (likely a progressive graying modifier, such as G). The gene acts to lighten the black coat gradually.

• Description: A rich, chocolate-brown coat with Liver-colored points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads).

• Genetics: bb at the B locus results in brown eumelanin. The E locus remains dominant (EE or Ee), allowing for pigment expression. DD at the D locus avoids additional dilution.

• Description: A creamy, warm light brown coat resembling a milky coffee with Liver-colored points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads).

• Genetics: bb at the B locus with modifiers influencing lightening. May also carry the G gene, leading to pigment dilution from brown to a café tone. E locus remains dominant.

• Description: A soft, silvery-beige coat with liver-colored points (nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads). Born dark brown, these Poodles lighten over time, revealing a unique blend of silver and beige hues.

• Genetics: The Silver Beige coloration results from the combination of brown eumelanin (bb at the B locus) and the silvering gene, which causes the coat to lighten over time. The E locus remains dominant (EE or Ee), allowing for pigment expression. The D locus is typically DD, indicating no additional dilution.

• Description: Characteristic tan points over a dark base, appearing like a Doberman’s markings.

• Genetics: The at allele at the A locus must be present, often combined with kyky at the K locus to allow expression. Requires eumelanin expression (E locus EE or Ee).

• Abstract Description: Small white markings on a solid base coat, such as a star on the chest or blaze on the face.

• Genetics: Usually, a single copy of the white spotting gene (Ssp). Distribution and amount of white vary due to modifiers.

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• Tuxedo Description: Small white markings on a solid base coat, generally giving the appearance of the dog wearing a tuxedo.

• Genetics: Usually a single copy of the white spotting gene (Ssp). Distribution and amount of white vary due to modifiers.

• Description: A white base coat with distinct patches of color, often giving a whimsical, patchwork appearance.

• Genetics: spsp at the S locus produces the parti pattern. Color patches can be any solid shade based on the dog's base color genetics.

• Description: A tiger-striped effect with dark stripes over a lighter base.

• Genetics: Kbr at the K locus is responsible, with expression controlled by A locus alleles. Eumelanin must be present (EE or Ee).

• Description: A shaded effect with black tips on a lighter base coat.

• Genetics: The ay allele at the A locus governs sable expression. Often appears over a phaeomelanin (ee) base, modified by Rufus or dilution genes.

• Description:
  Merle patterns in Poodles are likely the result of breeding with merle-coated breeds like the Australian Shepherd. Merle is belived to not be naturally occurring in the original Poodle bloodlines. The pattern creates a marbled coat with patches of diluted color, appearing in variations like blue, brown, or sable merle.

• Genetics: Merle is caused by the M allele at the M locus. One merle allele (Mm) produces the merle pattern, while two copies (MM) can cause serious health issues, such as blindness or deafness. As an incomplete dominant trait, merle is always expressed when present unless masked by ee. traditional Merle coated breeds may also carry other genetic mutations, such as MDR1. Ethical breeders should avoid breeding dogs with this mutation, opting for clear bloodlines to ensure the health and longevity of their breeding programs. Once introduced, merle can persist in a bloodline through the selection of patterned dogs for breeding, even without further crossbreeding with the original breed. This is why some merle Poodles may test as 100% Poodle, while still carrying the merle pattern after several generations

• ​Health & Breeding Considerations:
  Breeding two merle dogs together increases the risk of double merles (MM), which can result in severe defects. While the merle gene itself does not cause health issues, the combination of two merle alleles (MM) can lead to serious problems. For this reason, merles should only be bred to dogs with a shortened (Mc m) allele or non-merle dogs, and both breeding partners should ALWAYS be tested for DNA traits. Careful genetic screening and extensive knowledge are essential when breeding merles, and it should only be attempted by experienced breeders.

 Learn more about Merle here.

• Description:
  Albino poodles are incredibly rare and possess a coat that appears completely white, accompanied by pinkish skin, light blue or pink eyes, and a complete lack of pigment throughout the body. Their appearance has an almost ethereal quality, and they are more sensitive to light and UV exposure.

• Genetics:
  True albinism is caused by mutations that affect melanin production entirely, most commonly associated with the TYR gene, which affects the enzyme tyrosinase. The most severe form is oculocutaneous albinism, where two copies of a recessive allele (aa) result in a complete lack of melanin. Albino dogs will test negative for eumelanin and phaeomelanin expression.

• Health & Ethical Considerations:
  Because albinism is linked to increased risk for vision and hearing impairments, along with sun sensitivity and skin issues, it is not an intentionally bred trait in responsible programs. Albino poodles are not recognized in breed standards and are extremely rare, often mistaken for very light cream or white poodles.