The Many Poodle Colour Combinations and Markings

For decades, the Poodle has been one of the most popular pets in the UK and over recent years smaller and cuter versions of the breed have appeared on the scene with Teacup Poodles being the most recent newcomers. When it comes to colours and markings in all Poodles sizes, there's a wonderful array to choose from, although show dogs have to be one single colour. However, with this said shades of the colour are acceptable when found anywhere on their coats.

When it comes to non-show Poodles, the choice of colour combinations and markings is varied and wide:

• Apricot
• Black
• Brindle
• Blue
• Brown
• Cafe au Lait
• Cream
• Grey
• Red
• Sable
• Silver
• White

More and more breeders are specifically breeding their dogs so they boast specific colour combinations and markings, making the breed even more desirable than ever before. Specific names are given to dogs to describe to describe these markings which are listed below:

• Mismark or Abstract Poodles
• Phantom Poodles of every kind
• Parti Poodles
• Tuxedo Poodles
• Ticking

Mismark or Abstract Poodles

The Mismark or Abstract Poodle has a primary colour and it has to be an acceptable one but dogs must not be white. However, white or light markings are allowed anywhere in their coats, but are more usually seen on their chest, chin, neck and paws as well as on the very tip of their tails.

Parti Poodles

Parti Poodles boast a broken colour pattern throughout their coat. They can also have areas on their bodies which are a different colour than the rest of their coat. Dogs are primarily white having a second colour pattern found anywhere in their coats. The colouring and markings have always been popular in the breed but coloured Poodles were disqualified from the majority of shows at the beginning of the 20th Century which meant they fell out of favour for a while. However, their popularity has reemerged since this variation is now accepted by both the UKC and the AKC.

Phantom Poodle

Phantom Poodles boast 2 colour mixes in their coats. However, colour combinations have to be very specifically defined as follows:

Black phantoms, have to be a combination of black & apricot, black & red, black & cream, black & gray, black & brown or black & silver

Chocolate phantoms, have to be a combination of brown & apricot

Red phantoms, have to be a combination of red & apricot

Silver phantoms, have to be a combination of silver & cream

On top of the dogs having to have very defined colours. Puppies are born with the markings which appear in very specific areas of their bodies which are as follows:

• Over their eyes
• Across their chests
• Each side of the muzzle
• Down their legs
• Under tails

Tuxedo Poodle

A Tuxedo Poodle has markings that give the impression of them wearing a tuxedo which their markings have to clearly define. Typically, this will be a white bib on their chests together with a white belly which touches the bib before extending down a dog's legs so it looks like they are wearing a tuxedo.

Ticking

This is a term that refers to the various spotting found throughout a Poodle's coat no matter what colour they happen to be. With this said, ticking is more commonly seen in light or white coloured dogs, although it can also be present as well as other markings in a dog's coat too.

Conclusion

With such a gorgeous choice of colour variations and markings, today the Poodle is still one of the most popular dogs around with more breeders trying to create ever more interesting colour combinations and markings in the breed. These elegant and often aloof looking dogs make wonderful pets and extremely loyal family dogs. From the larger Standard Poodle to the dinky Teacup Poodle, they are known for their striking looks and with such a choice of colour variations around today, they remain one of the most desirable dogs out there.