Guide · Poodle
Poodle colours: from apricot and red to black and white
Colour is often the first thing you notice about a Poodle – and few topics come with so many names: apricot, red, fawn. Here’s what the terms mean and what the standard has described since its 2024 revision.
Still, colour should be the last thing you choose a dog by. Temperament and health come first.
Solid-coloured Poodles
The FCI standard describes solid-coloured Poodles in:
- black – a deep, classic shade;
- white – pure, without yellowish patches;
- brown – deep, rather dark and warm;
- grey – even, neither blackish nor whitish, with shading depending on age;
- fawn – from pale fawn through red fawn to orange fawn, i.e. apricot.
In solid colours, white markings are highly undesirable according to the standard; nose, lips and pads should be well pigmented.
Apricot or red?
| Apricot | Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Shade | Pale, orange-toned fawn – like a ripe apricot | The deepest, darkest fawn, from copper to mahogany |
| In the puppy | Can look very like a light red | May lighten somewhat with the adult coat |
| In the standard | Part of fawn | Part of fawn |
Multi-coloured Poodles since 2024
With the April 2024 version, the FCI standard also describes multi-coloured varieties: parti-coloured Poodles with predominantly white (black and white, brown and white…), Poodles with a mantle, Poodles with fawn markings (black or brown with fawn), tricolours and brindles.
If one of these colours appeals to you, ask the breeder how they approach it and what they know about the parents.
Can the colour change?
Yes. In fawn Poodles especially, the coat often lightens a little as the puppy coat gives way to the adult coat. Clip, sun and coat length also affect the shade you see: a fresh clip doesn’t look the same as long curls.
The parents give an indication; nobody can guarantee the exact adult shade.
Nose, eyes and pads
Pigment is part of the colour picture. The standard asks for well-pigmented eyelids, nose, lips and pads in every colour; in pale fawns, pigment should be as dark as possible. In a puppy the nose is sometimes not fully coloured yet.
To judge a colour on a video call, ask for footage in daylight: artificial light distorts apricot and red tones a lot.
Be careful with “rare colours”
Colour says nothing about temperament or health. If a colour is marketed as especially rare and therefore more expensive, be sceptical. What really matters is covered in Choosing a good breeder.
Frequently asked questions
What colours are your Poodle puppies?
It depends on each litter. Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll show you photos of the puppies and the parents.
Does a red Poodle stay red?
It often lightens a little with the adult coat. By how much can’t be predicted with certainty in a puppy.
Keep reading
Any questions?
Message Gianni or Aldo directly on WhatsApp. Tell us how you live and what you are looking for.
Our only location is Barletta, Italy.