The apricot poodle stands out among dog breeds with its striking coat color, reminiscent of the vibrant hue of apricots. This rare and elegant variation captivates dog lovers and spectators alike, making it a common presence in dog shows and social media. Unlike more common poodle colors, apricot poodles are not frequently seen on walks in the park or in breeding facilities, which adds to their allure and unique appeal.
People often associate the term “apricot” with the juicy orange fruit, but this name also perfectly captures the essence of these beautiful dogs. The apricot poodle’s coat shines in shades of reddish-orange, setting it apart in a lineup of otherwise diverse poodle colors. As interest in this particular breed grows, so does curiosity about its history, characteristics, and the best ways to care for them.
History of the Apricot Poodle
The story of the apricot Poodle traces back to 1898 when the first known apricot Poodle, named Snowden Yellow Gall, was born. Initially, the breeder considered Snowden to have a liver color, but this Poodle later produced a litter of red and brown puppies. An English kennel acquired this litter and began to cultivate the breed, promoting the apricot coloration in standard Poodles.
By 1912, miniature Poodles started to gain popularity, leading to the birth of another apricot-coated Miniature Poodle at the Whippendall Kennel. This period signified a growing appreciation for the apricot shade within various Poodle sizes.
In 1929, a standard Poodle named Jessie achieved significant recognition by winning a dog show, marking a milestone for apricot-colored Poodles. The following year, during the 1930s, American breeders began importing Poodles from England to enhance their breeding stock. This boosted the distribution of apricot Poodles, allowing their unique color to gain traction in North America.
The breed’s development faced challenges during World War I, leading to a temporary halt in breeding activities. However, after the war, two prominent kennels in England revived the breeding of apricot Poodles in the 1950s, ensuring their place in the growing Poodle community.
More about the Apricot Poodle’s Coat
The coat of an apricot poodle stands out as a vibrant shade compared to similar colors like cream. Its hue can range from a lighter amber to a deeper reddish-orange. The distinction between an apricot and a cream poodle can often be subtle, as lighting and individual variation play important roles.
When observing apricot poodles, it is essential to note that they may have distinct darker markings on areas such as their ears and around their ruff. This effect can give a layered look to their coat, adding depth to their overall appearance.
As apricot poodles mature, their coat color can change. A lighter coat in a puppy may evolve into a deeper shade or vice versa. Poodles registered as one color may surprise owners as they grow, often not matching their original description. For example, a vibrant apricot puppy could become a light cream adult.
Choosing an apricot poodle from a breeder involves understanding this potential for color change. Breeders may categorize puppies by their appearance, but the final adult coat may not align with initial expectations. This means that potential pet owners should prepare for some unexpected variation in coat color as their poodle develops.
What Causes Darker Red Hair in One Spot on an Apricot Poodle?
It is common for apricot poodles to show darker red hair in specific spots. These areas are often known as black points or liver points. This phenomenon arises from a recessive pigment in their genetics, which can produce either black or red tones, with red being most typical in apricot poodles.
While these darker patches are a normal occurrence, they may not be preferred in certain regions like the United States, where the ideal apricot poodle is often seen as having an even coat without darker areas.
Do Apricot Poodles Lighten Over Time?
Apricot Poodles can experience changes in their coat color as they age. Many owners may not realize they have an apricot Poodle until the dog matures.
- Fading Process: This color change often occurs between the ages of 2 and 3. During this time, a Poodle’s coat may lighten from its original color.
- Factors Involved: UV light exposure can influence how quickly this fading happens.
Light brown or tan Poodles are especially prone to transitioning into a lighter apricot shade. After the initial fading, the coat typically stabilizes, maintaining its lighter color throughout adulthood.
Additional Characteristics of Apricot Poodles
Apricot Poodles are distinguished by several specific features that contribute to their unique appearance and charm.
Nose: The nose of an apricot Poodle is typically brown and has a leathery texture, similar to that of a brown Poodle.
Eyes: Most apricot Poodles possess dark brown eyes. These dogs often have dark rims around their eyes, adding to their striking look. The fur beneath their eyes may carry a hint of red, brown, or amber.
Chest: An apricot Poodle might display a small amount of white fur on its chest. This characteristic can lead to confusion with other Poodle colors, including red.
Lips and Toenails: In addition to the nose and eyes, these Poodles have dark lips and toenails, maintaining a sleek and polished look.
These features not only enhance the apricot coat but also reflect the breed’s diverse and appealing nature. Their friendly personality, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat make them a popular choice for families. Regular grooming, including brushing, is essential to keep their fur in good condition and to monitor for potential health issues like hip dysplasia or Addison’s disease.
Are Apricot Poodles Considered Rare?
Apricot Poodles are indeed among the rarest color variants in the Poodle breed. This unique coloration was likely the last to be officially acknowledged. Some believe the dark red color in Poodles may have originated from the apricot shade.
Key points about Apricot Poodles:
- Rarity: The apricot color is less common due to its recessive gene, which limits its occurrence compared to other Poodle colors.
- Identification: They may be easily confused with darker shades, making it harder to recognize their true color.
- Color Composition: Apricot Poodles often exhibit various shades of brown, blue, and white.
Their distinctive traits contribute to their status as a sought-after and rare Poodle color.
What Is the Size of Apricot Poodles?
Apricot Poodles come in various sizes, and their size depends on the type of Poodle they belong to. Here are the three main types:
- Height: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
- Weight: 45-68 pounds (20.4-31 kg)
- Height: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
- Weight: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg)
Toy Poodle:
- Height: Up to 10 inches (25 cm)
- Weight: 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg)
Each type shares the apricot coat color, but they vary greatly in size, allowing potential owners to choose based on their preferences or living situations.
Apricot Poodle Puppies
Finding an apricot poodle puppy can be challenging due to the rarity of this color. Many puppies may be confused with red or brown poodles, leading to incorrect color listings. Additionally, a puppy’s true coloration may not be visible until maturity.
Prices for apricot poodle puppies can vary widely based on the breeder and location. They often exceed standard poodle prices due to the uncommon color.
For reference, here are some general costs:
- Standard Poodle: $700 – $1,500
- Miniature Poodle: $1,000 – $2,000
- Toy Poodle: $1,000 – $2,000
Potential buyers should research carefully to find reputable breeders.
How to Get an Apricot Poodle – Buying or Adopting
To find an apricot poodle, it’s best to reach out to a local breeder. When contacting a breeder, he or she should ask about the dog’s lineage, coat color, and features such as nose and eye color. It’s important to inquire whether the dog has any liver spots, as these are key identifiers of an apricot poodle.
Due to the rarity of this color, it may be helpful to locate a breeder specializing in apricot and red poodles.
Alternatively, adopting an apricot poodle is another option. Adopting allows potential owners to see the dog’s appearance fully, especially if it has faded. This can help ensure that the dog truly has the desired coat color and traits.
Costs for purchasing from a breeder can range from $2,000 to $5,000, reflecting the rarity of the breed. Many breeders may also have waiting lists due to the limited availability of apricot poodles.
Final Thoughts
The apricot poodle is an exceptional breed known for its unique coat color. This rare shade was one of the last recognized in poodles, with its first entry documented in 1898. Initially bred in England, the increased popularity of apricot poodles led American breeders to import them to enhance the breed’s lineage.
Their distinct coat features a reddish hue that can sometimes be confused with other colors. As a result, some apricot poodles may be incorrectly registered as brown or beige. Additionally, they may display liver spots—dark spots on their body—and develop white fur on their chest. Their facial features, such as the nose and eyes, tend to be darker, adding to their charm.
Apricot poodles do not have a fixed size; instead, they come in the same various sizes as other poodles, including standard, miniature, and toy. This variety allows prospective owners to choose an apricot poodle that fits their preferences and living situations.
Marko, a recognized expert in poodle care, brings valuable insights into these remarkable dogs. His extensive experience with poodles and credentials in Animal Behavior and Canine Genetics further enhance the understanding of this rare and beautiful poodle color. Owning an apricot poodle can be a rewarding experience, combining elegance with a playful spirit.
