When we say Poodle, the first image that probably comes to mind is a Poodle with solid coat color. While it doesn’t seem natural for Poodles to have more than one coat color, the truth is that this adorable dog breed originally had different color combinations. A Poodle with more than one coat color is called Parti Poodle.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Parti Poodles, including why they were gone for years until recently and what other coat colors and markings they come in. At the end of this, if you’re still interested in owning one, we’ve listed places you can go to to buy one.
Table of Contents
What is a Parti Poodle?
When speaking of Poodle coats and colors, the term particolored might be new to you. Poodles most commonly come in solid colors with little or no other coloring. So, what does Parti mean in dogs?
âPartiâ has a similar meaning to âpart or partial,â so a parti-colored dog is partly one color and partly another. One of these colors is white. White is usually the base coat color and should cover at least 50% of your pupâs body. The other color is the secondary color, and it can be black, brown, apricot, brindle, or red.
The parti gene in Poodles is recessive, making these dogs unique and rare. Letâs read more about this amazing Poodle.
What is a standard Parti Poodle?
A Parti standard Poodle is a parti-colored Poodle in standard size.
Poodles come in multiple sizes, including:
- Teacup.
- Toy.
- Mini.
- Moyen.
- Standard.
Standard Poodles are the largest Poodles, whereas teacup Poodles are the smallest.
Are Parti Poodles purebred?
Yes, Parti Poodles are as purebred as any solid-colored Poodle. Unlike merle or piebald, the gene responsible for Parti-color has always been naturally present among Poodles.
Early paintings depicting Poodles often showed them in Parti colors. Unfortunately, the trend of having solid-colored Poodles took over, and breeders would eliminate any Parti Poodle pups to keep them from propagating.
However, their recent demand has encouraged breeders to produce more Parti Poodles.
What does a Parti Poodle look like?
A Parti Poodle has a predominantly white coat with patches of another color. These patches are random, which means no two Parti Poodles are alike. Like fingerprints on humans, Parti patterns are unique to each Poodle.
On a true Parti Poodle, the spots are distinct, abstract, and bigger than dots. These spots donât blend into the Poodleâs base coat and have visible borders.
Are Parti Poodles recognized by the AKC and UKC?
You can register your Parti Poodles with the AKC. However, they are not eligible for AKC-organized beauty shows. Your Parti Poodle can still enter AKCâs agility and obedience shows though.
The UKC is more lenient towards giving the Parti Poodle kennel club recognition. The UK-based kennel club allows Parti Poodles to compete in all kinds of shows. Thereâs also the Parti Poodle Club UK, which is exclusively for phantom and Parti Poodles.
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Parti Poodle color genetics
The presence of the Melanocyte Inducing Transcription Factor gene (MITF) causes the Parti pattern to emerge on a Poodle. Itâs not like you can mix a black Poodle with a white Poodle and get black and white Parti pups.
The gene is recessive, meaning you need two Parti parents to get a Parti Poodle pup. Itâs less likely to get a Parti Poodle if one of the parents is a single color.
Parti Poodle coat colors
The best thing about a Parti-colored coat is its randomness. Since each Parti-colored Poodle is unique, you have numerous color and pattern combinations to choose from.
Here are some popular coat colors Parti Poodles come in.
Phantom Parti Poodle
Phantom Poodles are often confused with Parti Poodles since they both refer to a solid coat with spots of another color. However, the base coat of a phantom Poodle can be of any color, whereas that of a Parti Poodle is always white.
A Phantom Parti Poodle would have a white base coat and a secondary color. On top of that, he would also have markings of a third color on the muzzle, chin, eyebrows, throat, chest, legs, and paws.
Apricot Parti Poodle
Apricot Parti Poodles are exceptionally rare as both apricot and Parti genes are recessive. Apricot also fades under excessive sun exposure, which makes apricot Parti Poodles even harder to come by.
The apricot Parti standard Poodle can cost over $2,000, whereas toy and mini apricot Poodles cost even more.
Black and white Parti Poodle
Black and white are among the most common Parti Poodle colors. A popular variation of this coat is a tuxedo coat. A tuxedo Parti Poodle has black fur on his back and front legs as if heâs wearing a tuxedo.
Fun Fact: Boston Terriers earned the nickname, “American Gentleman” due to their calm and gentle temperament and because of their black and white coat colors.
Red Parti Poodle
Red is among the less common Parti Poodle colors. A red Parti standard Poodle has bright reddish-brown patches on a white base coat color.
Red and white Parti Poodle
Red and white Parti Poodles have white hair covering over 50% of their bodies. They have patches of bright orange or reddish-brown fur as the secondary color.
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Sable Parti Poodle
Sable Parti Poodles are usually born brown or black, but their fur lightens over time. Sable Parti Poodles may still have darker hair on some parts of their bodies.
Brown Parti Poodle
Brown is another very common color for Parti Poodles. A brown Parti standard Poodle is similar to a red Parti Poodle, but the color isnât as vibrant.
Brown and white Parti Poodle
A brown and white Parti standard Poodle is another name for a brown Parti Poodle. Their base color is white, and brown exists as a secondary color.
Chocolate Parti Poodle
Chocolate is a unique color that results from a dilution gene. This gene not only affects the Poodleâs fur but also turns his nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads to chocolaty brown.
Chocolate Parti Poodles arenât that different from brown Parti Poodles, but they have a brown nose instead of black.
Tri color Parti Poodle
Tri-color Parti Poodles carry three colors on their coats. Tri-color Parti Poodles are usually mixed, but they can also be purebred. Phantom Parti Poodles are purebred tri-color Poodles with a white base coat, a secondary color, and a third color in the form of markings at specific points.
Brindle Parti Poodle
Brindle Parti Poodles are unique because their secondary color is a mix of two colors. Brindle refers to a tiger-like pattern of vertical stripes of another color over a dark base color.
Merle Parti Poodle
A Parti merle Poodle has a white base color with a marbled pattern. Most kennel clubs donât recognize the merle Parti Poodle due to their propensity for congenital blindness and deafness.
Merle vs Parti Poodle
Merles and Partis are often confused because theyâre pretty similar.
However, a merle coat has several characteristics that separate it from Parti coat. For instance, merle doesnât have distinct borders and the secondary color blends into the base color. Merle also carries tiny dots or ticking, whereas Parti-color carries larger patches.
Do Parti Poodles coat color fade as they grow?
Yes, Parti Poodles’ coat colors do fade as they grow. Parti Poodles experience color fading like their solid counterparts. This is especially noticeable in dark-colored pups, but light colors arenât safe either.
In a Parti Poodle, you’ll also notice that its secondary color may also fade. This usually happens during the pupâs transition into adulthood and settles once the Poodle matures.
Parti Poodle size, height, and weight
Parti Poodles come in three sizes, but there are two additional categories.
First, we have the official standard, toy, and mini Parti Poodle.
Then, thereâs also the tiny teacup and medium-sized Parti moyen Poodle, but they arenât official size categories.
Kennel clubs usually recognize the toy, mini, and standard Parti Poodle size. Hereâs how they measure up:
Parti Poodle Sizes
Size group | Height | Weight |
Teacup Parti Poodle | Below 9 inches | Under 6 pounds |
Toy Parti Poodle | 9-11 inches | 6-9 pounds |
Miniature Parti Poodle | 10-15 inches | 10-20 pounds |
Moyen Parti Poodle | 14-18 inches | 20-30 pounds |
Standard Parti Poodle | 15-24 inches | 40-70 pounds |
Parti Poodle temperament and personality
Parti Poodles are intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and playful pups. They love being around people and suffer from anxiety if you leave them alone for too long.
Parti Poodles are very well-behaved as long as you give them enough physical and mental stimulation. Failing to do so can drive your Parti Poodle to excessive barking, over-excitement, and destructive behavior like forgetting their potty training and chewing on whatever they can find.
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Do Parti Poodles make good family dogs?
Parti Poodles can get along with a family of any size. Whether itâs just you and your pup or a house with kids, Parti Poodles have no issues adjusting accordingly.
Theyâre not aggressive towards other dogs and have a moderate prey drive, meaning you can keep them with other pets.
When picking a family pooch, you need to consider their temperament, energy level, aggression, and health. Parti Poodles rank high in all these attributes, making them perfect for families.
The best part is that theyâre hypoallergenic. If someone in your family has canine allergies, they can still enjoy a Parti Poodleâs company.
How to care for your Parti Poodle basic needs
Parti Poodles make lovely pets if you tend to their needs. These include training, exercise, a healthy diet, grooming, and medical checkups. Letâs go through their basic requirements.
Parti Poodle training
The Parti Poodle loves the attention he gets during training. Parti Poodles are intelligent dogs and quick learners, so whatever you teach them will stick fast. With the right approach, plenty of encouragement, and occasional reward treats, training your Parti Poodle can be a breeze.
Parti Poodle exercise requirement
Parti Poodles need to be active and stimulated every day. If you donât provide them with enough exercise, they can become restless and develop unwanted behaviors like digging and chewing to satisfy their energy needs.
Make sure you give your Parti Poodle 45 to 60 minutes of playtime outside. You can take them for a long walk, a jog, or even a swim.
Parti Poodle grooming and cleaning
Grooming is perhaps the only aspect of Parti Poodle care that can be a challenge. Not only do you need to brush their coat daily, but you also have to bathe them more frequently than other canines.
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You may need professional grooming services if you plan to present your Parti Poodle in beauty pageants. In between professional grooming appointments, you’ll want to brush and bathe your Parti Poodle at home.
While brushing and bathing them may not be that much of an issue, a proper haircut requires skilled hands.
Are Parti Poodles hypoallergenic?
Yes, Parti Poodles are hypoallergenic. Their coats shed minimally, they donât produce excessive dander, they donât drool a lot, and you can train them not to pee inside your home.
Since the leading causes of canine allergies are fur, dander, saliva, and urine, the Parti Poodle is an ideal breed for allergy sufferers.
Parti Poodle food and diet
We recommend moderating your Parti Poodleâs food intake to ensure a healthy weight. This can take some tough love on your part. Avoid feeding them more than whatâs recommended â even if your heart tells you to.
Recommended food quantity for your Parti Poodle will depend on his size, health, activity level, and age. Itâs best to ask a vet for the right amount if you’re not sure.
Parti Poodle common health issues
Parti Poodles are generally healthy, but they can suffer from some congenital issues. Luckily, you can avoid most of them by selecting a reputable breeder that checks their pups for health and quality. These are some common Parti Poodle ailments:
1. Bloat
Bloat occurs when your Parti Poodleâs stomach twists around due to excessive gas. It hinders blood supply to the stomach, which causes it to swell immensely and become blocked.
2. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism decreases your Parti Poodleâs thyroid hormone levels, which in turn affects their metabolism. This can cause obesity, lethargy, hair loss, and weight gain.
3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA can lead to blindness. It starts with night blindness and ends with complete vision loss.
4. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a musculoskeletal disorder that can lead to mobility problems. Itâs more prevalent in large pups like the standard Parti Poodle.
5. Von Willebrandâs disease
Von Willebrandâs disease or VWD is a hereditary disease that prevents your Parti Poodleâs blood from clotting properly. This can lead to harmless injuries turning into severe ones.
Parti Poodle lifespan
Parti Poodles enjoy a similar lifespan as other Poodles. These pups can live for up to 10 to 18 years.
Parti Poodle breeders
There are many reputable standard, mini, and toy Parti Poodle breeders, so finding the right one is all about doing your research. Those who sell their dogs with pet policies are more likely to be credible than those who donât.
Before purchasing your Parti Poodle, itâs best to ask for documentation of genetic testing, shipping information, and medical tests. A legitimate breeder will provide all that without a fuss.
Some breeders â like All Nite Parti Poodles â also offer health guarantees for their Parti Poodle puppies.
Parti Poodle puppies
The price of Parti Poodle puppies ranges from $500 to $2,000. Parti standard Poodle puppies are usually cheaper, whereas Parti toy Poodle puppies and mini Parti Poodle puppies cost slightly higher.
Unique sizes and colors fetch an even higher sum. For example, teacup Parti Poodle puppies and merle Parti Poodle puppies routinely cost above $2,000
Parti Poodle rescue
Parti Poodle rescue centers can be a great way to find your perfect four-legged family member, but itâs not as easy as buying one. These centers have all kinds of dogs, and you wonât necessarily find a Parti Poodle there.
Parti Poodles for adoption
Adopting one of these playful furballs is an equally great idea. Youâll get all the love and joy of parenthood for much cheaper. Grooming and feeding a Parti Poodle is expensive enough; adoption can help you save some money.
How much do Parti Poodles cost?
You need $500 to $2,000 to buy Parti Poodle puppies. However, the expenses donât end here. We have broken down some prominent costs of owning a Parti Poodle.
- Shipping: $400.
- Bed and leash: $50-$200.
- Initial medical bills: $1,000.
- Yearly medical bills: $300-$500 per year.
- Grooming: $50-$100 per month.
- Food: $700 per year.
- Toys: $100 per year.
Parti Poodle Puppies for Sale
Standard Parti Poodle puppies for sale
Heart Song Standard Poodles is a great place to start to look for a Parti Poodle puppy.
Black and white Parti Poodle puppies for sale
Youâll find the most adorable black and white Parti Poodle pups at Smith Standard Poodles.
Miniature Parti Poodle puppies for sale
Want some Parti Poodles in a tiny package? Check out the puppies at Dreamtime Parti Poodles.
Parti Poodle puppies for sale UK
The Parti Poodle Club breed some of the most beautiful phantom and Parti Poodle puppies in the UK.
Parti Poodles for sale
Standard Parti Poodles for sale near me
Standard Parti Poodles may not be the most popular Poodle breed, but they make awesome pets. Here are some places to find them.
Parti Poodle Colorado
Grace Poodles sell some lovely purebred Parti Poodles and Poodle mixes.
Parti Poodles Wisconsin
Donât let the name deter you; Stokeshire Designer Doodles also have purebred Parti Poodles.
Parti Poodles for sale Australia
Standard Parti Poodles Australia are registered breeders of standard Parti Poodles in Australia.
Parti Poodles for sale in BC
Pure Poodle Puppy Love is a family-run business breeding standard Parti Poodles in Canada’s British Columbia.
Parti Poodles for sale in Georgia
Itâs a Poodle Parti in Georgia takes pride in raising Poodles like family.
Parti Poodle Texas
If youâre looking for Standard Parti Poodles in Texas, donât forget to check out MNJPoodles.
Parti Poodles Ontario
Familyâs Standard Poodles are among the top part Poodle breeders in the area.
Parti standard Poodles for sale in NC
If youâre somewhere in North Carolina, Above and Beyond Standards can help you find the Parti Poodle of your dreams.
Toy Parti Poodles for sale near me
There are several places to look for Parti-colored toy Poodles for sale. Here are some of them.
Toy Parti Poodles Australia
You can find some lovely Parti Poodles of every size at Mystical Parti Poodles in New South Wales.
Toy Parti Poodles for sale in Texas
To find adorable tiny Parti Poodle pups, check out Texas teacups.
Toy Parti Poodles for sale in Ohio
Green valley puppies breed toy Poodles and several other doggy breeds.
Miniature Parti Poodles for sale near me
Miniature Parti Poodles for sale Australia
Heritage Parti Poodles have a healthy collection of mini Parti Poodle for sale.
Moyen Parti Poodles for sale near me
Renowned Poodles have some beautiful Parti Poodles for sale in moyen size.
Is the Parti Poodle right for me?
Parti Poodles are an excellent choice for families and individuals alike. These fun-loving pups make delightful companions, and they even suit people who are allergic to most dogs.
If youâre interested in adding a Parti Poodle to your family, itâs important to remember that this breed does require some additional care. Youâll need to feed them responsibly, groom them regularly, and give them lots of attention.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/415126
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.