Black Poodle Puppy Images

Black Poodle Puppy Images

With so many Poodle colors, many cannot choose a favorite. However, the stunning solid black and the snowy pure white are the 2 most common Poodle colors. When it comes to a black Poodle, let’s take a look at how one may be confused when the puppy is a newborn and begin to look at the genes that are involved with this color dog.

Poodles have 2 coats of hair, an outer coat (the one that you will see) and the inner coat (the one which you will usually only see when grooming).

Black Poodle Pictures, Images and Stock Photos
Black Poodle Pictures, Images and Stock Photos

In a study using 50 Poodles and using a microscope to study hairs, it has been found that:

70% of black poodles have a black inner coat. The remaining 30% have inner colors ranging from grey to blue.
63.7 black Poodles will have gray-aging occur (Then the coat slowly turns a grayish/white as the dog matures.
A true black Poodle is a deep ink black. The dog’s outer coat will have zero blue or silver tinting and not have any white or silver guard hairs (Although a black can have graying due to aging (63.7 % of the time according to one study).
The face (skin) when shaved will be deep black, as well. A true black will not “clear” or “fade” as the dog turns from puppy to adult. Blacks will have black points and very dark brown eyes.
Black Poodle Pictures
Black Poodle Pictures

When a Black is NOT a Black…

3 different colored Poodles can be born black. Therefore, if you have or see a black Poodle newborn puppy, one must look at the points of the dog and the pup’s pedigree to determine if a change will take place.
The 3 colored Poodles that are born black are:
  • Silvers
  • Blues
  • True Blacks
Silvers will “clear” during the first year. This means a change of color in the coat of the dog.

This involves the gradual loss of pigmentation from about 90% of the inner coat (the hairs will become transparent or white, depending on thickness), but a substantial percentage of the outer, guard hairs retain some color.

Black poodle Images, Stock Photos & Vectors
Black poodle Images, Stock Photos & Vectors
All blue Poodles are born black and then “clear” within 1 to 2 years. For this reason, many blue Poodles are registered as black. The outer coat of a blue is usually as dark as that of a black, but hairs at the root is a mix of colors. The amount of each color depends on the age of the dog. In middle-aged dogs, medium brown predominates. True blue Poodles will have blue skin pigmentation and most have dark brown eyes.

A true black Poodle will have 3 certain enzymes that must all be present to produce black.

The first is referred to as the dark eumelanin enzyme…this is what makes hair either black or brown.
Poodles that do not have this, will have the Pheomelanin enzyme instead, which would create a light colored coat.
So, to begin a Poodle may have the eumelanin enzyme and then in order to be a true black, there has to be two accessory enzymes that must be there as well, known as TRP1 and TRP2.
Since dogs carry genes from both parents, a Poodle with 2 black color genes has the  genotype of BB.
If a Poodle has one black and one brown gene factor, the  genotype is Bb; however black is dominant over brown and the coat would be black. That Poodle, however – if bred- will pass down the Bb gene, which could produce black or brown puppies, depending one which gene the other parent passes down.

Do Black Poodles have Different Behavior?

  • Have you heard of black dog syndrome?
  • It applies to all sized dogs, however tends to be used more with medium to large sized dogs, therefore it would apply to the standard Poodle more than the toy.
  • This is a theory that has not yet been fully proven – though informal studies have been done – that black colored dogs are passed over for adoption in favor of their lighter colored counterparts.
  • Some say that this is most due to media (TV shows and movies) depicting black dogs to be more aggressive or non-friendly. While it appears that some shelters have reported that dark coated or black dogs take a bit longer to adopt out, this seems to only apply to mixed breeds.
  • There are absolutely no temperament or behavioral differences between black Poodles and those of any other color. The coat color does not dictate a Poodle’s personality, ability or socialize any other factors at all that would influence how the dog behaves.

Grooming a Black Poodle

With a dark coat, it’s important to remember that their coat will highlight any lighter colored debris or dirt in their coat, more so than a lighter Poodle. Over time, your dog’s deep black coat may begin to fade. In this case, you may also want to consider using a color-enhancing shampoo. This can help bring out the natural color of the coat. Be sure not to dye the color of your dog’s hair. While black may be a popular color for many, it’s not the only option for choosing your perfect puppy.

Caring for a Black Poodle

Care elements are just about the same, there are only two minor differences:
Black coats will show light colored debris, just as lighter coats will show darker dirt and debris. For this reason, depending on what activities a black Poodle engages in and such things as the color fabric of carpeting in the house, etc. the coat may appear to be in need of grooming less or more often. If a black Poodle is attracting light colored lint, a quick spritz of a finishing spray will help the hairs repel fine particles.
Black Standard Poodle Stock Photos and Images
Black Standard Poodle Stock Photos and Images
As with all colors, black can lose its vibrancy over time. Elements such as long term sun exposure may cause a gradual reddening or a fading. To keep the coat as deep and deliciously black as possible, you may want to use color enhancing shampoos that do not dye the hairs but do bring out natural color.

Black Poodle Health

The genes that cause a solid black coat on Poodles are not linked to any major health issues. But, black Poodle dogs may be at risk of the same hereditary health issues as other shades. So, you should investigate the health problems most commonly seen in Poodles to know early signs of diseases. Here are some of the most common Poodle health issues to help you get started:

  • Dental issues
  • Heart problems
  • Addison’s disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Patellar Luxation

Some health conditions can vary in likeliness depending on the size variety your Poodle is. So, when researching, make sure you’re specific about whether you have a Standard, Miniature or Toy variety.

Finding a Black Poodle Puppy

  • Black is one of the most common Poodle colors because the genes required are all dominant. So, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to find a true black Poodle. However, it is important that you are choosing a reputable breeder. The best breeders may have waiting lists, particularly since they won’t always have litters available.
  • Do plenty of research when finding a breeder. Avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders, as dogs and puppies from these places are more likely to be kept in poor conditions. These disreputable breeders will breed for a quick profit, but puppies are more likely to have health and behavioral issues.
  • Reputable breeders will be happy to let you meet the puppies and their mother in person, so you can ensure they are friendly and well cared for. They will also provide evidence of health testing.

Other Poodle Colors

Poodles, whether a toy, miniature, medium, or standard, can come in a range of different colors, not just black. Keep in mind that the coat color of the Poodle does not have an impact on the personality or intelligence of the Poodle. There are no behavioral or temperament differences between the different coat colors of Poodles. Other factors, such as training, socialization, and prior experiences in raised, are better indicators of their overall personality. Breeding processes and the Poodle parents also play a significant role in how the Poodle interacts and lives.

While some may prefer a lighter colored Poodle, the darker Poodles can be just as loveable and friendly. Other Poodle colors that can be worth considering include the other very popular coat color choice of white. White Poodles have a black nose and eyes. These coats are often preferred as they give off a more soft, cuddly, and fluffy look than perhaps some other colors. Brown is another coat color for a Poodle that can be very popular as well. These Poodles can have a range of darkness in their coats, ranging from deep mahogany or a softer tan. As they age, they may lighten up even more so.

While Brown Poodles with amber eyes are most craved, they may also have eyes the color of yellow or green. Red and Apricot Poodles are rarer in breeding groups but can be just as intriguing as the other colors. Apricot is a softer version of the red coat color, although both are interesting options. They differ in color from brown as they have a more copper or auburn hue to them. However, Red Poodles, in particular, may change their coat color over time, turning to more of a lighter tan.

Apricot is considered the last color to be introduced into breeding Poodles and is, therefore, more challenging to breed. Gray Poodles don’t necessarily mean they are old dogs. Some are born gray and stay that color throughout their life. However, the gray color is most commonly found in adult dogs as they age, transitioning in color from a blue or brown to full-on gray color. According to the American Kennel Club, despite the tendency for this color to be associated with older dogs, it’s still an accepted color.

Final Thoughts

With so many options of Poodles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect puppy for you and your family. While there are certainly options, the black Poodle has become a prevalent option, with its deep and rich coat color. See what Poodle puppies are available in your area and choose the Poodle with a coat color you find most interesting. And as each size of Toy, Miniature, Medium, and Standard Poodle can come in all of these colors, you’re sure to find the right one for you, whether you live in a tiny apartment or a large mansion. With their beauty, liveliness, and high intelligence, you can’t go wrong with a Poodle.

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