Do you know how many different colors poodles can have? There are so many that you could really go crazy when it comes to choosing one. But in this article we are going to focus on a very special color. Not only because it is beautiful, but also because it is very difficult to find in poodle breeders. It is the red toy poodle.
How is a red toy poodle bred? What is the role of genetics to get the red color in a poodle? What price can these dogs reach? Since in Las Almenas we are dedicated to the responsible breeding of purebred dogs, we can answer these and other questions about the red toy poodle.
Characteristics of the red toy poodle
This is the newest developed color of the poodles. The red toy poodle became an official color in 1980, when it was included in the IFC standard as reddish fawn.
The red toy poodle is a particularly striking dog and, due to the rarity of its genetics, has become one of the most coveted dogs. Fortunately, there are breeders specialized in breeding the red toy poodle, such as Las Almenas.
If you are considering buying a red toy poodle puppy, you have to keep in mind that this color can fade with age. Yes, the color can change from a strong red to an apricot-orange color as the dog gets older.
The apricot poodle is a very similar color and is sometimes confused with the red toy poodle. The word apricot comes from apricot in English and this is precisely the color that best defines these coats.
Both the red toy poodle and the apricot not only share the same color, but both are the result of a recessive gene.
The coat of the red toy poodle should be uniform and can range from pale fawn to reddish fawn or even orange fawn (apricot). As for the color of the eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membranes, palate, natural orifices, scrotum and pads, these should be well pigmented and as dark as possible.
In fact, a depigmented nose is considered a severe lack, as well as the lack of color on its edges.
The eyes of the poodle should always be as dark as possible, dark brown almost black in all colors of poodles, except the brown which may have slightly lighter eyes.
As a general rule, the fur of black, gray and white poodles is dark or black, in the brown color it is dark brown and in the red and apricot toy poodle it can be one or the other color.
As for the coat, whatever its color, it is characterized by being curly with a soft texture. The poodle has no undercoat, so it is one of the dog breeds that shed the least hair and does not shed, which is why the poodle is grouped among the hypoallergenic dogs.
Recessive genetics of the red toy poodle
As is logical, the coat depends on the dog’s genetics. Simply put, each dog receives one color gene from the father and one from the mother. Although both genes are present, only one will ultimately be expressed. If, for example, a dog has a dominant black coat gene and the recessive brown gene from the other parent, the puppy’s coat color will be black. This is because the dominant gene overcomes the recessive gene and becomes the finally expressed gene.
But how do you get the red color of the poodle if this is a recessive gene? As we say, to get a red or apricot toy poodle it is necessary that the dog has two recessive genes present.
The red toy poodle was developed from the apricot line, hence some can be as light as apricot poodles. But dark colors of red, such as mahogany, are also common.
Thus, to obtain a red toy poodle of intense color, homogeneous and without gradients, it is appropriate to cross two intense red specimens, although it can also be obtained with the apricot cross.
In the case of the apricot poodle, its orange color should be as uniform as possible, although in general it lightens a little and there is a color gradient in the body. It is possible that it is born black due to a genetic component of the sable color, but then it will be apricot at the base. To get this color, it is best to cross two parents as orange as possible or that one of them is a red poodle.
Color changes of the red toy poodle
Red poodles, like apricots, can undergo many color changes as the dog grows.
It is important to note that occasionally they are born a very bright red and then lighten over time. Although, in most cases, they are born dark and by the time they reach a year or 18 months of age they lighten.
Some of these red toy poodle puppies remain lighter, while in other cases, the color darkens again as they age.
When a red poodle lightens, the color will usually become a sort of apricot poodle.
Since these color changes can occur during the puppy stage, it is a good idea to see and meet the parents before you buy or adopt your red toy poodle. This will give you a clear idea of what color your puppy will be when it grows up and becomes an adult.
Although the color of the red toy poodle may fade or change over time, it is sure to remain a beautiful color.
Poodle colors, temperament and health
If you’ve been told that coat color makes poodles temperamentally different, you’re already dispelling this false myth. Neither the red toy poodle is particularly shy nor the brown poodle is more mischievous than the rest of the breed.
You already know that what marks the temperament of a dog are several factors, such as the education and training it receives.
There may be a certain connection between his health and certain coat color patterns. This is the case with lack of pigmentation. If a poodle’s ears or around the ears lack pigmentation and are white, this may be related to the dog’s hearing loss.
So-called “harlequin poodles” or any other type of coat spotting, even a small one, on the chest and legs are also not acceptable. Poodles spotted with the particolor or harlequin gene bring with them defects such as deafness or blindness.
In short, to be sure that it is a purebred poodle, its color, whatever it is, should always be uniform.
Care of the red toy poodle
Like the rest of its breed, the red toy poodle requires certain care to ensure that it is, above all, a healthy dog that grows and lives happily.
One of the main cares is precisely the brushing of its red coat. Since poodles do not shed hair, you will have to brush it if you want to avoid tangles and, at the same time, keep the coat healthy and cared for.
On the other hand, you should be aware of the tartar they may have on their teeth and avoid possible infections in the ears by cutting the hairs that are in them. Finally, don’t forget to clean the eyes frequently to avoid diseases.
If you want to know more details about the care of this breed, we recommend that you take a look at our Complete Guide to the Poodle.
Where to buy a red toy poodle
As we have already mentioned, the red toy poodle is a very appreciated and desired dog in Spain. Their small size, their special color, their familiar temperament and everything they make us feel, makes these puppies a real delight, although their price is usually higher than conventional colored poodles.
In Las Almenas we dedicate a special care and pampering to all our toy or mini puppies to whom we educate and we try to socialize them from birth. In Las Almenas our puppies are raised in semi-freedom, since we have 7.000 m2 of nature and forest in Asturias.
We develop a familiar and very respectful breeding with each one of them. We do not give our puppies until they are vaccinated, dewormed and three months old. This way we make sure that the puppy is ready to change home.
In short, if you are looking for a small furry friend that transmits the most sincere love and affection that you can have, the red toy poodle is a great choice. However, you can contact us and we will help you select the dog that best suits your family and lifestyle. You can write us below, in the comments box or through our profiles on Facebook, Instagram and our YouTube Channel. In Las Almenas we want to find the best family for our puppies, do you want to be part of it?
