Red and apricot are two coat colors of Poodle. Both colors are considered very rare, and some mistakenly claim that the two are genetically the same, although studies suggest that the red coat color is caused by the existence of a gene known as the Rufus gene, which is not present in the apricot color.
It can be very difficult to determine whether a Poodle is apricot or red, especially when they are adults, as the red color can fade over time. Beyond the color differences, red and apricot Poodles are the same. Like all Poodles, they come in three sizes and are considered excellent pets and working dogs that are especially good at agility and obedience thanks to their high intelligence and diligent attitude.
Read on to learn more about these two colors of Poodle.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
- Average height (adult): 10–32 inches
- Average weight (adult): 8–70 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Exercise: 1+ hours a day
- Grooming needs: Moderate/Heavy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Other pet-friendly: Often
- Trainability: Intelligent, lively, fun-loving
- Average height (adult): 10–32 inches
- Average weight (adult): 8–70 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Exercise: 1+ hours a day
- Grooming needs: Moderate/Heavy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Other pet-friendly: Often
- Trainability: Intelligent, lively, fun-loving
Red Poodle Breed Overview
The Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It is known for being highly intelligent and relatively easy to train, although owners do need to be persistent and consistent with training methods.
The red Poodle is a specific color of Poodle. It can come in toy, miniature, and standard size, and the red Poodle can vary from a light rusty red to a dark, almost mahogany color.
Appearance
Poodles come in three sizes. The Standard Poodle is the largest size of the breed and stands more than 15 inches at the shoulder. The Miniature Poodle is between 10–15 inches at the shoulder. The Toy Poodle is shorter than 10 inches at the shoulder.
Red Poodles can stand at any of these heights and they all share the curly Poodle coat. The Red color can range from light to dark, and it may fade or even darken over time. If a Red Poodle’s coat fades, it can end up with a similar color coat to that of an Apricot Poodle.
Care
The Poodle is sometimes described as being hypoallergenic, although no dog can really be hypoallergenic because they all create the protein that causes allergic reactions in sufferers. However, the Poodle does not shed as much or as often as other dogs. With less hair on furniture and in the air, this means people are less likely to inhale the protein or get the hair on them.
All sizes of Poodle do require the same care, and the breed’s curly hair does require some routine maintenance, even if you don’t intend to give your pup the traditional Poodle cut. Expect to brush at least two to three times a week to prevent matting.
Training
Poodles are notoriously intelligent and are easy to train, as long as you are consistent in your training methods. The breed is especially skilled at agility because it is energetic and athletic and also tends to perform well in other canine sports and classes.
Suitable for:
This dog is suitable for energetic owners that want an intelligent dog that is easy to train and that has the time to dedicate to walking and exercise. The color is considered rare, which means that a Red Poodle is likely to be more expensive than other standard colors.
Apricot Poodle Breed Overview
The Apricot Poodle, although a slightly different color, is the same breed as the Red Poodle and therefore shares the same character, characteristics, and traits. It is intelligent, can come in all Poodle sizes, and does require some routine maintenance to help ensure that it is healthy and happy.
Appearance
The different sizes of Poodles do have different requirements and potentially different characters. The Standard Poodle is more stoic and level-headed than the smaller sizes. The larger size obviously eats more than the smaller dogs and has greater exercise requirements.
When it comes to color, the Apricot color will likely fade over time because it is prone to fading in UV light.
Care
Poodle cuts were originally functional, enabling the dog to be able to move more swiftly and comfortably while still enjoying some protection from water and cold. If you intend to show or exhibit your Poodle, there are various cuts, and you will need to check with the body organizing the exhibition to get the right cut for your dog.
Training
The Toy Poodle is more of a companion dog than a working dog, which means that it can be more difficult to train and may not exhibit the same high levels of intelligence as the Standard or even the Miniature. With that said, if you are consistent in your training and use positive reinforcement techniques, you should still be able to successfully train your Poodle, regardless of its size.
Suitable for:
Poodles do make excellent pets. The smaller sizes can adapt well to life in apartments and do not require as much exercise as the Standard, but all breeds do benefit from spending plenty of time outdoors and burning off excess energy, so you need to be able to provide regular exercise if you are considering this breed.
Are There Any Differences Other Than Color?
The only difference between the Apricot and Red Poodle is the color. Both colors are considered rare, and both are recognized by Poodle groups and Kennel Clubs, which means that the cost to buy a puppy in either of these colors can be very high.
Uses For Poodles
Poodles are intelligent and easy to train. They are also energetic and have good stamina. This combination of traits means that they have found use in a variety of roles over the years, including:
- Hunting Dogs – The Poodle was originally bred as a hunting dog. In particular, it would retrieve dead birds and dead game from rivers and wetlands. Their thick coat helped protect them from the water, and the extravagant cuts that we associate with the breed enable them to move around freely while still enjoying protection from the elements.
- Assistance And Guide Dogs – The intelligence and gentle nature of the Poodle mean that they make excellent guide dogs for the blind. Because they can be trained to perform any variety of tasks and are level-headed with good levels of concentration, they also make excellent assistance dogs that can perform tasks for those with physical disabilities.
- Police Dogs – The Standard Poodle, in particular, is used as a police dog. It is attentive and bright, can be trained, and can also detect illegal substances.
- Therapy Dogs – Therapy dogs need to be gentle with people and put up with being stroked, patted, and prodded. They bring joy to those that interact with them and can help patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and a host of other problems.
- Truffle Hunters – The Poodle is stoic and has a good sense of smell. It can also be trained easily, which means that the Poodle has been used for truffle hunting. It is also a very popular breed in France, where many truffles are located.
Which Breed Is Right For You?
Poodles are a popular breed of dog, come in three sizes, and can come in a variety of colors. Two of the rarer colors that are popular with owners are red and apricot. Although some believe them to be the same color or have the same genes, the red color likely comes as a result of the Rufus gene which is not found in apricot-colored Poodles.
Featured Image Credit: (L) Diana Kellior, Shutterstock | (R) Linas T, Shutterstock
