Looking for a furry friend that’s full of energy and sweetness?
Look no further than the Apricot Miniature Poodle!
Apricot miniature poodles are an enchanting breed with a lovely apricot coat. Weighing 10-15 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall, they live for 12-18 years. AKC states that while black-colored points are preferred, liver-colored points and amber eyes are permitted, with natural shading variations not considered a fault.
These pups are known for their lively personalities and their stunning, apricot-colored coats.
But what makes Apricot Miniature Poodles so special?
In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to these lovable pups.
From their unique traits and characteristics to their history and care requirements, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if an Apricot Miniature Poodle is the right breed for you.
Apricot Miniature Poodles Vital Stats
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Variety: Miniature
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Apricot
- Average Price: $1825 to $2900
- Price Range: $2320
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: 10 to 15 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
- Coat: Curly, Long
- Rarity: Rare
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Exercise: >30 minutes
- Personality: Intelligent, Versatile, Eager to Please, Active, Energetic, Confident, Agile, Loyal, Shy, Sharp
- Traits: Intelligent, Highly Energetic, Non-Aggressive, Decent with other dogs, Good with children, Highly affectionate with family members, Low Shedding (Hypoallergenic), Require Regular Grooming, Less Likely to Drool, Highly Playful, Highly Trainable, Very Vocal, Needs a lot of Mental & Physical Stimulation, Highly Open to Meeting New People
What Are Apricot Miniature Poodles?
Apricot miniature poodles are a unique and highly sought-after variety of poodle known for their vivid, bright color that resembles the shade of a ripe apricot fruit.
However, the color can vary from dog to dog, ranging from a brilliant tan with an overlay of pink to a strange pinky cream.
According to Mrs. Hoyt’s book “The Book of the Poodle,” apricot miniature poodles must have dark brown, almost black, eyes, eyerims, nose, lips, and toenails.
While lighter pigment is acceptable in the show ring, darker pigment is preferred. Mrs. Hoyt also notes that the apricot color is popular in the show ring and with the public when it is not faded, but faded apricot is not attractive.
Establishing an apricot line is not an easy task, as it often involves sacrificing type and temperament for color.
The best way to start an apricot line is to have at least one apricot dog and to try to stick to this color. If a cross must be made, a black, blue, or gray that is known to carry apricot should be used.
Breeding apricots to other colors can present problems, according to Mackey J. Irick Jr’s book “The New Poodle.” Breeding to blacks usually results in the apricot being covered completely, while breeding to browns introduces the danger of unattractive brown noses and points.
Breeding to pure whites poses the problem of white chests and toe markings or even a dark apricot line down the back of a cream dog. Therefore, apricot breeders agree that apricots should be kept pure.
Established apricot lines can produce true apricots generation after generation.
English apricots trace back to a deep apricot dog named Aureolin of Toytown, while in the United States, Ch. Woodland Burning Bright, his son Ch. Marjoe’s Tangerine Tiger, and his son Ch. Lyca’s Dime Store Novel have had a significant influence on apricot miniature poodles.
Apricot Miniature Poodle History
The Miniature Poodle is a special breed with a long and fascinating history that is closely linked to the Standard Poodle.
Both breeds are actually varieties of the same breed, which has been around for over six centuries.
It’s unclear whether the Standard Poodle came first or whether various sizes of Poodles were evolved simultaneously according to human needs.
What is known is that the Standard Poodle was likely bred as a water fowl retriever in Germany, and the name “Poodle” comes from the German word “pudel,” which means to splash in water.
Some people believe that the Poodle is a descendant of the French Barbet, and it has been proclaimed the national dog of France.
Regardless of its origin, the Poodle quickly became one of the most popular dogs in Continental Europe, with paintings of dogs identical to Poodles originating in Germany as early as the 15th to 16th century.
In the 18th century, the Standard Poodle was the principal pet dog in Spain, while Toy Poodles were found in many royal households in France during the same period.
The Miniature Poodle was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that Miniature Poodles gained widespread popularity in the United States.
Today, Miniature Poodles are beloved for their intelligence, loyalty, and adorable appearance.
They are a versatile breed that excels in many areas, including as therapy dogs, agility competitors, and loving companions.
At one time, Miniature Poodles were trained to perform in circuses and street shows. However, these practices have been banned because of the cruel methods used for training.
Nowadays, these little dogs are mostly kept as cherished pets.
Apricot Miniature Poodle Temperament
Miniature Poodles are a breed that makes wonderful pets due to their lovable and playful temperament.
They are highly trainable and amongst some of the most intelligent breeds of dogs.
Miniature Poodles are easy to train and excel in obedience, agility, and even therapy work.
These dogs are very energetic and require regular exercise, so they’ll benefit from going on walks or having playtime in a yard.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become hyperactive and restless.
A bored Miniature Poodle may start to chew on things they shouldn’t or even become destructive.
Although Miniature Poodles are not guard dogs, they make great watchdogs.
They can alert you in case of an intruder by barking loudly but do not expect them to guard your home.
Miniature Poodles are social animals and love to be around people, so they are not ideal for homes where they’ll be left alone for long periods of time.
They thrive in households where they receive lots of love and attention.
Another great trait of Miniature Poodles is that they get along well with children.
They are patient and gentle with kids, which makes them great family dogs.
Miniature Poodles can also be affectionate with strangers once they get to know them.
Are Apricot Miniature Poodles Rare?
According to experts, apricot Poodles are indeed the rarest of all the Poodle colors.
They are also the most difficult to breed and care for, as their unique shade tends to fade in the sun.
But despite the challenges associated with apricot Poodles, they are incredibly popular among dog lovers.
So, what exactly is apricot, and how does it differ from other Poodle colors?
Apricot is a term that covers a range of gold shades, from pale to dark orange, and even pinkish tones that resemble the inside of a ripe apricot. It is a dilute color that is next to the greatest dilution of brown, with cream being at the end of the scale.
There are three types of apricot Poodles: those that appear in cream lines, those that come from basically colored lines of brown, silver, and black blood, and those that come from a strongly line-bred family of this color.
The third type is the rarest and does not fade as readily as the other two.
Breeding apricot Poodles can be challenging, and it is essential to breed them to themselves or with a certain amount of line breeding.
It is also possible to cross apricot with silver, pale browns, or extremely light-colored browns.
However, mating apricot to black can result in one of two alternate effects: either it will bring it up again to brown or destroy it altogether and result in black dogs.
Are Apricot Miniature Poodles Hypoallergenic?
If you’re allergic to dogs, but you want to add a furry friend to your family, you’ve probably got a apricot miniature poodle on your mind.
But are apricot miniature poodles really hypoallergenic?
No, they are not!
Let me explain.
According to a study conducted by the researchers at Henry Ford Hospital, there were no findings that could support the claim that households with hypoallergenic dogs had fewer allergens as compared to homes with non-hypoallergenic dogs.
So why is it a widely accepted ‘fact’ that apricot miniature poodles are hypoallergenic dogs and they don’t trigger any allergies?
Here are a few theories as to why that may be.
Miniature poodles have hair instead of fur.
The main difference between dogs that have fur and dogs such as miniature poodles that have hair is the fact that fur is denser, grows quickly, and sheds often.
Whereas a poodle’s hair grows out very slowly, which means they shed far less than dogs with fur.
Unlike breeds that have fur instead of hair, such as Huskies and German Shepherds who are known for shedding a lot – miniature poodles don’t shed nearly as much.
Notice I said ‘don’t shed nearly as much’ instead of ‘poodle don’t shed at all’ – this is exactly the part that breeders fail to mention.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.
In fact, allergies are one of the top six chronic illnesses causing conditions in America.
Given how popular miniature poodles are, some breeders see it as an opportunity to cash in by stretching the truth to sell more puppies.
Like saying Miniature Poodles don’t shed a single hair or are totally hypoallergenic when that just isn’t fair to anyone who’s thinking about adding a Miniature Poodle to their family.
While apricot miniature poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs, there are no previous allergy studies that could confirm this claim.
So, if you or someone you live with suffers from an allergy, I highly recommend talking to a qualified medical professional to get their opinions before welcoming your new furry friend to your family.
How Big Do Apricot Miniature Poodles Get?
You can tell a miniature poodle from their larger counterpart, the standard poodle, by size.
Apricot miniature poodles are 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 10 to 15 pounds.
Miniature poodles are small dogs, which means they can adapt well to small spaces like apartments and houses with a small yards.
Here’s a chart to show you how big a apricot miniature poodle will get and how fast they grow up.
| Miniature Poodle Age | Height |
|---|---|
| 3 Weeks | 4 to 5 inches |
| 4 Months | 7 to 10.5 inches |
| 6 Months | 9 to 13 inches |
| 8 Months | 9.3 to 14.5 inches |
| 12 Months | 10 to 14.8 inches |
| 16 Months | 10 to 15 inches |
It’s important to remember that according to AKC’s standard for miniature poodles, there are no restrictions on the weight of these dogs.
Here’s a table to help you get an idea about how much a apricot miniature poodle weighs as they grow up.
| Miniature Poodle Age | Miniature Poodle Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 2 Months | 2 to 3 pounds |
| 4 Months | 4 to 6 pounds |
| 6 months | 6 to 9 pounds |
| 8 months | 7 to 10 pounds |
| 10 months | 8 to 12 pounds |
| 12 months | 9 to 13 pounds |
| 16 months | 10 to 15 pounds |
You can use this information to make sure your apricot miniature poodle stays in the weight range and does not get overweight.
Similarly, it’s also important to make sure that they don’t become underweight.
Being underweight can be a sign of underlying health issues, and it can also lead to malnutrition and weakness.
How Long Do Apricot Miniature Poodles Live?
If you’re considering getting a apricot miniature poodle, you might be wondering how long they live.
The good news is that apricot miniature poodles tend to have a long lifespan. In fact, they can live on average of 12 to 18 years, which is longer than many other dog breeds.
Interestingly, miniature poodles typically live longer than standard poodles.
According to a study done on 74 different dog breeds in North America, “large dogs die young mainly because they age quickly”.
While there are many factors that can affect a dog’s lifespan, size is definitely one of them.
If you want your apricot miniature poodle to live a long, healthy life, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure to brush their teeth daily to prevent teeth extraction and maintain their longevity and quality of life. Just like with humans, good oral hygiene is important for dogs.
You can also provide mental stimulation through puzzles and nose work to tire them out and make them happy.
Dogs are happy when they’re tired, and sometimes a mental workout is as good as a physical one.
Supplementing their diet with whole foods such as hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, blueberries, and carrots can also help avoid monotony in their diet.
Exercise is also important.
Aim for at least 40 minutes of activity each day to keep them healthy and happy. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous!
Even simple walks that let your pup sniff around and explore can count as exercise.
Another fun option is to take your dog to Sniff Spots – these are designated areas where your mini friend can run around off-leash and play to their heart’s content.
It’s a great way to provide them with some extra stimulation and exercise.
Engage in hiking to provide physical and mental stimulation, which results in a happy dog for the rest of the day.
Finally, enrich your dog’s life by finding small ways to make them happier, and healthier, and deepen the bond between you two.
Dogs are social animals and enjoy being around their human family, so spend time with them, play with them, and love them.
With a little bit of effort and attention, you can help your apricot miniature poodle live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Do Apricot Miniature Poodles Change Color?
The short answer is yes, apricot Miniature Poodles can change color as they age.
This is because apricot is a dilute color, and it can be affected by factors such as exposure to sunlight, genetics, and even diet.
When apricot Miniature Poodles are born, they are usually a deep, clear color, similar to a ginger cat.
However, as they grow older, their coat can start to fade, and they may lose some of their original color.
This is especially true if they are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, which can cause their coat to bleach and fade.
Additionally, some apricot Miniature Poodles may have genes for other colors, such as black or brown, which can affect the appearance of their coat as they age.
This can lead to a variety of color changes, from slight variations in shade to a complete loss of the apricot color.
However, it’s important to note that not all apricot Miniature Poodles will experience significant color changes.
Some may maintain their original color throughout their life, while others may only experience minor variations.
Ultimately, the extent to which an apricot Miniature Poodle changes color depends on a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and individual variation.
If you’re considering getting an apricot Miniature Poodle, it’s important to keep these factors in mind.
While they are a beautiful and unique color, their coat can be sensitive to certain environmental factors, and their color may change over time.
With proper care and attention, however, you can help your apricot Miniature Poodle maintain its beautiful color for as long as possible.
Are Apricot Miniature Poodles Healthy?
If you’re a apricot miniature poodle-owner, you want your furry friend to be healthy and happy!
They have an average lifespan of 12-18 years, which is pretty long for a dog.
To make sure your poodle stays healthy, there are a few things you can do:
- Visit the vet regularly – Two times a year is recommended. This way, your vet can keep an eye on your poodle’s health and catch any issues early on.
- Consider health insurance – If your poodle gets sick or injured, it’s helpful to have insurance so it’s not a financial burden. Some insurance plans even cover routine vet visits, which is a bonus.
- Stay on top of vaccinations – There are core vaccines that all poodles need, like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Then there are non-core vaccines that may be needed depending on where you live and the threats to your dog. Talk to your vet to figure out what’s best for your poodle.
- Give your poodle a check-up – Regularly check your poodle’s body, legs, paw pads, ears, eyes, and so on. This way, you can spot any issues and get them treated early on.
It might seem like a lot, but once you get into the routine, it’s not so bad. And the peace of mind of knowing your poodle is healthy is worth it!
Apricot Miniature Health Issues
Apricot miniature poodles are adorable, but even the best-looking ones aren’t perfect – health-wise, that is.
Every dog breed has their own set of health concerns and the apricot miniature poodle is no different.
Here are all the major health issues miniature poodles are prone to:
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Hydrocephalus
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
- Bloating (GDV)
- Epilepsy
- Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Apart from these health conditions, a apricot miniature poodle can also develop other health issues such as ear infections, skin irritation, allergies, and gastrointestinal issues.
These are all the major and common health conditions that can affect a apricot miniature poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Apricot miniature poodles are generally considered healthy and are one of the longest living dogs.
How Much Does an Apricot Miniature Poodle Cost?
The price of an Apricot miniature poodle ranges from $1825 to $2900. On average, an Apricot miniature poodle costs $2320, but the price varies based on different factors such as their gender, breeder’s reputation, vaccination status, registration status, health testing, and other factors.
First of all, you might notice that male miniature poodles tend to cost a bit less than females. This is because females can be used for breeding, which makes them more valuable.
The cost of a apricot miniature poodle can also vary depending on where you live.
Prices can be higher or lower depending on the demand and availability of puppies in your area.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether the puppy is registered or not.
On average, registered miniature poodles can cost about $600 more than non-registered ones.
This is because registered dogs come with documentation proving their pedigree and lineage.
If you’re looking for a high-quality miniature poodle, you might also consider a champion-sired puppy.
These puppies are generally more expensive than those that are not champion-sired.
This is because the parents of champion-sired puppies have proven to be exceptional in dog shows and competitions.
Lastly, the cost of vaccinations can also affect the price of a apricot miniature poodle.
On average, vaccinated puppies can cost about $900 more than non-vaccinated ones.
This is because vaccinations are important for keeping your new pup healthy and protected against diseases.
So, there you have it!
The cost of a apricot miniature poodle can vary based on a few different factors.
Keep these in mind as you search for your new furry friend, and remember that the most important thing is finding a healthy and happy pup that fits into your family.
