Blue Poodle – What To Expect From This Rare Poodle Color

Poodle breeders often have the challenging task of pleasing buyers regarding coat color.

While some colors are common and dogs adorning these colors are readily available, others like the apricot and blue coat color are rare, making them highly sought out among buyers.

But what is a blue poodle? Do they even exist?

Blue poodles are one of the many poodle colorations available. These poodles are purebred and are allowed to show in conformation rings. They come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this unique dog: how to care for them, how long they live, and how much they cost. We’ll also tell you some other interesting facts about blue poodles.

Are Blue Poodles Real?

Blue poodles are real. These poodles are one of the many different colorations and patterns that can be found in this breed. They are just as much a purebred dog as any other poodle, and they are just as loving, intelligent, and loyal as any other poodle too.

If you wish to learn more about your blue poodle you can always get their DNA tested. That may sound complicated and expensive but the truth is, it’s really not! Check out Embark Dog DNA Test for easy, precise, and inexpensive dog DNA testing.

What Does a Blue Poodle Look Like?

Blue poodles are one of the many poodle colorations, and they are available in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. 

These blue poodles make great companions and family pets. They can also be shown in competitions so if you’re looking for a unique-looking show poodle – a blue poodle just might be it! Blue poodles begin life as black poodle puppies, but they undergo a ‘clearing’ phase in their first two years of development where the coat darkens to dark shades of gray.

How to Tell if Your Poodle Is Blue?

A Blue poodle isn’t blue at all, but an expressed graying (or fading) gene in the black Poodle that happens when a dog is carrying a dominant and recessive version of the silvering gene.

The genetic difference between Blue and Silver Poodles is that the former has one gene for fading, whereas Silvers have two genes.

When they’re born, Blue Poodle puppies often look completely black and are often officially registered as such.

However, experienced breeders can tell from the onset that a puppy has blue pigment just by looking at how white or silver the puppy’s hair is between their paws.

Often, the black hair of a puppy will have an almost brown cast to it that is especially noticeable under the bright sun. With maturity, the color may dilute into dark blue or even dark metallic gray.

Black hairs can take on different colors at the root, and this is reflected in AKC’s Breed Standard notes which reads as follows: “In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au- laits, apricots and creams the coat may show varying shades of the same color.”

Despite this, some blue Poodles are born blue and possess black hair into adulthood—this difference is more noticeable when a black puppy is nearby.

As adults, some of these Poodles are described as “ashy” colored or too light to be considered black and too dark to qualify as silver.

When it comes to the standard of the breed, Poodles with black points and dark eyes are always considered “true” regardless of their coat color. So, to qualify as a “true” blue poodle, your pup should have these features.

Some owners I spoke to believed that the “blue” coat is superior to silvers, which can have a more cotton-like texture.

Incidentally, the word “blue” is used to describe a variety of breeds with this coat pattern. It has been observed in Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Catahoula Leopard Dogs as well as Italian Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Poodles (including standard Poodle varieties),  and Weimaraners

Blue Poodle vs Black Poodle

Blue poodle puppies will normally have white or silver colored hair in between their paw pads. Additionally, blue poodles will have brown highlights on the otherwise black hair covering their bodies. This is one of the ways to tell if your poodle puppy is blue and not black.

If you take your puppy out into the sunlight or snap a picture of them with a flash, they will appear to be more brown than blue. This is another way that owners can tell if their dog’s hair color leans towards black or blue

If you are still unsure of your poodle’s color, compare her coat to that of a poodle who is the same age but known for sure to be either black or blue.

Many breeders do not know what a blue is and have been selling blacks that are actually blues.

In fact, most blues are registered as black until they show more apparent signs of fading and their breeders realize that these “blacks” are in reality blue.

This has led many dog owners to believe they have a bad black when in fact it’s actually blue (though there are plenty of bad blacks out there, too).

But this assumption is mistaken, as often blue poodles are actually born black but turn blue later in life. The “black” appearance they have at birth can be misleading if you’re not familiar with the indicator signs that these poodles will eventually transform from black to blue

Fact: A blue poodle is by no means a bad black. It is in fact a real poodle coloration. 

They are not parti-colored poodles. 

Many breeders have used a variety of terms to refer to these poodles with a mix of colors, notably gray and black or brown and black.  Others often mistake these dogs as phantom poodles or sable poodles when they really are not.

Blue Poodle vs Silver Poodle

The main similarity between blue and silver poodles is that both of these types are born black,

Poodles who are genetically inclined to be silver fade much faster than those that will have a blue coat.

During puppyhood, when a silver puppy’s face is shaved for the first time, its face will be a bright, shining silver with black hair everywhere else. So there’s no mistaking these silver pups.

A blue, however, takes a lot longer to fade than does silver. While some may show lightening in their face by the time they’re several months old, most don’t exhibit that paler look until after the first year of life and even then it’s much more subtle than what you’d see with silvers.

As adults, people can have trouble telling the difference between light blues and dark silvers. However, generally speaking, a silver poodle is much lighter and brighter than a blue poodle.

Adult blues are sometimes mistaken for bad blacks, making the choice difficult. This is typically not an issue with silver poodles since they’re so much lighter than blue.

Are Blue Poodles Purebred?

Yes, blue poodles are purebred. A purebred dog is one that comes from a long line of its breed. The term “purebred” means that the dog has been bred from the same breed for many generations.

In simpler terms:

A purebred dog is one whose parents were both purebreds. So, if a poodle parent was a poodle and the other parent was also a poodle, you’d have a purebred puppy.

If you’re looking to buy a puppy, it’s important to know if your breeder is selling mixed-breed puppies or purebred puppies. Some breeders will try to pass off mixed-breed puppies as purebreds, so be sure to ask questions!

Are Blue Poodles Rare

Blue Poodles are considered a rare poodle coloration, so you might think that they would cost more than other dogs. But that’s not the case! The most common colors such as the black and white poodles are often the most expensive out of all the poodle colors, while blue poodles can be had for a reasonable price.

Blue Poodle AKC

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes blue poodles as purebred and allows them to compete in dog shows.

As per AKC’s Poodle Standard Notes, poodles come in three different sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—and can live from 12 to 15 years.

According to the AKC, blue poodles may have black points or self-colored points.

The term “POINTS” refers to the color of the poodle’s nose, lips, eyeliner, and pads.

The term “self-colored” means that the points are the same color as their coat.

Are Blue Poodles Desirable?

Even though these poodles are less common than their other-colored counterparts, they have just as many charming personalities.

When we say blue poodle, we’re talking about blue in a way you might not be accustomed to — the kind that’s so blue it might as well be like the cloudless sky.

We mean the kind of blue that will make you stop and stare because it’s so uncommon and beautiful. Blue dogs are few and far between, but they make up for their rarity by being amazing companions who will make your life better every day!

Are Blue Poodles Born Black?

Blue poodle puppies often appear black when born, but before they reach 2 years old, they will go through a ‘clearing’ phase where their black hair clears to a nice dark gray or blue-gray throughout.

During the clearing phase, it is not uncommon for blues to lose their brown color, and they may also develop a whitish ring around their snout.

When shaved, the face of a blue poodle puppy will look much lighter than that of a black poodle pup, but not as light as the shaved face of a silver pup.

Are Blue Standard Poodles Rare?

The answer is yes, they are.

Blue Standard Poodles are rare dogs that are often mistaken for their black and tan counterparts, which are more common. Blue standard poodles have a weight range of 40 to 70 pounds, stand 18 to 24 inches tall, and live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.

Do Blue Poodles Fade?

The progressive graying gene mutation found on the G locus causes black, blue, and brown poodles to progressively fade in color as they age.

However, not all black, blue, or brown Poodles have this gene mutation. Since it’s a dominant mutation, if one of the parents experienced progressive graying, there’s a 50% chance that their puppies will too.

The color change occurs gradually—around the second or third month—but most poodles undergo some sort of color change within their first two years.

In blue poodle puppies, in particular, they often appear black when born but undergo a ‘clearing’ phase that changes their coat color to dark gray or blue-gray.

If you were to shave the face of a blue poodle puppy, it would be lighter than that of a black poodle pup—but darker still compared with the shaved face of a silver pup.

I’ve never owned a blue poodle myself, so I decided to ask other owners who have experienced their pet’s ‘clearing’ phase how they felt about it.

The response was mixed, though a majority expressed that the ‘clearing’ stage hadn’t affected their love for their poodles.

Whereas others did not share the same feeling. “The blue looks terrible,” one owner said. “Sometimes they look dirty, it’s a really bad blue actually.”

Personally, I don’t believe that the color of a poodle fundamentally impacts its personality.

Poodles are intelligent dogs that can make good family pets, with a gentle disposition toward children and other dogs in the household. Poodles come in various colors, although none of those colors changes their behavior.

Therefore, if you’ve taken the time to bond with your poodle, you’re most likely not going to be affected by the dreadful ‘clearing’ phase. No matter the color of their coat—if your poodle loves you, they’ll continue to love you – forever and always!

How Big Do Blue Poodles Get?

When you’re looking for a dog, it’s important to know what size they’ll grow up to be. Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles are perfect for people who live in small spaces (like apartments or small homes), because they don’t get very big. If you have a large house, however, you might want to consider getting a standard poodle.

All three sizes of poodles come in blue: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

The standard-sized blue poodle is over 15 inches tall and weighs between 45 to 70 pounds. The miniature comes in at 11-15 inches, weighing around 15-17 pounds while the toy variety will only grow up to 10″, a mere 4 – 6 lbs that’s guaranteed adorable!

However, there are also many less widely accepted variations of the blue poodle: Unofficially speaking, it’s possible to have a Micro Poodle, Teacup Poodle, Moyen Poodle, or even Royal Standard Poodle.

I say unofficially because these sizes aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and are produced through controversial sire-dame pairings that have caused an uproar within the poodle community.

How Long Do Blue Poodles Live?

Poodles have a long life expectancy, which means they can be a great addition to your family.

On average, blue poodles live between 12 and 15 years. This is slightly longer than the average lifespan for dogs in general, which is about 10 to 13 years.

There are a few things that can affect how long your poodle will live.

First of all, size matters! Smaller poodles like a toy or miniature poodles tend to live longer than standard-sized poodles.

Second thing is that poodles are typically equal in lifespan no matter their gender.

You can still make sure that your poodle lives a long and healthy life by following these tips:

1. Feed your poodle pup the right food—and not too much of it!
2. Get them vaccinated regularly
3. Keep them active with regular walks and playtime with other dogs
4. Make sure they get plenty of affection from you as well as other humans in their lives

Grooming a Blue Poodle

Grooming a blue poodle can be a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be. A poodle’s coat is quite easy to care for, and with a few tips, you’ll be able to groom your poodle like a pro in no time!

Brush your dog’s coat regularly. Poodles have long coats that require regular grooming to maintain their appearance. If you don’t brush your poodle’s fur enough, it can become matted and tangled, which makes it difficult to clean and can cause health problems as well as discomfort for your dog.

Bathe your poodle regularly. Poodles are also known to be susceptible to fleas and ticks, so bathing them regularly will help keep them free from these pests. In addition, bathing regularly will help prevent skin irritation and dryness that can occur when Poodles get too dirty.

Trim nails regularly so they don’t grow too long or catch on anything with sharp edges that could cause injury or discomfort for your pet; trimming them every few weeks will make sure this doesn’t happen!

Common Blue Poodle Health Issues

The Poodle is a curious and energetic dog, but they can also be prone to certain health issues. A few conditions are common among this breed, and you should be aware of them so you can properly care for your pooch. Here are some of the most common blue poodle health issues:  

1. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia refers to a problem with the hip joints. It may cause pain or discomfort when walking or running, or it may result in lameness. This condition can also lead to arthritis and other joint disorders that can cause difficulty with movement and even affect mobility over time. 
2. Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when your dog’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to support its body functions properly. 
3. Epilepsy: This is a condition that causes dogs to experience seizures, which can be very distressing for the dog and its owners. Epilepsy can be managed with medication, but it’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms and take your dog to the vet if they occur.
4. Addison’s Disease: This is another condition that requires medical treatment, but it’s also manageable if caught early enough. It affects the adrenal glands in certain breeds of dogs, including Poodles, Beagles, and Dachshunds; symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, muscle wasting/weight loss, organ failure and death if left untreated. 
5. Bloating: Bloating in poodles is caused when gas builds up inside the stomach or intestines (or both) and causes them to expand like balloons until they twist around themselves or displace other organs within the abdomen like the liver or spleen. The condition is life-threatening for dogs—and usually fatal if not treated quickly!

Are Blue Poodles Healthy?

Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is a technical name for the condition more commonly known as Blue Dog Syndrome. This condition is inherited and affects dogs with diluted coat color.

This condition often found in dogs with a blue coat or fawn coat (which have been diluted from reds, browns, blacks, and tans), is considered to be a form of follicular dysplasia.

Poodles are healthy, energetic dogs in general.

How Much Do Blue Poodles Cost?

Fortunately, the Blue Poodle doesn’t cost much more than its black counterparts. For as low as $800 you can get your hands around one of these rare and astoundingly beautiful dogs.

The color of the Blue Poodle is only one factor that determines its price. Several other criteria are also used to determine a poodle’s cost, including the lineage, health, and age of the puppy.

However, you shouldn’t expect it to be cheap: most breeders will charge at least $2,000 for one of these puppies.

Are Blue Poodles Hypoallergenic?

The short answer is that yes, blue poodles are hypoallergenic. That said, there is a lot of misinformation out there about what it means to be “hypoallergenic.”

First, let’s talk about what it means to be hypoallergenic. The word “hypo” means less than or under. So something that is hypoallergenic means that it has fewer allergens than other breeds of dog. Allergens are the proteins in the animal’s saliva, dander, or urine that trigger allergic reactions in humans—and dogs can have varying amounts of these allergens over their lifetime.

Poodles are considered to be one of the most hypoallergenic breeds of dog because they produce less dander and saliva than other breeds of dog, which reduces their overall allergen load on your body when you pet them or live with them. They also don’t shed nearly as much hair as other breeds do, which further reduces their presence in your home and on your body when compared to other breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds.

If you’re allergic to dogs, but still want a pet, maybe it’s time to consider getting a poodle. Blue poodles are hypoallergenic, so they can help you avoid sneezing and wheezing when your pup is near. However, there are still some things that you should know before bringing a poodle into your household.

How Are Blue Poodles as Pets?

Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds in the world. They’re also one of the top choices for people who want a high-energy pet that can be trained to do agility and other sports. But what makes poodles so great?

First of all, poodles are friendly and very intelligent. Blue poodles can be taught to do tricks, including jumping through hoops and walking on their front legs. If you want a dog that will listen to you and learn quickly, a poodle may be your best bet.

Poodles are also great for families with small children because they have such a mild temperament. This means that even if your child does get too rough with their new puppy, there’s not much chance of injury or damage being done by accident—which means you don’t have to worry about taking away toys from your kids when they play together!

Poodles are playful dogs who love having fun and being friendly, so if you have other pets or kids in your household already (or even if not), they’ll fit right in!

Blue Poodle Name Ideas

If you’re looking for the perfect name for your blue poodle, we’ve got a list of dog names that will help you find the perfect fit for your pup.

Naming your dog is one of the best parts of getting a new companion. It’s important to consider their breed and personality traits when choosing a name. If you’re wondering what kind of names are available to you, there are boundless options to consider!

Here is a list of blue-colored flowers that can also be suitable for naming your blue pupper.

• Aster
• Blue Star
• Bluebell
• Indigo
• Iris
• Lilac
• Salvia
• Sweet Pea
• Veronica

If flower names are not quite up to your liking, I have also curated a list of other blue poodle names, check them out below.

• Abigail
• Addie
• Aeulin (A blue lake)
• Afina (Hebrew for a female deer)
• Alaska
• Allie
• Annie
• Aoki (Evergreen blue tree)
• Ava
• Azul (Another name for blue)
• Azure
• Birdie
• Blaise
• Bleu (French for blue)
• Blueberry
• Blue Bonnet
• Bonnie Blue Belle
• Britt
• Delta
• Demi
• Doli (Bluebird)
• Ellie
• Eloise
• Elsa
• Emmy
• Franny
• Gabbie
• Gemma
• Glorie
• Hannah
• Hilda
• Indigo
• Jey (Blue crested bird)
• Katie
• Keely
• Lacey
• Lexi
• Lilah
• Livie
• Lottie
• Lou
• Madiolyn
• Margery
• Margot
• Mimi
• Mitzi
• Montana
• Moxie
• Nelly
• Penny
• Poppy
• Priscilla
• Sapphire
• Sky
• Stella
• Tessa
• Tilly
• Trudie
• Vida
• Violet

These are just some of the names you can choose from. If you have any suggestions please let me know in the comments below!