Tri-color toy poodles have been captivating the hearts of dog lovers all around the world.
Tri-color poodles are more commonly referred to as parti phantom poodles. “Tri-color” is not a recognized color pattern in toy poodles by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC), which are two of the major dog breed registries in the United States. However, some breeders may refer to a toy poodle that has three distinct colors as a “tri-color toy poodle.”
These adorable pups, with their distinctive black, tan, and white markings, have become increasingly popular among pet owners in recent years.
However, despite their growing popularity, there seems to be a great deal of confusion and misinformation surrounding what exactly a tri-color toy poodle is.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of tri-color toy poodles to gain a better understanding of their unique characteristics and how they came to be.
Tri-color Toy Poodles Vital Stats
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Variety: Toy
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Tri-color
- Height: Under 10 inches
- Weight: 4 to 6 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 Tri-color Toy Poodles?
Tri-color toy poodles are a fascinating topic that has recently become quite popular among dog enthusiasts.
However, there seems to be some confusion about what a tri-color toy poodle actually is.
Some believe that tri-color is a natural coat color for poodles, while others believe it is a result of crossbreeding.
Let’s take a closer look at what we know about tri-color toy poodles.
To begin with, it’s important to note that tri-color is not a natural coat color for poodles, at least to our current knowledge.
While poodles come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, gray, and apricot, tri-color is not one of them. Instead, tri-color is a result of specific breeding patterns.
Tri-color is similar to phantom, which is a black dog with tan markings, but it’s not the same as parti, which refers to a dog with splashes of white.
A tri-color toy poodle is typically a black dog with tan markings like a phantom, with a white belly and possibly white on the underside or tip of the tail, as well as a blaze on the face, but not with large white splashes like a dairy cow.
Tri-color is typically reserved for a black and tan pattern paired with either Irish spotting or piebald gene.
Irish spotting is a gene that is not yet identified, but it looks similar to tuxedo patterns with white feet, chest, tail tip, and often a white collar, think tri-color Collie or Bernese Mountain Dog.
A dog with a black and tan pattern paired with the piebald gene can also be called tri-color. Therefore, any black and tan plus a white dog can be called tri-color, but it’s actually a rather meaningless term.
It’s worth noting that tri-color (of any breed) is a tan point dog (what we call phantom in poodles) with a varying degree of Irish spotting or piebald markings. Irish spotting is not the same as piebald and is an unidentified gene.
It’s unclear whether poodles have Irish spotting in their gene pool, but it’s possible, as tuxedos have a similar spread of white vs. color.
Additionally, the actual black and tan shades can be modified by any number of dilutions and might not actually look black and tan.
In conclusion, tri-color toy poodles are not a natural coat color for poodles. Instead, it is a result of specific breeding patterns.
A tri-color toy poodle is typically a black dog with tan markings, a white belly, and possibly white on the underside or tip of the tail, as well as a blaze on the face.
It is reserved for a black and tan pattern paired with either Irish spotting or piebald gene, and any black and tan plus white dog can be called tri-color.
While there is still much to learn about tri-color toy poodles, understanding these basics can help you identify and appreciate these unique and beautiful dogs.
Tri-color Toy Poodle History
Did you know that the poodle has its roots in Germany and was once known as the “Pudelhund”? The name is a combination of “Pudel,” which means to splash around, and “hund,” which means dog.
The French are credited with creating the three different sizes of poodles we know today – standard, miniature, and toy. The Toy Poodle was bred from the Standard Poodle.
In the 18th century, poodles became popular among royalty, and during the Second French Empire in the 1850s and 1860s, these little dogs were the talk of the town!
However, experts still don’t agree on how breeders were able to produce these small dogs that were often seen sitting comfortably in the laps of important ladies in pictures from that time period.
One theory is that the first Toy Poodles were created by breeding small poodles with tiny Cuban breed dogs imported to France, possibly mixed with Maltese Terrier or Spaniel breeds.
It’s amazing to think about how these tiny dogs have evolved and become such a beloved breed today!
The Toy Poodle, which we know and love today, likely came from the tiny poodles popular during the Second French Empire. Poodles were originally from Germany but it was the French who made them into the dogs we recognize today.
They were used for a variety of tasks like retrieving game from water, finding arrows that missed the target, and even sniffing out truffles!
At one time, Toy 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.
Tri-color Toy Poodle Temperament
Toy Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason.
These pint-sized pups are not only cute, but they also have a delightful personality that makes them a joy to be around.
First and foremost, Toy Poodles are known for being very intelligent. They are quick learners and are eager to please their owners, making them easy to train.
This makes them great dogs for first-time dog owners or families with children.
Toy Poodles are also known for being very sociable and friendly, which means they love to be around people and other pets.
They make great companion dogs and are great for families who are looking for a friendly, loving pet.
Another great thing about Toy Poodles is that they are very active and playful.
They love to play and run around, making them great dogs for families who love to spend time outside and stay active.
They are also great for families who live in apartments or small spaces, as they don’t require a lot of room to run around in.
Despite their small size, Toy Poodles have a lot of energy and are always up for a good game of fetch, hide and seek or tug-of-war.
Toy Poodles are also known for being very affectionate and loving towards their owners. They are great dogs for people who are looking for a pet that will provide them with a lot of love and affection.
They love being the center of attention, so much that they can get resentful if you don’t include them in family activities.
If you leave a toy poodle alone for too long or don’t give the dog enough attention, it may develop stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety—including snappy barks and passive-aggressive acts like chewing up furniture.
Owners of tri-color toy poodles must resist the temptation to baby their tiny dogs.
The cute size and silky hair of these little guys is a magnet for people who want to coddle them, but that’s not how they were bred to be.
Tri-color toy poodles who are carried on their owners’ shoulders or in handbags will develop a habit of wanting to be carried all the time.
To make the most of their tri-color toy poodle’s intelligence and willingness to please, every poodle parent should begin obedience training as soon as possible.
Are Tri-color Toy Poodles Rare?
Tri-color toy poodles are beautiful dogs with a unique coat color of black, tan, and white.
While they are not as common as other poodle colors, it’s essential to note that rarity doesn’t always mean quality.
When looking for a tri-color toy poodle, it’s crucial to research and find reputable breeders.
The breeding community has its share of unscrupulous people looking to make a quick profit.
So, ensure that you evaluate the breeder and their breeding practices to guarantee the dog’s health and wellbeing.
If you’re particularly drawn to the tri-coloration, there are other breeds that naturally have this coloring.
For example, Australian Shepherds, Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are just a few that have variations of tri-coloration.
It’s worth noting that selecting a breed that has naturally occurring tri-coloration avoids supporting unethical breeding practices.
It also means that you’ll find a healthy dog with a unique and beautiful coat color.
It’s important to remember that while the coat color is attractive, it shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing a dog.
Health, temperament, and compatibility with your lifestyle should take priority.
Are Tri-color Toy Poodles Hypoallergenic?
If you’re allergic to dogs, but you want to add a furry friend to your family, you’ve probably got a tri-color toy poodle on your mind.
But are tri-color toy 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 tri-color toy poodles are hypoallergenic dogs and they don’t trigger any allergies?
Here are a few theories as to why that may be.
Toy poodles have hair instead of fur.
The main difference between dogs that have fur and dogs such as toy 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 – toy 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 toy poodles are, some breeders see it as an opportunity to cash in by stretching the truth to sell more puppies.
Like saying Toy 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 Toy Poodle to their family.
While tri-color toy 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 Tri-color Toy Poodles Get?
You can tell a toy poodle from their larger relative, the miniature poodle, by size.
Tri-color toy poodles are less than 10 inches tall and weigh between 6 to 9 pounds.
Toy poodles are the perfect size for apartment living because they don’t require a lot of space.
Here’s a chart to show you how big a tri-color toy poodle will get and how fast it will grow.
| Toy Poodle Age | Height |
|---|---|
| At birth | few inches |
| 1 month | 4 to 5 inches |
| 2 to 2.5 months | 7-9 |
| 6 months | under 10 inches |
| 12 months | under 10 inches |
It’s important to remember that according to AKC’s standard for toy 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 tri-color toy poodle weighs as they grow up.
| Toy Poodle Age | Male Toy Poodle Weight Range | Female Toy Poodle Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 2 to 4.5 pounds | 1.8 to 4 pounds |
| 4 months | 2.5 to 6 pounds | 2.3 to 4.8 pounds |
| 6 months | 3.5 to 8 pounds | 3.3 to 7.4 pounds |
| 8 months | 4 to 9.4 pounds | 3.8 to 8.6 pounds |
| 12 months | 4.5 to 10.6 pounds | 4.4 to 10 pounds |
| 24 months | 5.4 to 11.5 pounds | 4.8 to 9.6 pounds |
You can use this information to make sure your tri-color toy poodle stays in the weight range and does not get overweight.
How Long Do Tri-color Toy Poodles Live?
If you’re thinking about getting a tri-color toy poodle, you might be wondering how long they can live.
A tri-color toy poodle lives about twelve to eighteen years on average.
That’s quite a long time for a dog.
Toy poodles are among the three different varieties of poodles, and they tend to have longer lifespans than their other two counterparts—the standard poodle and the miniature poodle.
According to a study done on 74 different dog breeds in North America, “large dogs die young mainly because they age quickly”.
However, there are some factors that play into how long your toy poodle will live.
For example, you’ll want to make sure they get regular exercise and are given plenty of opportunities to run around and play outside.
You should also ensure that they’re eating well-balanced meals full of nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
And remember that even though these dogs are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, they still need plenty of love from you!
If you follow these guidelines along with providing your dog with stable living conditions, then there’s no reason why your pet won’t enjoy a long life filled with happiness and fun!
Do Tri-color Toy Poodles Change Color?
One question that often comes up among tri-color toy poodle owners is whether or not their dog’s coat color will change over time.
The short answer is yes, almost all poodle colors will fade with time, including tri-colors.
It’s essential to understand that coat color fading is a natural process, and while there are many products claiming to prevent it, the reality is that most of them won’t work or may even cause additional issues.
In fact, some shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, and supplements may be harmful to your dog’s health.
There are several reasons why a tri-color poodle’s coat color may fade.
One reason is sun exposure.
Just like human hair, poodle hair can lighten when exposed to sunlight.
Additionally, the natural aging process can cause a poodle’s coat to fade over time.
It’s important to note that even though the tri-coloration may fade, the poodle’s coat will still have its distinctive pattern.
The black, tan, and white colors may become lighter, but they will remain in the same areas.
While coat color is essential in determining a poodle’s appearance, it’s important to remember that temperament, health, and compatibility should take precedence when choosing a dog.
So, if you’re in love with the tri-coloration, remember that it may fade with time, but your poodle’s unique personality will remain intact.
Are Tri-color Toy Poodles Healthy?
If you’re a tri-color toy 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 knowing your poodle is healthy is worth it!
Tri-color Toy Health Issues
Tri-color toy 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 tri-color toy poodle is no different.
Here are all the major health issues toy 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 tri-color toy 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 tri-color toy poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Tri-color toy poodles are generally considered healthy and are one of the longest living dogs.
Related: Are Toy Poodles Healthy? [Poodle Experts Answer]
How Much Exercise Do Tri-color Toy Poodles Need?
Tri-color toy poodles are just one of those dogs that are more of a companion than a working dog.
That’s not to say they don’t need exercise, though!
Tri-color toy poodles are very energetic and do best with at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise per day.
They love to play fetch and run around in the backyard with their human companions, but they also make great indoor pets if you don’t have space for long walks or runs outside.
If you have a fenced yard where your tri-color toy poodles can play, that’s even better. If your poodle is getting short on exercise, letting them run around in your backyard can give them the workout they need.
A well-balanced exercise regimen considers both physical activity and mental stimulation—if you do lots of fun training with your dog, they probably won’t need as much long walks to wear themselves out.
If most play takes place indoors, however, give them more time outside exploring new spaces and smelling interesting things.
Toy poodles love to exercise, but they are also fragile and may get hurt if you push them too hard. So make sure that when exercising your poodle you don’t overdo it.
If you take your toy poodle to a park where there are a lot of dogs, it is important to be careful.
Many toy poodle owners that I see at my local park never let their toy poodle off-leash when they are outdoors.
The reason being bigger dogs, which are pretty much all the dogs at the park, may end up hurting your toy poodle even if they don’t mean to.
When you take your tri-color toy poodle out for walks in icy cold winters or hot summers, make sure they are wearing boots that will protect their feet from hot sidewalks in summer or icy cold ones in winter.
Here’s one that I recommend: Dog Shoes for Small Dogs
Tri-color Toy Poodle Nutritional Requirements
Toy poodles are an energetic breed, and as such, they need proper nutrition.
To provide these cute dogs the energy they need, a tri-color toy poodle needs a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
In addition to these essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals — such as B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and iron — are needed to make the food balanced.
When buying food for your tri-color toy poodle, always make it a point to read the food label so that you’ll know what’s in there.
The first five ingredients listed on a dog food label are the most important and are typically listed according to the quantity present, from most to least.
Meat protein should be among those first five ingredients, preferably as the first ingredient.
Feeding your tri-color toy poodle a protein-rich diet can help keep their body functioning properly, promote healthy hair and nails, boost muscle development, and tissue repair.
Next on the label is food filler which typically is corn, wheat and soy, or rice.
Each filler has its own pros and cons, here are some quick facts.
- Corn is widely used in dog food because it is inexpensive.
- Wheat and soy are also commonly used but are known to cause allergies among some dogs.
- Due to its health benefits and lack of allergens, rice is becoming one of the most commonly used fillers in dog foods.
To choose a good dog food for your toy poodle, consider a few things:
- How active is your dog?
- Is he overweight?
- Does he have any allergies?
As a general rule, the more active a tri-color toy poodle is, the more protein he needs to keep his body functioning properly.
As for the amount of fat present, lower fat levels are recommended for overweight poodles.
Grooming a Tri-color Toy Poodle
When it comes to toy poodle grooming, there’s no one-solution-fits-all answer!
The frequency of your toy poodle’s grooming will depend on a number of factors — including the type of cut they have and the color they are.
If you’ve got a show clip, you’re going to want to groom them every 4 weeks or so.
If you’ve got a pet clip, you can probably get away with grooming them every 6 or 8 weeks.
But what about their color? Does that make a difference?
Well, this is where things get interesting.
Darker-colored poodles need less frequent attention than lighter ones—because they don’t get as dirty!
Light-colored poodles will need more frequent baths and brushes, but even then that depends on how much time they spend outside running around on the beach or in the park.
So how often should you groom your tri-color toy poodle?
Here’s a common grooming schedule you can follow for your toy poodle.
- Brushing: Brush your toy tri-color poodle’s coat three to four times a week to keep tangle free. If your toy poodle’s trim is very short, brushing them every two to three days should do the trick.
- Bathing: If your poodle is staying clean and doesn’t have any poop incidents, then you can probably get away with bathing them once every 7 to 10 days. But if they do get dirty or have a poop incident, then you’ll want to bathe them more often.
- Clipping: If you clip your poodle’s hair at home, clipping their hair once every 4 weeks or so should be enough. 8 weeks is the maximum amount of time that a tri-color toy poodle’s hair should go without being clipped.
- Eyes: Check your tri-color toy poodle’s eye every week to make sure there are no visible issues. You may also need to wipe the area underneath their eye to keep it free of tear stains.
- Ears: Check your tri-color toy poodle’s ears once a week. Remove excess hair and check for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge. Earflaps keep air out of the ear canal, making yeast infections more likely than in other breeds.
- Teeth: Brush your tri-color toy poodle’s teeth daily for a sparkling smile. Twice or three times weekly will also do the trick. Once a week brushing is alright too.
- Nails: Each toy poodle’s nails grow at different rates, but it is a good idea to trim them once a week.
How Much Does a Tri-color Toy Poodle Cost?
If you’re in the market for a tri-color poodle, you might want to try searching for “parti phantom” instead.
Tri-color isn’t a term commonly used in poodle circles, so you might have better luck finding what you’re looking for with the right terminology.
But before you start your search, it’s important to keep in mind that the breed standard for poodles specifies solid colors only.
So anyone who purposely breeds for anything other than solid colors is not breeding to the standard.
Certainly, there are people who do breed for non-standard colors who also do genetic testing and who try to breed dogs who conform to the standard in every way except color.
However, there are, sadly, people who purposely breed non-standard colors and advertise the puppies as “rare”.
When it comes to the cost of tri-color or parti phantom poodles, it really depends on the breeder and the quality of the dog.
As with any purebred dog, you can expect to pay more for a well-bred, healthy puppy from a reputable breeder than you would for one from a less scrupulous breeder.
I just did a quick Google search for “tri-color poodle”, and the results were concerning.
The breeders that came up looked like they were advertising non-standard colors as a way to make a quick buck.
I even found one breeder advertising puppies for as little as $399! That’s a red flag if I ever saw one.
If you’re serious about getting a tri-color poodle or parti phantom, it’s important to do your research and find a breeder who is committed to breeding healthy, high-quality dogs that conform to the breed standard in every way possible.
This may mean paying a higher price for a puppy, but it’s worth it to ensure that you’re getting a happy, healthy dog that will be a beloved member of your family for years to come.
Conclusion
- Tri-color is not a natural coat color for poodles, but a result of specific breeding patterns
- Tri-color is similar to phantom, but not the same as parti, and is typically a black dog with tan markings, a white belly, and possibly white on the underside or tip of the tail, as well as a blaze on the face
- Tri-color is reserved for a black and tan pattern paired with either Irish spotting or piebald gene, and any black and tan plus white dog can be called tri-color
- Irish spotting is not yet identified, but it looks similar to tuxedo patterns with white feet, chest, tail tip, and often a white collar
- Tri-color (of any breed) is a tan point dog with a varying degree of Irish spotting or piebald markings
- They are not as common as other poodle colors.
- It’s important to find reputable breeders and avoid supporting unethical breeding practices.
- Other breeds naturally have tri-coloration, such as Australian Shepherds, Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
- When choosing a dog, health, temperament, and compatibility with your lifestyle should take priority over coat color.
- Tri-color toy poodles, like most poodle colors, will naturally fade with time due to sun exposure and the aging process. However, it’s important to remember that while the color may fade, the distinctive black, tan, and white pattern will remain.
- The breed standard for poodles specifies solid colors only, so breeding for non-standard colors is not conforming to the standard.
- The cost of a tri-color/parti phantom poodle varies depending on the breeder and the quality of the dog.
- Beware of breeders advertising extremely low prices, as this may indicate poor breeding practices.
