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The Parti Poodle is a color variant of Poodles that stands for “part white and part black, brown, red, or blue.” Typically, Poodles are solid colored and come in all black, all white, all red, etc., so the Parti Poodle is a rare and desirable color.
Breed Overview
Height:
15–24 inches
Weight:
40–70 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Apricot, brown, white, gray, black, cream, fawn
Suitable for:
New dog owners, families with older kids, people with allergies
Temperament:
Intelligent, active, friendly, mischievous
This color variant can be seen in Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles and has no effect on the characteristics of the breed, other than its appearance.
Parti Poodle Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Parti Poodles in History
Despite the recent surge in popularity, Parti Poodles are not a new variant. Drawings and paintings of Poodles in the 1800s—or earlier—show coloration with white and black or white and brown. The most famous record of Parti Poodles is from 1631 when Rembrandt was painted with his brown-and-white Poodle.
As breed standards from the American Kennel Club arose, Parti Poodles became undesirable for showing and breeding. Professional breeders sought to selectively breed the Parti coloration out, making them scarce.
How Parti Poodles Gained Popularity
Because of the scarcity created by selective breeding, Parti Poodles are now a rare and sought color variant of the already popular Poodle breed. Some Poodle owners want Parti Poodles because they’re exotic and unique looking, commanding higher prices for attractive puppies.
Still, the Parti Poodle is not recognized by the AKC for conformation shows, which evaluate the shape or structure of the animal and its appearance. The desire for Parti Poodles is limited to dog owners looking for rare and unique pets, not among serious dog show competitors.
Formal Recognition of Parti Poodles
The Poodle was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom in 1874 and the AKC in 1886, not long after the founding of both clubs. Currently, the AKC recognizes Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles sizes.
The other Poodle variety, the Medium Poodle, is recognized by smaller Continental European kennel clubs. This size falls in between the Standard and Miniature Poodle. The recognition of this variety was motivated by the desire to reduce the number of entries of Poodles by variety at dog shows.
As mentioned, the Parti Poodle is banned from showing in conformation shows. A Parti Poodle from AKC-registered Poodle parents can be registered with the AKC, however.
Top 4 Unique Facts About Parti Poodle
1. Parti Poodles Must Be 50% White.
Parti Poodles have to have at least 50% white with patches of a second color distributed across the body to be considered a Parti Poodle. Patterns are always unique and random.
2. Parti Poodles Are Often Mistaken for Phantom Poodles
Though they may look similar to the untrained eye, Parti Poodles and Phantom Poodles are two different color variants. The Phantom Poodle has a solid coat color and small portions of a secondary color, but it only covers small parts of the body like the chest, eyebrows, or legs.
Parti Poodles are defined by the random and uneven patterns and distribution of white and a secondary color.
3. Parti Poodles Can Be a “Surprise.”
Despite selective breeding efforts, Parti Poodles are sometimes a “surprise” in the little. They can appear in solid-colored litters, or half the litter may be solid and half Parti. Some litters may be only Parti puppies.
4. Parti Isn’t Limited to Purebred Poodles
Parti Poodles come up in Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles, but they’re also common in Doodle mixes like the Sheepadoodle or Bernedoodle. Because these mixed breeds aren’t appropriate for showing, Parti puppies may not be as rare or sought by pet owners.
Does the Parti Poodle Make a Good Pet?
Parti Poodles are just a coloration. Otherwise, the pet is a Poodle and will likely have the intelligence, affection, and friendliness the breed is known for. These dogs are high-energy and require a lot of exercise and quality time, or they may become destructive or display behaviors like reactivity or separation anxiety.
As far as care, Poodles are low-maintenance and low-shedding dogs. They do need brushing and bathing to keep their coats clean and free of mats, as well as regular ear cleaning, dental cleaning, and nail trimming.
Poodles are a good choice for single owners and families with children or other pets, provided they’re well-socialized from a young age. They develop strong attachments to one person, but they generally get along with the rest of the family.
Conclusion
Parti Poodles may not be show-quality Poodles, but they’re no less intelligent, affectionate, or desirable for it. Though many pet owners prefer Parti Poodles or mixes for their unique look, they share the same characteristics that make the Poodle a popular dog breed in the first place.
Featured Image Credit: Racheal Grazias, Shutterstock
