Poodles have grown in popularity over time from starring in movies or just being known as the fanciest breed of dog around! You might not know everything there is to know about the breed, and if you’re looking to jump into the world of owning a poodle, there may be some things you’d want to know.
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
If you’re wondering about the red and brown poodle in particular—its history, origin, temperament, and more, continue reading this article for everything you need to know.
Poodle Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Red and Brown Poodles in History
Most poodles will be recognized in either white or black coats, but how did the red and brown poodle come to be? The red/brown poodle was first recognized in 1980 after the selective breeding of poodles in different coat colors. It is a rare gene—called the ‘Rufus’ gene—in the poodle that produces the reddish-brown coat.
How Red and Brown Poodles Gained Popularity
The poodle is a common breed that was historically recognized centuries ago in Germany and other European artworks from as early as the 1700s. When it hit the early 1900s the poodle’s popularity seemed to have decreased. Over time, the poodle has shifted from the standard and more common black coat to crossbreeding with smaller dogs and resulting in the rare Rufus gene resulting in smaller, apricot-colored poodles.
The toy brown or red poodle has become one the most common type of dogs people are moving towards when choosing a poodle. Nowadays, you will often see short, curly fur (characteristic of a poodle) on a small breed usually crossed with Shih Tzus or Maltese.
Formal Recognition of Red and Brown Poodles
Red poodles were officially recognized in 1980 by the American Kennel Club (AKC). There are additional registries that recognize the red, brown, or multicolored poodles, but it varies by location and standards set by the registry itself. The official recognition of poodles is much more dated, while the apricot variety of poodles is more recent.
Due to this, the recognition of this specific poodle is not widely known across dog breed registries. It’s more likely that you will see this for red and brown poodle mixes of the smaller variety.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Red and Brown Poodles
While most interesting facts about the red or brown poodle come from its genetic makeup, there are additional things that are unique to its breed. Most of these facts stem from the red/brown poodle’s origin—the standard black poodle. These dogs are usually medium-sized to large, with long legs and relatively athletic builds.
Generally, they have short curly fur, and you can recognize the standard poodle by the extra tuft of fur that grows around their foreheads and ears. Now, the red and brown poodle is interesting, from its breathtaking coat color to the outcome of the breed mixing with others.
1. Black is the dominant coat color of standard poodles
2. Brown and apricot coats fade with age
3. The “Rufus” gene is used to characterize the brown/apricot coat color
4. Poodle origins can be dated back to the 17th century through art
5. Poodles may have been fowl-catching dogs originally
Do Red and Brown Poodles Make a Good Pet?
Poodles will always prefer to be with their owners. They have a very loyal temperament and love laying on your lap as well as running around with other dogs. Poodles are great listeners and obedient as well, so they will be relatively easy to train and command. The poodle is active in nature and will enjoy playing and can be known to be quite chirpy when they get excited. They make great family pets and can be easily trained with the right attention.
Regular exercise is great for these dogs to calm their energy levels and provide a good active outlet for them. It’s also a great stimulant for them, as the poodle is a very intelligent breed. What’s more, give them activities that challenge their intellect or teach them new tricks regularly to boost their natural smart nature.
Conclusion
Red and brown poodles may be a genetic anomaly, but they are great for families and new pet owners alike. The cuddly, soft, eye-catching dog is a great option when looking for a new furry friend. Their friendly temperament, intelligence, and ease of training make them a great option. The poodle has been crossbred over time with many other smaller breeds so they can be seen in many different forms. Hopefully, this article has been helpful in providing you with background on the red and brown poodle.
Featured Image Credit: NDAB Creativity, Shutterstock
