Color in the Poodle is not merely an aesthetic factor but is strictly bound to precise rules governing the pigmentation of skin, mucous membranes, and the nose. Any lack of pigmentation (such as a pink nose in dark dogs) is heavily penalized and considered a disqualifying fault.
From a cynotechnic perspective and according to the official Breed Standard, there is no chromatic distinction based on size. Whether dealing with an imposing Standard Poodle, a balanced Medium Poodle, a Miniature, or a tiny Toy Poodle, the provisions regarding coat colors and their relative configurations apply identically across all four size variants.
Solid Coats (One Color)
Black
The color must be pure and deep. Any white spot is highly undesirable and considered a structural fault. The pigmentation of the mucous membranes must be total and absolute.
ENCI Pigmentation Details
- Coat: Pure, deep black.
- Skin & Mucous Membranes: Strictly black (including palate and gums).
- Nose, Lips, Eyelids: Black.
- Eyes: Black or dark brown, almond-shaped.
- Nails: Black.
White
Despite the absence of color in the fur, the white Poodle is not an albino dog. On the contrary, it requires dark, distinct pigmentation to contrast with the absolute white of the coat.
ENCI Pigmentation Details
- Coat: Pure white.
- Skin: Silver pigmentation is highly sought after.
- Nose, Lips, Eyelids: Strictly black.
- Eyes: Black or dark brown.
- Nails: Full range allowed: from horn color to black.
Brown
The only coloration where black mucous membranes are replaced morphologically by brown. The coat tone must never fade into dull derivatives.
ENCI Pigmentation Details
- Coat: Deep, dark, uniform, and warm (beige is strictly forbidden).
- Nose, Lips, Eyelids: Dark brown.
- Eyes: Black or dark brown; deep amber shade is permitted.
- Nails: Brown or black.
Grey
The grey must maintain perfect equilibrium: variations linked to aging are tolerated, but the underlying color base must not degenerate into white or black.
ENCI Pigmentation Details
- Coat: Uniform and deep (white spots constitute a serious fault).
- Nose, Lips, Eyelids: Strictly black.
- Eyes: Black or dark brown.
- Nails: Black.
Fawn (Apricot and Red)
This classification groups together warm variations, from apricot to mahogany red. The pigmentation must be as dark as possible.
ENCI Pigmentation Details
- Coat: Uniform across the entire body.
- Nose, Lips, Eyelids: Brown or black.
- Eyes: Black or dark brown.
- Nails: As dark as possible.
Multi-Colored Coats
One of the most notable additions in the recent update to the FCI Standard is the detailed regulation of multi-colored dogs, previously excluded from many European competitions and now officially eligible for dog show evaluations.
Parti-Color (Bi-Color)
Characterized by a white base background upon which patches of other colors are irregularly distributed. Approved combinations include: Black and White, Blue/Grey and White, Fawn and White, and Brown and White.
Black and Tan (Phantom)
Features a dark base background (Black or Brown) paired with well-defined fawn markings. The tan points are strictly positioned: above each eye, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the sides of the muzzle, on the chest, and at the bottom and interior of the limbs.
Tri-Color and Brindle
The Tri-Color pattern brings together Black and White with tan markings of a fawn color (which must be present at least on the eyebrows and around the perineal region). Brindle patterns, including brindle with white modifications, have also been officially included and regulated within the show rings.