All About Silver Poodle Standard Sized Stunners!
Are you considering adopting a silver poodle standard sized? If so, keep reading! You’ll get more information about this beautiful colored Poodle.
The Standard Poodle is a breed that’s loved by many for its elegance, intelligence, and all-around versatility. When it comes to color, the silver Standard Poodle is a real showstopper. With its striking silvery-grey coat and standout personality, it’s no wonder this variation of the breed has captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. In this article, we’re going to dive into what makes the silver Standard Poodle so special, from its physical traits to its rich history and unique genetics.
Silver Poodle Standard Comes in all Shades
They are recognized for their beautiful silvery fur which can range from very light almost like platinum to deep pewter grey.
The cool thing about these pets is that they will have consistent coloration all over their bodies which gives them an elegant sleek look.
Check out a Canadian Champion silver poodle standard all groomed to perfection here.
Genetics of that Gorgeous Silver Coat
For centuries people have loved silver Poodles due to their color. This breed has been carefully maintained through selective breeding to retain this striking hue.
Now let’s delve into the scientific part—the intricacies behind the silver coat’s genetics. Within the Standard Poodle breed, the silver color comes from a particular combination of genes that modify how their fur is colored. In brief, silver is a diluted form of black which is regulated by a recessive gene. A dog must have both parents carrying this gene in order to be silver irrespective of whether the latter two are silver coated themselves.
Interestingly, most silver poodles are born black or a very deep grey. The coats gradually lighten over its first year to become that beautiful silver shade you might see today. This process known as “clearing” begins when puppies are between six and eight weeks old. Although by one year old most silver poodles have completed the transformation into adult hair coloration, some can take longer before reaching full potential.
This color changing gene is called “Progressive Graying” (G locus) gene. It slows down the black pigment in the dog’s coat over time causing it to grizzle into silver color. It is important to realize that while carrying this gene does not make every poodle silver – in some cases, the gene hides and does not show up in animal’s appearance.
Breeding this type of dogs requires some careful planning by breeders because you cannot just breed any two poodles together and expect some silver puppies in return.
For instance, breeders often breed two silver-colored poodles or one silver poodle and one black poodle that carries the silver gene in order to increase their chances of obtaining silvers.
Understanding the Color Magic in Dogs: Blue, Silver, and Beyond
Ever wondered why some dogs have that stunning blue or silver coat? It all comes down to a little thing called the fading gene. This gene is responsible for turning a dog’s coat from a deep black to a gorgeous blue or even a shimmering silver. But how does it work? Let’s break it down.
The Magic of the Fading Gene
Here’s the scoop: if a dog has one copy of the fading gene, their coat turns blue. But if they have two copies, they’ll rock a silver coat instead. Think of it like turning down the brightness on a screen—one notch makes it dimmer (blue), and two notches make it really soft (silver).
Breeding Basics: What to Expect
Now, what happens when you mix these colors together?
- Black (0 fading genes) x Silver (2 fading genes): All the black-based puppies will turn out blue. Why? Because they have to inherit one fading gene from their silver parent.
- Black (0 fading genes) x Blue (1 fading gene): This is where things get interesting! There’s a 50/50 chance here. Half the black-based puppies could stay black, while the other half might turn blue.
- Blue (1 fading gene) x Silver (2 fading genes): Flip a coin—there’s a 50% chance of blue puppies and a 50% chance of silver.
- Blue (1 fading gene) x Blue (1 fading gene): This pairing is like rolling the dice. You’ve got a 25% chance of silver puppies, a 50% chance of blue, and a 25% chance of black.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a silver-coated beauty or a cool blue companion, understanding the fading gene gives you a sneak peek into what those adorable puppies might look like!
However, it is also essential for breeders to focus on dog’s overall health and behavior rather than its color only.
As a rule, responsible breeders like us must perform genetic tests for common health problems such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or Addison’s disease which often affect poodles.
Silver Poodle Standard: General Breed Characteristics
Like other Poodles, the silver poodle also does not have hair that sheds, which makes it ideal for animal allergy sufferers who may not stand other types of dogs. This means that you will need to shear or take your silver Poodle to a professional dog groomer regularly in order for its coats to remain untangled. So, prepare to spend quality time with a brush or at the groomer’s if you intend on having one for yourself.
Silver Poodle Standards are also intelligent breed than many others in its group. Poodles rank highly among the most intelligent dog breeds; only the Border Collie is known to be more intelligent. They are quick learners and can learn new tricks in a very short time. Whatever purpose of obedience or agility training and even ordinary performance of commands, they strive to please.
Generally, silver Standard Poodles have affectionate natures thereby making them great around children or even other pets while still being loyal. Furthermore, most have been known for their friendly characters besides forming close relationships with their owners’ families even when they have been accused or saying that some things are true about any given dog type. For this reason, silver poodles need enough play time that lasts every day since they are usually active animals. Silver Poodles are suited to a hiker or a runner as well.