Educational Resource
Genetics Guide
Science-backed deep dives into poodle coat color genetics — written for breeders, enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to understand the biology behind the colors.
6 articles
Parti Poodles and the S Locus: What Causes White Spotting in Poodles
A parti poodle has a coat with at least 50% white, with random patches of another color (black, chocolate, red, apricot, or any other poodle color). The white…
Phantom Poodles: Understanding the A Locus and Tan Point Genetics
A phantom poodle displays a distinctive two-tone pattern: a darker base color (typically black, chocolate, blue, or silver) with specific tan or apricot…
Merle in Poodles: The Genetics, The Controversy, and What Every Breeder Must Know
The merle topic generates strong opinions in the poodle community. This article aims to present the genetics and health data accurately and without agenda.…
What Is the Graying Gene? How Poodles Change Color as They Age
Few things confuse new poodle breeders more than the silver poodle phenomenon: a puppy born apparently jet-black who, by 18–24 months, has transformed into a…
The B Locus Explained: Black vs. Chocolate Poodles and the Brown Gene
Every poodle breeder who has produced a chocolate puppy from two black parents has had the same moment of confusion. How is that possible? The answer lies…
Understanding the E Locus: Why Some Poodles Are Always Red or Cream
The E locus — formally called the Extension locus — sits on canine chromosome 5 and governs one of the most fundamental decisions in coat color genetics:…
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