If you are considering getting a Poodle mix (or what we affectionately call here a Doodle Dog), you may have heard of the Poodle fading gene. This gene can affect the coat colour of Poodles and some Poodle mixes, causing their adult coat to change over time. The Poodle fading gene is a complex topic, and there are many misconceptions about how it works and its effects on dogs.
The Poodle fading gene is a dominant gene that affects the production of melanin. This is the pigment that gives colour to hair, skin, and eyes in mammals. When a dog inherits the fading gene from one of it’s parents, it can cause the dog’s coat to lighten or fade over time, often resulting in a different coat colour or pattern than the dog had as a puppy. Some owners of Poodle mixes love the darker shade of their dog and don’t want to lose that. It’s important to realise that the coat colour of a young dog can and does change as they get over, particularly in Poodle mixed breeds. However, not all Poodles and Poodle mixes will experience fading, and the extent of fading can vary from dog to dog.
There are lots of different things that can influence the extent of fading:
- Genetics
- Age
- Sun Exposure
- Grooming practices
Understanding the Poodle fading gene and its effects on your dog’s coat can help you make informed decisions about grooming, breeding, and health care.
We’re going to take a look at the Poodle fading gene in more detail, including its inheritance patterns, common myths and misconceptions, and tips for managing and preventing fading in your Poodle or Poodle mix.
What is the Poodle Fading Gene?
The Poodle Fading Gene is a genetic trait that causes the coat colour of Poodles to change over time. This gene is really common in Poodles and is sometimes called the Progressive Greying gene. You might also hear it referred to as the Dilution Gene. Whatever you want to call it, this is the gene that is responsible for gradually lightening the original colour of the coat.
When a Poodle has the fading gene, their coat colour will gradually lighten over time. This can result in a Poodle that was originally black or brown turning into a silver beige or white colour. The fading process usually starts when the Poodle or Poodle mix is around six months of age, and it can take up to two years for the coat colour to fully fade.
Not all Poodles will have the fading gene. However, it is more common in certain colours. Black, brown and red Doodles are the most likely to have lighter coats as they get older. Poodles that are apricot, cream, or white are less likely to have the fading gene, although it is still a possibility no matter what colour dog you have.
How Does the Poodle Fading Gene Work?
The poodle fading gene, also known as the progressive greying gene, is a genetic mutation that affects the coat colour of poodles and doodles. When a poodle or doodle inherits this gene, its coat colour will gradually fade as they age. The fading process is caused by the loss of melanin in the hair shafts, which results in a lighter coat colour.
The fading gene is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, which means that if a poodle or doodle inherits one copy of the gene from either parent, they will exhibit the fading trait. If they inherit two copies of the gene, they will exhibit a more severe fading effect.
The fading gene affects different coat colours differently. For example, black, blue, and brown poodles and doodles with the fading gene will gradually turn grey or silver as they age. Red, apricot, and cream poodles and doodles may also exhibit fading, but it is less noticeable than in darker-coloured dogs. However, not all poodles and doodles with these coat colours will exhibit fading, as the fading gene is not the only factor that affects coat colour.
One thing to point out here is that there aren’t any health worries associated with dogs that have the fading gene.
What Breeds Are Affected by the Poodle Fading Gene?
The Poodle Fading Gene is a genetic trait that affects not only Poodles but also several other breeds. The gene is responsible for the gradual lightening of a dog’s coat colour as they age. This fading process can occur in any colour Poodle mix.
Some of the breeds known to be affected by the Poodle Fading Gene include:
- Cavapoos
- Labradoodles
- Goldendoodles
- Cockapoos
- Sheepadoodles
- Bernedoodles
- Irish Doodles
It’s important to note that not all dogs of these breeds will experience fading. The Poodle Fading Gene is a dominant gene, which means that a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the gene from one parent to experience fading. How much a dog’s coat will fade and how quickly it will fade will vary from one dog to the next. Even dogs from the same litter will fade at different rates, so it’s impossible for anyone to predict.
It’s also worth mentioning that not all fading in dogs is caused by the Poodle Fading Gene. Other factors, such as sun exposure and hormonal changes, can also cause a dog’s coat colour to lighten over time. However, if you have a dog with a breed that is known to be affected by the Poodle Fading Gene, it’s likely that this gene is at least partially responsible for any fading that occurs.
Symptoms of Poodle Fading Gene
The poodle fading gene is a genetic condition that affects the coat colour of poodles. The symptoms of the fading gene include:
- Gradual lightening of the coat colour
- Loss of pigment in the coat
- The appearance of white or silver hairs in the coat
- Change in the colour of the nose, lips, and eye rims from black to a lighter colour. For example, a black nose may turn brown gradually.
When a poodle has the fading gene, their coat colour will gradually fade over time. This is caused by a mutation in the G locus gene, which regulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for coat colour.
The fading gene is not harmful to the health of the dog, it just affects their appearance. Some poodle owners prefer the faded look, while others prefer the original coat colour. It is important to note that not all black, blue, or brown poodles have the fading gene, and not all poodles with the fading gene will fade to the same extent.
For us, we love the apricot shade of our Cavapoo, but if she does have the Poodle fading gene and her beautiful shade of apricot becomes lighter over time, then so be it. The only negative I can think of is that a lighter dog’s coat will show mud up more when they’ve been out for muddy walks.
Diagnosis of Poodle Fading Gene
Diagnosing the poodle fading gene can be done through genetic testing. This can be useful for breeders who want to know if their dogs carry the gene and if they are at risk of passing it on to their puppies. Genetic testing can also be helpful for owners who want to know if their dog is at risk of developing the condition. If you are worried about the gene and you want to make sure your dog’s dark coat doesn’t fade then it’s worth asking your breeder whether they have tested for the fading gene.
Another way to diagnose the poodle fading gene is just by seeing it happen for yourself in your doodle dog. The gene causes a gradual lightening of the coat over time, so owners and breeders can monitor the dog’s coat to see if it is becoming lighter. This can be particularly useful for breeders who want to track the progression of the condition over several generations.
Not all poodles or doodles with lighter coats have the fading gene. Some poodles naturally have lighter coats due to other genetic factors, such as the presence of the “cream” gene. Therefore, genetic testing is the most accurate way to diagnose the poodle fading gene. But this isn’t something that all breeders offer, so make sure you ask about it if you are concerned about fading.
Treatment for Poodle Fading Gene
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the Poodle Fading Gene. Once a dog has inherited this gene, their coat colour will gradually fade over time. However, there are some things that owners can do to help slow down the fading process or prevent it from happening too quickly.
One of the best ways to slow down the fading process is to keep your dog out of direct sunlight as much as possible. The sun’s UV rays can cause the pigment in a dog’s coat to break down more quickly, leading to faster fading. Providing shade and keeping your dog indoors during the hottest parts of the day can help protect their coat from sun damage.
Another way to help slow down fading is to feed your dog a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. A well-nourished dog will have a healthier coat, which can help slow down the fading process. Additionally, regular grooming and bathing can help keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, which can also help slow down fading.
Finally, if you are considering getting a Poodle or a Doodle breed that may inherit the fading gene, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder. A good breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed and can help you choose a dog that is less likely to inherit the fading gene. They can also provide guidance on how to care for your dog’s coat to help slow down fading.
Prevention of Poodle Fading Gene
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent the poodle fading gene from affecting your doodle or poodle. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize the effects of the gene.
- Choose a breeder who is knowledgeable about the fading gene and breeding practices that can minimize its effects.
- If possible, select a doodle or poodle with parents that do not show signs of the fading gene.
- Keep your pup out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Sun exposure can exacerbate the effects of the fading gene.
- Consider using a pet-safe sunscreen on areas of your pup’s coat that are particularly vulnerable to fading.
- Regular grooming and maintenance can help keep your pup’s coat healthy and strong, which can minimize the effects of the fading gene.
It’s important to note that even with these preventative measures, your doodle or poodle may still experience some degree of fading due to the gene. However, by taking these steps, you can help minimize the effects and keep your pup looking their best. Or, you could just embrace the dog you have and not worry about the light colouring, even humans go grey at some point!
