Red Poodle vs Apricot Poodle: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

Poodles have become increasingly popular since their early days as fancy, high-class dogs. Initially seen alongside French or English royalty, they have become suitable family dogs. Poodles have a variety of different coat colors, from white to deep red, but does this make any difference in personality?

Well, if we focus on the red and apricot poodle, you can see they are very different shades of red and/or orange in some depictions. You’ll notice either poofy and brushed-out fur around their heads, or dense and curly fur. But in this article, we’ll look into whether they have any other differences other than coat color.

At a Glance

Red Poodle Overview

Personality / Character

Red poodles have the personality and character of the standard poodle. These dogs are known to be highly intelligent, social, and affectionate. Poodles are great for families with young children, and they can also be great doggy pals. They treat their owners like companions and will show the same amount of affection towards children in the home.

Training

Poodles are also known for being easy to train due to their high level of intelligence. With an eager-to-please nature, this breed will do anything to listen to their owners throughout training. They like to learn new things and be mentally stimulated through interaction with their owners.

Health & Care

Poodles are known to live long and healthy lives, which can be said about red standard poodles as well. This breed has been well-bred throughout time, easily spotted by the long line of the poodle breed. Some health issues are common in poodles such as issues with their joints (i.e., hip dysplasia and luxating patella), and issues with their sight at older ages.

Exercise

Poodles are very active dogs that enjoy speed and agility. They need a good amount of exercise every day, meaning at least 1 hour daily. Keep poodles active and engaged daily, as they enjoy mental stimulation, running, playing, and exercise.

Suitable For:

Red poodles are suitable for highly active owners. If you love getting outdoors and won’t feel too bothered by a smart and eager dog, then the red poodle is for you. They are great for families with young children and can also be an option for families looking to add another pet to their home.

Apricot Poodle Overview

Personality / Character

Like the red poodle, the apricot poodle is an active and very intelligent dog. Although they have a different color hue to their coat, they have similarities in terms of personality and character. With a high level of affection and loyalty to their owners, the apricot poodle will be a great addition to any family or single person.

Exercise

Apricot poodles will require at least an hour per day of exercise—and we say “at least” with the utmost emphasis. With the size and high agility assigned to the standard poodle, they will need plenty of stimulation both mentally and physically. Poodles can be seen sprinting around, swimming, playing, or if told to, calmly laying down.

Training

As mentioned, poodles are very intelligent dogs. You will have a very easy time training a poodle as they pick up cues and communication from owners with ease. A poodle will pick up tricks and commands quickly in comparison to other dog breeds. Additionally, because they are highly intelligent, they can be quick to let you know if they aren’t a fan of a certain training method.

Health & Care

Poodles are known to live long and healthy lives with an average lifespan of 11–15 years. This breed has been bred with care and attention throughout time, so they have not been affected by interbreeding or any health issues due to poor care. However, they will need to be checked for joint issues.

Exercise

Apricot poodles will need a minimum of 1 hour of exercise per day. This doesn’t only include the average walks that you would normally give your dog. Poodles will want to swim, run,  and play with other dogs, children, and toys.

Suitable For:

With similar characteristics to the red poodle, these dogs are suitable for those who prefer one who will be well-trained, affectionate, and good with other dogs. If you want a dog who loves to be stimulated and listens well, the poodle is a great option. Also, if you have children or are looking for your second dog, the poodle is a suitable choice no matter the coat color.

So, What Is the Difference?

Essentially, although they have different coat colors, the red and apricot poodles are very similar in personality and behavior. When it comes to their interactions and actions around other people and dogs, there is little difference if any.

Another interesting point about the differences between the red and apricot poodle is that the red poodle is said to be a result of something called the “Rufus” gene. It’s basically a genetic anomaly that gives them the darker coat color.

There are differences with poodles when it comes to their sizes as well. For example, there are toy poodles that are much smaller than your standard poodle—averaging under 15 inches in height and around 7–10 pounds in weight. There are also poodle mixes with other dog breeds that have grown massively in popularity.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

When selecting between a red or apricot poodle, it really comes down to aesthetics. Note that their coat color does fade with age, so a puppy’s coat will not remain as intense as they grow. However, if you have a preference this is really the only thing that could get you to choose one over the other.

The poodle’s personality is suited for people who are looking for a dog that is easy to train and a true companion. Whether you have tiny kids running around or you already have a pup, the poodle is a good option for you.

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Lim Teaw Teong, Shutterstock | (R) Alberto Duran Photography, Shutterstock