Silver Poodle: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)
Updated on
Click to Skip Ahead
If you’ve ever owned a Poodle, you understand that they are intelligent and have a certain elegance about them that can’t be denied. Whether a standard, miniature, or toy, Poodles are admired for their intelligence, elegance, and beauty.
The silver Poodle, however, is a rare variety because of their distinct, silver-colored coat. Some pet owners don’t realize that silver Poodles are born with black coats that clear up in their faces and paws when they are around six weeks old.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 15 inches and over |
| Weight: | 40 – 70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 18 years |
| Colors: | Apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, white |
| Suitable for: | Active families, large homes, multi-pet households, first-time dog owners |
| Temperament: | Lively, confident, happy, sweet, very smart |
Still, the silver Poodle isn’t a separate breed but a color mutation of the Poodle. Have you ever wondered where the silver Poodle came from or how they became popular? We’ll answer all of those questions and more in our guide below.
Silver Poodle Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Silver Poodles in History
The Poodle originated in Germany, but it wasn’t called the Poodle at that time. Instead, the Germans called it the “Pudelhund,” which is a combination of two words. “Pudel” means to splash around, and “hund” means dog.
The French are responsible for creating the different sizes of Poodle, which are the standard, miniature, and toy varieties. While there is no information to be found on when the first silver Poodle was discovered, it’s sure to have been bred throughout history, as it isn’t a specific breed of Poodle, but instead a Poodle that has a different gene that creates the silver color.
However, if we had to hazard a guess, it’s thought that silver Poodles were first created in the 1900s by the English. During this time, silver Poodles were even rarer than they are now and in great demand.
How Silver Poodles Gained Popularity
Silver Poodles were really popular in the 1900s because they were so hard to create and hard to find. The Poodles are still popular today for the same reason. The color and the rarity of the silver Poodle keep them in great demand.
While some breeders strive to breed silver Poodles, there’s still no guarantee that this is the color Poodle you’ll end up with. If you decide to give a silver Poodle a forever home, make sure you use only a reputable breeder to get a healthy Poodle, regardless of the color.
Formal Recognition of Silver Poodles
The AKC recognizes the silver Poodle and allows them to compete in competitions. It’s important to note that there are many types of Poodles, and if you’re adopting a silver Poodle, you’ll want to check the AKC website yourself to be sure.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Silver Poodles
There aren’t many facts about the silver Poodle in particular, but we found a few interesting details about the breed.
1. Most Silver Poodles Are Born With Black Coats
Contrary to what many people think, silver Poodles aren’t born with silver coats. Instead, they are born with black coats, and eventually, those coats fade to a grayish-silver color as the dog ages.
2. Poodles Were Once Used in Circuses
Poodles were once used as circus performers, silver Poodles included, because of their elegance and extreme intelligence. However, that practice was banned due to the conditions the Poodles were kept in, and it was considered a form of animal cruelty.
3. Silver Poodles Are Easy to Train
Silver Poodles, just like other Poodles, are easy to train. This isn’t only because of their extreme intelligence; they also love to please their owners.
While these are just a few unique facts about Poodles, they’re also facts that pertain to silver Poodles. However, do silver Poodles make good pets for a family? We’ll talk about whether giving a silver Poodle a forever home is a good idea.
Do Silver Poodles Make a Good Pet?
Silver Poodles are eager to please, active, intelligent, loyal, shy, and loving. They are said to be hypoallergenic, but that is debatable since no dog can be totally hypoallergenic. Still, they are a low-shedding breed, making them better for people with allergies than other dogs.
Silver Poodles make great family dogs since they are non-aggressive and get along well with children and other pets. As with any other dog breed, it’s best to train and socialize your silver Poodle early in their lives so that they get used to being around other adults, kids, and other pets.
They are active pets, and though they don’t have to have a ton of exercise a day, it is best to keep them mentally and physically stimulated for the best results. You don’t want a bored silver Poodle on your hands, as they can become destructive.
If you’re looking for a pet that is unique, good with family, non-aggressive, and intelligent, the silver Poodle will be a loyal friend for many years to come.
Conclusion
Silver Poodles are rare and harder to find than you might think. Since it isn’t a separate Poodle breed but a rare color of Poodle, you can’t just pick one up at the local pet store.
They are gorgeous dogs that make great pets for the right family. If you’d like to give one of these dogs a home, do your research to determine if it’s the right choice for you and your family.
See also:
- American Eagle Dog (American Eskimo Dog & Beagle Mix) Info, Pictures
- Westie Schnauzer Mix (Wauzer): Dog Breed Info, Pictures
Featured Image Credit: TETSUZO KIZZGAWA, Shutterstock
