[KPoos]

Why does Harry have white hairs (might be gray) on his muzzle? He's really really black on the rest of his body but he does have a few gray hairs in his tail and on the pads of one foot. I've never noticed this before. He's 21 months old.

 

[SECRETO]

I was told those are called guard hairs. Eli began getting some at about 1 year and he is getting a lot more now that he's 2 yrs.

I personally think Eli is going to "grey out" which from what I understand is the process of a black going bad. With Eli, he has a lot of the grey hairs on his rear, rear legs and front legs. He still looks pretty black but I can tell they are coming in heavier. Eli's mother did the same thing and by 3 yrs ( I believe ??) she was a complete gun metal grey color and not at all black.

Some blacks though just get some guard hairs and dont grey out. Again, this is what Ive been told.

 

[KPoos]

Well, if it stays just on his face I can live with it but if that inky black turns gray I'll be sad.

 

[miket]

Eli might be what is called a "blue." My dog Markus is a blue poodle. I think it's a distinct and attractive color. People who don't know about poodles often ask me what color he is! I love him whatever the color.

Mike

 

[Locket]

Could be guard hairs, but if he's 21 months, and they're just starting to sprout it's more likely the start of greying/fading. It's really not the end of the world and I hardly notice that Matrix isn't inky black unless next to an inky black dog or item.

 

[desertreef]

No, I doubt he's a blue. A breeder would know if he's blue around 8 weeks old. Some might take a little longer to know for sure, but not much longer.

Blues are also even all over their body, which can take up to 3 years to finish clearing but even at 2 it's nearly there.

 

[KPoos]

No he's not blue although I thought he was once because his hair can get a bluish tint to it, it's just how black he is.

I know it's not the end of the world but he's not even 2 and he's going to start graying out.

 

[miket]

I started greying out when I was about 22. It's not the end of the world. In my case, I'm glad I didn't turn blue. Why do people worry about their dogs' color; dogs are said to be color blind.


Bye

 

[desertreef]

I agree Miket... it also can be said when they are wanting to add a dog in their home. They can be stuck by color in making that decision and have the right to, of course. It's sometimes sad when they can't overlook a color but understandable too.

I think in this case though... she was remarking about it because she might have paid a heep of dough for a black standard, expecting it to be black till older age. That's all. It doesn't stop someone from always loving him, no matter what color they change into. <g>

And hey... I take it your a guy... you can get away still looking terrific with gray hair! LOL!

 

[KPoos]

Well, I just didn't know things about graying genes and all that when I went and looked for a puppy when I got Harry. I have since learned about that and am in the process of looking to add another poodle and don't want that to happen with the next one.

I don't like the idea that someone can't just want what they want. I obviously feel no differently towards him because he's a pet quality dog but why can't I want a dog that stays black? Why does that make me an uncaring pet owner (not that you Mike said that)?

 

[SECRETO]

Miket,

My boy Eli is definately not a blue. (nothing against blue poodles, he just isnt) Many black poodles, or what seem to be, grey out early. About a year ago I had questioned Eli's color and wondered if he was a blue. After learning more and seeing blue poodles you can really tell the difference.

My boy is just a black (probably considered a bad black) that is greying out. It happens and Im not worried about the color change. His momma did the same thing and she was beautiful in person when I met her.

 

[KPoos]

You could always dye him.LOL

 

[Fluffyspoos]

Does anyone have any pictures of a black and blue puppy around the same age? I can easily tell the difference between silvers and blacks, but I dont think I've seen a blue.

 

[KCWood]

Here's a link that explains the differences between a blue and a black. At the bottom of the page she has pictures of a blue and a black together. HTH. http://arpeggiopoodles.tripod.com/poodlecoatcolorsblueandblack.html

 

[desertreef]

I do...
I'm holding a black, silver and blue for someone wanting to see the differences. The black boy is older than the girls by 10 days.

 

[KPoos]

I do...
I'm holding a black, silver and blue for someone wanting to see the differences. The black boy is older than the girls by 10 days.

They are gorgeous! I love that silver.

 

[desertreef]

Thank you... she turned out really nice too. She lives in Fort Collins and is very loved.

 

[Olie]

I do...
I'm holding a black, silver and blue for someone wanting to see the differences. The black boy is older than the girls by 10 days.

So so pretty!!!

 

[Travis]

I do...
I'm holding a black, silver and blue for someone wanting to see the differences. The black boy is older than the girls by 10 days.

This post is very old but I just wanted to thank you for posting such a great photo. It's cute as heck, but the comparison between the three is really great to see.