Toy Poodle
Why Does My Red Poodle Fade to Apricot? Color Fading Explained
You brought home a deep mahogany puppy at 8 weeks — and now at 2 years old, they're apricot. What happened? Here's the science behind Poodle color fading.
October 28, 2024 · 6 min read
The G Locus: The Fading Gene
Poodle color fading is caused primarily by the G locus (progressive graying gene). A dominant mutation at this locus produces progressive lightening of the coat starting in puppyhood. Dogs that carry even one copy of the G allele (Gg) will fade. Dogs that are GG fade the fastest. Only dogs with the gg genotype (no copies) resist the graying effect significantly. Importantly, this fading is not related to disease, poor nutrition, or sun exposure — it's purely genetic.
How the Fading Process Works
The G locus mutation affects melanocyte function (the cells that produce coat pigment). Over time, melanocytes in G-carrier dogs become less efficient at depositing pigment into growing hair shafts. Each successive growth cycle produces slightly lighter hairs. The process is gradual and most visible in the first 12–18 months of a dog's life. By 2 years old, a G-carrier Poodle has reached roughly their adult color — though some very slow faders continue to lighten slightly into age 3–4.
What a 'Red' Puppy That Will Fade Looks Like vs One That Won't
In the whelping box, it's nearly impossible to distinguish a true red (low G locus influence) from a red that will fade significantly. Both look strikingly red at birth. By 4–6 weeks, fading reds often begin to show slightly lighter tips on hairs, particularly on the head. By 8 weeks, experienced breeders may notice a slight 'clearness' or warmth-shift from deep mahogany toward orange. By 16 weeks, the divergence becomes more obvious.
What Breeders Can Do
Responsible Toy Poodle breeders use DNA testing to identify G locus status in breeding dogs. By pairing gg (non-fader) dogs together — or pairing one G-carrier with one non-carrier — breeders can produce puppies with lower fading probability. Not all DNA panels include the G locus explicitly; ask your breeder specifically about G locus testing. At Star Struck Puppies, we track G locus results as part of our color selection program.
Should Fading Bother You?
Practically: most apricot Toy Poodles are just as beautiful as red ones — it's a matter of personal preference. If you want a dog that stays very red into adulthood, specifically ask breeders about G locus status of both parents and request photos of adult dogs from the same bloodline. If you love the breed for all the right reasons and color is secondary, fading is a non-issue.