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Multi-Colored Poodle

CompanionCurly coat

Draft — this profile is still being checked.

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At a glance

"Multi-Colored Poodle" is the United Kennel Club's name for Toy and Miniature Poodles in patterned coats — parti-colour, abstract, phantom, sable, brindle or a mix of these — which it shows apart from solid-coloured Poodles. The UKC standard says plainly that they are not actually separate breeds: apart from colour it follows the Poodle standard, with Toys 10 in (25 cm) or under and Miniatures over 10 in up to 15 in (38 cm) at the withers. Merle colouring is a disqualification. The FCI and the AKC have no separate standard for it.

Facts

RoleCompanion
CoatCurly coat

Health

This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.

Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.

Knee (patella) evaluation

The AKC lists a patella evaluation among the health tests recommended by the national breed club for both Toy and Miniature Poodles, and the UKC states that multi-coloured Poodles are not a separate breed. Ask a breeder for the parents' results and ask your vet to check the knees.

[2] [3] [1]

Eye examination and PRA-prcd DNA test

For both Toy and Miniature Poodles the AKC lists an ophthalmologist evaluation and a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-prcd) among the national breed club's recommended tests. Ask a breeder for the parents' results and ask your vet about eye checks.

[2] [3] [1]

Hip evaluation (Miniature size)

For Miniature Poodles the AKC also lists a hip evaluation among the national breed club's recommended tests. Ask a breeder for the parents' results.

[3] [1]

Behaviour

Intelligent, trainable, people-oriented

The UKC standard notes the breed's high intelligence, trainability and sense of humour. It says Poodles are highly social and need human companionship and regular, close interaction with family members, and that they are extremely affectionate with children. Viciousness or extreme shyness is a disqualification.

[1]

Official guidance

Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.

Official

United Kennel Club — Multi-Colored Poodle breed standard

UKC Companion Dog Group standard (revised 2025): the Poodle standard with its own colour-pattern section; Toy and Miniature varieties; states the multi-coloured and solid-coloured dogs are not separate breeds.

Read the source

Accessed 2026-09-29

Sources

  1. [1]Multi-Colored Poodle — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-29)
  2. [2]Toy Poodle — breed information and recommended health tests — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-29)
  3. [3]Miniature Poodle — breed information and recommended health tests — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-29)

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