Cockapoo - North American Cockapoo Registry Cockapoo Colors

NACR to Guide to Cockapoo Colors and Markings

One has to remember that being hybrids cockapoos have the potential for a wide range of colors. Depending on the parents and their backgrounds – factors of recessive and dominant genes for color become difficult to predict. A cockapoo could be any normal color seen in the cocker or poodle. Some unique colors and patterns as well are emerging as we breed down through the generation. Some colors and marking patterns are being seen with more frequency. Here's a bit of a guide to help you along.

Colors:

Cockapoos can emerge in many colors; given that they originate from cockers and poodles, basic color descriptions take their cues from the colors found in the parent breeds. You will find many variations of shades within these color families. The basic colors are:

Apricot (similar to cream but the highlights will have definite reddish cast.
Black
Buff -light cream, honey, golden, tan, beige, auburn - any shade of tan
Chocolate -can vary from light to dark brown
Sable - a chocolate factor - base of light to dark chocolate with tipping and shading in black
Cream - basically a light color close to white but with cream highlights on ears and back
Red -overlaps to buff depending opinion but does have a noticeable red tint to a full deep Irish setter red rust tone
Silver is a phenomenon of being a mix of breed genetics - not always a true solid color but may be patches of light to dark silver with considerable black; it can vary from patches to spots and generally changes as the puppy matures so it can only be said that there is a silver inclusion to some extent.
White

        Any of these colors can have white on chest, chin, toes, head or muzzle to varying extents. Pure solid color dogs occur, as well as many dogs that depict shading within their basic color, including tipping at the end of the hair coat.

Markings:

       Again based strongly from the Cocker Spaniel, certain color marking patterns can be found being carried on to the cockapoo.

Parti color - any of above colors showing in patches on a white base - - ears are usually colored. Developing spots, freckles, etc on muzzle, body and legs is a strong possibility.

Tri - any parti with tan markings

Phantom - markings in white,silver, tan, red, or brown on a background of black or brown ; the markings are spots over eyes, on the sides of the cheeks, symmetrical spots on chest, under tail, inside ears and on lower legs

Roan - a white base coat with many freckles and spots (rather than patches) to the point where the white is barely seen

    In general, color and marking intensity will vary depending on coat length and the age of the dog (and of course, cleanliness!). Color phases may exist - like starting with considerable black tipping but ending in a lighter mature coat with the tipping or darkness remaining on ears only - puppy coats will usually undergo minor to major variations depending on the color and markings. Some markings may be more noticeable when the dog is in longer coat, others more noticeable after a trim. Some colors such as chocolate and deep red will sun fade or bleach out in the sun and may fade with age. Chocolates have been known to take on a silver cast to buff tipping. Deep reds can fade to apricot with age.