The poodle is the first decorative dog breed to gain worldwide popularity. This success is due to the magnificent combination of an original appearance, cheerful character, and quick wit. Of the numerous colors, it is worth noting cream poodles, which are surprisingly not very popular with breeders and the jury of exhibitions.
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What does a cream poodle look like?
Like all poodles, cream poodles are harmoniously built dogs. The head is graceful, with a well-developed occipital protuberance, but a slightly noticeable transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The brow ridges are well developed and covered with long hair. They have scissor bite and dry lips. The ears are long (the end of the ear should reach the corner of the lips), drooping, and rounded. The neck is strong, of medium length, but set high. The withers are moderately pronounced. The chest reaches the elbows in-depth; its width is 2/3 of the depth. The length of the body slightly exceeds the height at the withers. The back is short, straight, and strong. The croup of cream poodles is rounded, but not sloping, at the same level as the withers. The stomach is tucked up but without undermining. The legs are straight, and the thighs are muscular. Legs are small and short oval. The tail is long and set high. Moreover, both uncropped and 1/3 docked tails are allowed.
The cream poodle has a wide shade of this color, from a very dark cream, nearly apricot in color, to almost white.
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Since the cream is a faded color, puppies of this color will be lighter from birth to 2 years of age. It is worth noting that only a few poodles keep a cream shade up to the ears and across the back and shoulders. Cream poodles should also have black points. Basically, cream poodle puppies are born with a lighter pigment that darkens towards the back over the week. However, some take up to 8 weeks to turn black. Like all lighter colored dogs, cream poodles are more prone to sunburn and sensitive to light. The eyes of cream poodles are deep and soft brown, but the darkest eye color is preferred. The eyelids, nose, lips, and nails are very dark brown or black. However, cream poodles can develop a so-called “winter nose” in winter due to loss of pigment. Not to be confused with a brown nose, it is not the same.
Creamy poodles have minor drawbacks that shouldn’t bother breeders or owners. Some of them are white nails and liver noses and eye rims. Lemon or light brown ears and lemon or light brown stripes on the back are also considered minor faults. However, dogs with these faults are not allowed to participate in shows. Moreover, such dogs may have light brown eyes, almost yellow in tone. Since light eyes are difficult to overcome, especially in light-colored dogs, breeders should think carefully before breeding such a dog.
As noted, cream poodles can fade to almost pure white, but they still can have brown eyes instead of black ones and brown rather than black noses. It is essential to understand the difference between real white and faded cream poodles. A true white poodle has no lemon or light brown in its coat. Also, a pure white poodle has no “stripes” on the coat, while faded creams do.
Like many other lapdogs, poodles come from quite working and field breeds. Their veins flow the blood of Portuguese and French water dogs, light greyhounds, barbets, and Maltese lapdogs. From the latter, the poodles inherited the quality of the coat, long, soft, and pleasant to the touch, from the greyhounds – an elegant figure and choleric temperament, from water dogs and barbets – curly hair and fearlessness of water.
Crossbreeds between these breeds were discovered in Central Europe as early as the 12th century. Still, finally, as an independent breed, poodles were formed by the 15th century. At this time, they were used for corralling small fowls and bringing the killed birds to their owner.
Many other dogs could envy the performance of poodles. They are hardy but unpretentious, venturous, but not aggressive, quick-witted, but at the same time affectionate and obedient. The only “downside” to poodles was their coat.
Reaching a length of 10 cm, it can quickly get dirty and wet so that the poodle can look like a completely ignoble dirty dog. In order to somehow correct this defect, the dogs were sheared. To facilitate movement, hair was removed on the legs and back but left on the chest to avoid hypothermia. This was the prototype of the famous “lion” haircut.
In this state, the poodles fell into the pack of European aristocrats, and here they attracted the ladies’ attention. Noble girls by rank were supposed to participate in the hunt occasionally. Still, women were hardly interested in discussing the “technical” aspects of this male occupation. They did not gossip about the driven victim’s habits at the halt, but about the cute dogs that accompanied them.
Feminine nature demanded beauty, and ladies began to pay more attention to pet hair. In palaces, poodles are no longer cut for practical purposes but to demonstrate their hairdressing art. Well-groomed poodles looked so gorgeous that their hunting ability faded into the background. By the 19th century, the status of the decorative was finally fixed for the breed. In this role, it went beyond the borders of France, England, and Germany – the main centers of breeding – and enriched itself with new miniature types.
Different sizes of cream poodles
The breed is divided into four types according to the height at the withers. Although, experienced dog handlers claim that dimensions are not their only difference. Dogs differ in habits and character. So, there are four official varieties of poodles:
Standard: It is also called royal (big). In height, such a pet reaches 45-60 cm. A standard cream poodle needs a house of a suitable size and a walking area. The standard poodle, which is easy to train, can become a service or hunting dog. It is a discreet, proud pet that will never stoop to sabotage.
Medium: These dogs reach a height of 35-45 cm. In character, they resemble royal ones. Medium cream poodles are hardy, balanced, and obedient. They are born with dignity. They easily adapt to living in an apartment but need long walks with exercise.
Miniature: The size of a miniature cream poodle at the withers is 28-35 cm. Pets look cute, affectionate, but at the same time have a very hardy character. They require a lot of attention and can get jealous if they lack love. They are energetic poodles who enjoy playing with children and often misbehave. However, they are infinitely loyal to the owner.
Toy poodle: Such a dog looks like a toy. His height is only 24-28 cm. However, cream toy poodles are very proud. It is from its miniature size that the disadvantages of the Toy Poodle breed follow. The dog can bite if you do not consider him a full-fledged dog. The toy poodle is characterized by constant barking.
Tips for choosing a cream poodle puppy
How to choose a puppy of this breed among many sizes? It is necessary to understand that the internal qualities do not change from the external ones. Both toy poodles and standard ones will be equally friendly, intelligent, and active.
Visit the kennel where you are going to buy a puppy, be sure to pay attention to the conditions in which the dogs gather – both babies and their mother. Make sure that the animals have all the necessary documents (a puppy’s metric that can be exchanged for a pedigree, a veterinary passport with vaccination marks).
The choice of poodle puppies can be made independently or in the company of a dog breeder (the cost of consulting such a specialist is usually included in the price of the puppy). You need to pay attention to the behavior of the little poodle: how energetic he is, how curious he is, whether he communicates with peers. Also, make sure your cream puppy is walking normally (not limping) and does not have dyspnea.
The expression of the eyes should be expressive, and the skin should be soft and slightly pinkish. By the end of puberty, the nose and pads’ color changes, so you can safely take the puppy you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cream а real color?
There are two very different types of poodles, which are often difficult to distinguish in adulthood. They are true whites (ice whites or paperwhites) and cream that are so light (faded) that they appear entirely white. However, it is crucial to understand the difference between the two terms “white” and “cream” and use it definitely and correctly. Although both colors are recessive (white is a complete lack of color, the cream is the maximum dilution of brown), you will see that they are completely different if you look at them. Therefore, it’s safe to say that cream is a real color, and you shouldn’t think of it as off-white.
Can cream poodles be bred?
Of course, it is possible. However, it won’t be easy because cream poodles rarely reproduce the same shade as themselves. Usually, when breeding cream poodles, puppies tend to be white.
What colors are not recommended to breed with cream poodles?
Let’s list them in order: black, blue, brown, cafe-au-lait, gray, and apricot. Mixing these colors can result in incorrect pigment on the points, as browns have liver-colored dots, while cream, as well as whites, reds, and apricots, should all have jet black dots.
Are the cream poodles popular in the show ring and with the public?
Surprisingly not very much, as this color is too often considered bad white. Moreover, the white poodles often win the competition, even if their color is not as perfect as that of the beige poodles participating in this competition. However, it is worth remembering that cream poodles are no worse than other colors; they are just as beautiful, intelligent, and charismatic as other poodles.
Final Thoughts
Cream poodles are the embodiment of tenderness, beauty, and kindness. Due to the fact that cream poodles rarely reproduce the same shade as themselves, they are quite difficult to breed. Perhaps that is why they are not very popular with breeders and show juries. However, all difficulties will be justified as soon as you see these creamy poodle puppies who are always ready to play with you.
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Marko is the founder and author at PoodleHQ, where he blends profound expertise with formal training in Animal Behavior and Canine Genetics. With multiple generations of poodles under his care, he’s a breed connoisseur, honored with the Canine Care Excellence Award and lauded by the International Pet Enthusiasts Association.
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Yeah me too