Phantom Poodle- Phantom Poodle color explained

The Phantom Poodle is an elegant and unique color variation of the popular and intelligent Poodle breed that consists of a 2-color combination. Phantom Poodles have a base coat color and secondary patches of another color that occur in specific areas of the dog’s coat.

The secondary color patches are located on the sides of the muzzle, chin, throat, paws, butt, eyebrows, chest, legs, and the tail.

Phantom Poodles are different from Parti Poodles in that Phantom Poodles have a specific pattern while partis have random patches.

You can learn more about the Parti Poodle by visiting the guide in this link.

The difference between a Standard Poodle and a Phantom Poodle is only on the coat pattern.

In this breed variation guide, we are going to look at everything that you should know about this dog before deciding on whether you should get one or not. 

About the Phantom Poodle

As I have mentioned above, the phantom Poodle consists of 2 colors. This  dog has a primary base color and a secondary color that is located in specific “points.”

The colors can include;

• Cream with silver points
• Red with apricots points
• Black with apricot points
• Brown with red points
• Silver with white points
• Chocolate with cream points

These are just some of the color combinations that this dog can have but you should keep in mind that the patches are only located in specific parts of the dogs like mentioned above.

This pattern can be seen in any of the Poodle sizes.

Do Phantom Poodles change color?

Phantom Poodles are born with their patches and retain these markings throughout their lives. However, some colors such as silver colors may fade as the dog ages.

In some cases, Phantom Poodles can give birth to brindle Poodles because they are genetically linked.

This is because phantom Poodles have a ky/ky gene which is a non-solid black that allows expression of other colors with an EM gene that gives the dog a black mask, and at/at a gene that is responsible for tan points or an E genotype that is responsible for brindling.

Likewise, brindle Poodles can give birth to phantom offsprings.

Recognition

You can register your Phantom Poodles under the American Kennel Club but you can not take part in their conformation shows. However, you can compete in obedience and agility competitions.

You can, however, compete in UKC conformation shows. If you live in the US, you can join the UKC show through the Multicolored Poodle Club of America.

Phantom French Poodle Fun Facts

1. These dogs love water and are great swimmers.
2. Phantom Poodles are very popular in Germany.
3. They have great coats that do not shed or shed minimally and are considered hypoallergenic.
4. Because the phantom color is not considered desirable, these dogs can be cheaper compared to solid colored Poodles.

Pros and cons

Pros

✓ Loyal and loving.

✔ Very intelligent.

✓ Are adaptable and can be suited for a variety of lifestyles.

✔ Hypoallergenic.

Cons

✗ High maintenance.

✘ Can be stubborn and destructive when bored.

✗ Prone to loneliness and anxiety.

✘ Can bark a lot.

General characteristics of the Phantom Poodle

Coat appearance and shedding

These dogs have thick silky and curly coats just like other Poodle variations.

They do not shed and are hypoallergenic and would, therefore, be a great addition for an allergy sufferer as the dead hair gets trapped in the tight curls.

Color variations

Phantom Poodles can come in several color combinations that can include;

• Blue and silver phantom Poodles – Blue and cream, Silver, and cream (The Silver color in Silver Poodles can fade over time).
• Black Phantom Poodles – Black and silver, Black and Red, Black and Cream, Black and Apricot, Black and brown, Black and gray.
• Red Phantoms – Red and cream, Red and apricot.
• Chocolate/Brown Phantoms – Brown and Cream, Brown and Apricot.

Phantom Poodles Personality and Temperament

The Phantom Poodle is just like any other Poodle when temperament and behavior are concerned.

They are great and loving companions for different people including children and seniors.

Phantom Poodles are also super cuddly and playful and a great choice for anyone looking for a dog’s love and attention.

These dogs can thrive in an open environment or apartments depending on the dog’s size.

However, because they were bred to be hooman companions they are fond of human attention and affection. Therefore, this dog easily gets bored and anxious when left alone for extended periods or even become destructive.

This attachment to their human companions also makes them very loyal canines.

Is the Phantom Poodle a good family dog?

Phantom Poodles are excellent family dogs for all kinds of families. They are patient with young children and make great playmates for them. 

How Much does a Phantom Poodle cost?

The cost of a phantom Poodle puppy can vary from $800 to upwards of $2500 and they have a litter size of between 1 and 6 puppies.

There are other costs that you should consider before getting any dog such as the cost of feeding the dog, grooming cost, vaccination costs, toy prices, and prices for other doggie equipment.

You may also need to get your Phantom Poodle health insurance to help you cater for any medical fees.

Grooming care

The Phantom Poodle may have a great coat with unique markings but he is not easy to groom.

This is despite the fact that this dog is non-shedding.

The coat may be prone to tangling and matting and will need to be maintained frequently with daily brushing.

You should also brush the dog to get rid of any dead hair that may be trapped in the tight curls.

It is very common for this dog to have tear stains and gunks at the corners of the eyes that will need to be cleaned.

For more on how to groom a Poodle and some of the popular haircuts that he can get visit our Poodle Grooming guide.

Exercise requirements

These are very athletic and energetic dogs that will need daily exercise.

• Standard Phantom Poodles: upwards of 75 minutes.
• Miniature Phantom Poodles: about 60 exercise minutes.
• Toy Phantom Poodles: about 30 exercise minutes.

Taking this dog for a walk will be a great time for you to socialize this as he gets to meet and see different people and objects.

You can change the locations where you walk your Phantom Poodle to give him new experiences.

Home exercises and play are also great to strengthen the bond between you and your pooch further.

Feeding and nutrition

You should consider the dog’s level of activity and size when you are choosing a diet for him.

Make sure that you meet the dog’s calorie requirements by giving him 30 calories for every pound that he weighs.

Also, ensure that the dog’s diet has enough proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

The meals should be high-quality and should be split into at least 2 or 3 daily portions.

How to train a Phantom Poodle

Phantom Poodles are very intelligent dogs which coupled with their eagerness to please their owners make them very trainable dogs.

However, being very trainable does not mean that they are always easy to train.

Some of them, especially toy sizes can be stubborn and have short attention spans which can make training them more difficult.

But with positive reinforcement and reward-based training, you can easily teach this dog new commands and tricks.

You must start training the moment your pup gets home and make him realize that you are the leader.

Known health problems

Phantom Poodles are pretty health dogs but inbreeding can be a problem for their health. Inbreeding is a highly discouraged breeding practice that should not be done.

Some of the common Phantom Poodle health issues that may also be seen in other Poodles are;

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Addison’s disease
• Hip Dysplasia

Breed summary

The Phantom Poodle coloring is a rare and unique pattern in Poodles that means having 2 different colors.

Secondary patches should be in specific locations of the dog’s coat for the Poodles to be considered phantom.

These dogs are perfect companions and are also very trainable.

However, you should be prepared to take care of their grooming needs before making a purchase or adopting one.

So, what was your favorite thing about this phantom doggie? Tell us in the comment section below.

There you go, WOOF!

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