In the process of selecting a new Cavapoo puppy one of the biggest considerations for would-be owners is color. Whether you prefer brown, black, white or perhaps a bi-color or tri-color Cavapoo, one thing which is not always discussed is the potential color change that will happen over time.
Most Cavapoos will change their coat color over their life. Cavapoos usually inherit the clearing gene – also known as the ‘fading gene’ – from their Poodle parent.
When Will a Cavapoo Fade?
The challenge with fading colors is its hard to detect when you choose your favorite Cavapoo puppy and take them home. In fact, you could have no clue that your Cavapoo will fade until many months later.
Typically, Cavapoos will fade in the first 6 to 12 months after which their new color will become stable. This timing coincides with a Cavapoo losing their puppy coat and developing their adult coat. At 2 years a Cavapoo’s new color can generally be considered permanent.
Sometimes a fade can be delayed, and could take place between year 2 and 3. However this is rarer than the initial fade.
Why do Cavapoos Fade?
The fading of a Cavapoo’s coat is all down to genetics. The genes responsible come from the puppy side of the Cavapoo’s family tree. These genes are usually referred to as the ‘clearing gene’ or ‘fading gene’.
It was originally believed that a single gene was the cause of the change in a Cavapoo’s coat color. This gene – known as the D Locus, or Dilution gene – does have a contribution, and only if the puppy receives this gene as dominant from both parents will the puppy avoid fading.
The dilution is causes changes to the two key colors which affect the black and red part of the Cavapoo’s coloring (pigments known as eumelanin and phaeomelanin).
There is another gene – call the G Locus – which causes ‘greying’ in Poodles (and also Cavapoos. There is also a ‘silver’ gene (called the V gene) which can also cause fading. [1]
Which Colors are More Likely to Fade?
While fading is common with Cavapoos, some colors are more likely to fade than others.
Darker colors – such as black, dark red, or dark gold – are more likely to fade than lighter colors such as light cream or white.
Check out our guide to all Cavapoo colors here
Sable colored Cavapoo are rare and especially sought after, but unfortunately are almost certain to fade in color over their lives.
The degree and type of fading will vary by the Cavapoo’s original color:
- Black Cavapoos: may end up turning light grey, charcoal or silver
- Red Cavapoos: may become light red, apricot
- Gold Cavapoos: may become lighter gold, light brown or cream
While Cavapoos that fade will fade more or less across their whole coat, there are areas which may hold more of their original color. Ears are a particular spot where fading is usually limited, and you may find your Cavapoo holds some of their original color.
Can I Stop the Fade?
If we start to grow grey hairs, we may turn to hair dye to conceal the change. A bit like human hair, unfortunately Cavapoo coat color changes will either happen or not, it is all down to genetics.
The only times a color change can be stopped is when it is due to a medical cause. Excessive exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation in the sun may also hasten fading in the Cavapoo.
Unfortunately changing the Cavapoo’s diet, changing their shampoo or conditioner, or other tricks will not prevent their coat from fading. If you are concerned about how to avoid a Cavapoo with a fading coat, read on to see what you can do in the selection process.
How Can I Predict if my Cavapoo Will Fade?
So, what can you do to tell if a Cavapoo puppy you are considering, or one you have just purchased will have a coat that fades?
Unfortunately, there is no single genetic test which can guarantee a Cavapoo will or will not fade. While there are some tests advertised for sale they are not fully reliable.
One option is to check out the parents of the Cavapoo and speak to the breeder. If it is an experienced breeder they should have a good idea of what fading is likely; they may also be able to steer you towards puppies in a litter which may be less susceptible to fading than others.
The more curly a Cavapoo the more likely they are to fade, as they will probably have inherited more of the genetics of their Poodle parent than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. So, an F1B or F2BB will have more Poodle in them and therefore more likelihood to have the ‘fading gene’.
Another test is to look at the hairs in certain places as these may give clues about any future fading. The hairs between the Cavapoos toes, and around its eyes may give hints about future fading. If they are lighter, they are more likely to fade.
Remember there is no 100% guaranteed way to tell if a Cavapoo will fade!
Learn to Love the Fade!
Some dog owners are very nervous about their Cavapoos fading because they like the color they are, or perhaps they are worried about what color they will end up.
The most zen approach is to acknowledge that some fade is probable, then go with the flow. The number one feature of a Cavapoo is its personality and this will be unaffected by its coat changing color.
Learn to love the dog within and even if they do fade you may even learn to love their new color!
[1] John Armstrong, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa