Parti poodles are a two-toned variation of the famed graceful breed. They’re half white, half black, red, brown, or more.
The unique breed has an active and affectionate temperament. It values quality time with its owners and is fiercely loyal.
Besides that, it comes in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. The poodle breed is easy to care for in terms of its diet and exercise. You may need to work extra hard on their grooming requirements.
Aside from that, it’s an intelligent dog with a heart of gold. Stick around to learn more about Parti poodles.
History
The term “, Parti” may refer to the French term “partager.” It translates to “split” or “divided.” Subsequently, the poodle’s coat held two contrasting or “divided” colors.
Parti poodles were the original variation of the breed. The multi-colored dog was predominant from the 1400s till the 1800s.
Early artists depicted the elegant breed in their portraits. They were either black and white or brown and white.
Famed artist, Rembrandt, painted one of the oldest portraits of a Parti poodle in 1631. It was a self-portrait depicted with a brown and white Parti poodle.
Owners used the breed for hunting ducks, which is why the French referred to it as “canard chien” or “duck dog.”
Once the 1900s rolled around, solid-colored poodles were on trend. Breeders avoided Parti poodles.
Appearance
Parti poodles are unique and challenging to come by. Due to their loss of popularity in the early 1900s, they’re scarce. Nevertheless, the beautiful breed has a patterned coat consisting of two colors.
They have long muzzles and angular face shapes. Parti poodles have long and wide ears that frame their face.
Size
Parti poodles come in various sizes, such as standard, miniature, and toy. The standard-size breeds are above 15 inches.
Miniature poodles come between 15 to 10 inches. Lastly, toy Parti poodles are no taller than 10 inches.
Weight
Standard Parti poodles weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 lbs. Meanwhile, miniature poodles weigh around 26 to 30 lbs. Toy poodles come in at a light 14 to 17 lbs.
Color
Parti poodles are half white and half another color, which could be:
- Black
- Brown
- Cream
- Red
- Gray
- Blue
The color variations can show in dark patches around the eyes or ears. Meanwhile, their eyes, nose, and paws are usually dark-colored.
Facts
Parti poodles are a one-of-a-kind breed with several interesting facts. Here are some of them below.
They’re Always At Least Half White
Parti poodles are usually half-white. Meanwhile, some breeds are more than 50% white. The white pattern is a critical indicator of a Parti poodle.
They’re Purebred
Parti poodles are purebred. The two-toned breed was the original poodle. Despite that, Parti poodles don’t appear much in dog shows.
They Don’t Have to Be Purebred
Parti poodles come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. Besides that, they also come in various mixes.
For instance, you can find a Parti Goldendoodle. In addition, Parti poodles can come in a litter of solid-colored poodles.
Care Requirements
Parti poodles are relatively easy to care for pets. Nevertheless, grooming care can be challenging, but it’s essential for your pet’s well-being. Without further ado, here are a Parti poodle’s care requirements.
Diet
Luckily, poodles aren’t prone to weight gain. They only eat when they’re hungry to ensure a healthy lean body.
Puppyhood
You can feed your Parti poodle four meals during its first three months. If they’re between three to six months, reduce their meals to three. After six months, they can eat a couple of meals per day.
Nutrient-wise, incorporate lots of animal protein. It could be chicken, lamb, chicken, or fish. Plus, enrich their diet with a balance of essential vitamins and minerals. Calcium, in particular, is critical to your puppy’s dental and skeletal growth.
Adulthood
Adult poodles can eat two to three meals per day. Despite a poodle’s fussy eating habits, you also want to ensure they don’t have too much to eat. Since they’re exceptionally fluffy pets, the extra hair can hide their weight gain.
Aside from that, your poodle will need healthy fats. Essential fatty acids are crucial for their skin health. Plus, the fat in their meal can better its taste for your picky-eating breed.
In addition, vitamins like E and A are critical for your poodle’s nerve and retinal health. If your poodle is being too picky, pour in unsalted chicken broth. Alternatively, you can also add warm water.
Exercise
Parti poodles are an energetic breed, just like their solid-colored counterparts. They enjoy walking, jogging, and swimming. Whether you own a toy, miniature, or standard Parti poodle, a small stroll is your best bet.
It’s low-impact and won’t cause too much stress on its joints. Plus, exercise improves the poodle’s cardiovascular health. Overall, adult poodles need about an hour’s worth of walking.
You can split the hour into three different intervals throughout the day. Meanwhile, puppy Parti poodles should only get 15 to 30 minutes of exercise.
Grooming
Parti poodles need regular grooming sessions. Unlike other dogs, the breed doesn’t have fur. Instead, it has hair similar to humans.
In turn, it doesn’t shed. Nevertheless, your Parti poodle will need a professional groom every six weeks.
You also need to brush your pet’s curly hair. Use a fine-toothed comb or pin brush. It’ll help detangle any mess and steer your dog clear of future matting.
In addition, you also need to pay close attention to your poodle’s eyes and ears. Cleaning them will help avoid infections.
Hair Styles
One of the best parts of owning a poodle is its hairstyle options. You can choose between various options, such as a classic “English Saddle.” Alternatively, you may opt for a summer cut to beat the heat.
Now, if you own a toy Parti poodle, a teddy bear cut or puppy cut is more fitting. Meanwhile, larger breeds are better off with fancier trims, like the German cut.
Bathing
On average, your poodle will require a bathing session every three to four weeks. Keeping a clean coat is essential for the breed’s skin health. For this reason, we suggest using mild shampoo with fewer chemicals.
Wet their fur completely using warm water to start their bath. Next, incorporate the shampoo by scrubbing it thoroughly around the body. Rinse and repeat until the coat is dirt-free.
Afterward, you can use a conditioner to help smoothen the hair. It’ll also make your life easier in the detangling process.
Lastly, dry the Parti poodle. If you’re cutting its hair next, be sure it’s dry for a precise cut. Otherwise, a wet trim could give inaccurate results.
Temperament
Parti poodles are a fun-loving and active breed with a knack for social skills. They enjoy physical and mental challenges. Plus, the dog is incredibly loyal.
So much so that they will try their best to please you. Exercise plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy temperament.
If your poodle is lying around doing nothing, they’ll likely take out their pent-up energy on your living room. In other words, an inactive Parti poodle can become a destructive one.
Socialization
Maintaining daily interaction is critical for your Parti poodle’s social needs. Engaging in activities will prevent separation anxiety and other stress-related issues.
If your Parti poodle receives the social care it needs, it’ll reflect well in its attitude toward other animals. Poodles tend to be on the reserved end when it comes to strangers. They may require a bit more time to warm up to them.
Luckily, you’ll notice little to no aggressive nature in a Parti poodle, making them an ideal family pet.
Barking
Fortunately, Parti poodles aren’t incessant barkers. You can ease the barking with some obedience training. If your poodle is constantly barking, it could indicate a lack of exercise.
On the other hand, it may be trying to alert you of something happening outside—excessive barking is also a sign of separation anxiety, among other issues.
Training
Poodles are more than just pretty faces. They’re intelligent dogs, which makes them highly trainable. Subsequently, the breed is a perfect choice for first-time owners.
We suggest going back and forth between multiple training methods. Don’t worry; your poodle can keep up. They enjoy intense mental stimulation.
You can start slow with your poodle pup. It should first recognize its name. Next, basic sit commands and potty training are great ways to elevate your training sessions.
Afterward, you can teach them how to fetch and retrieve. Using positive reinforcement when training your poodle will yield satisfactory results. It can involve giving treats or encouraging words.
Health Considerations
Before purchasing a Parti poodle, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some health concerns.
Life Expectancy
Standard Parti poodles can live for 12 to 15 years. Miniature breeds can survive for 14 to 17 years. Lastly, toy poodles have the longest life expectancy ranging between 14 to 18 years.
Generally speaking, smaller-sized dogs survive longer than their larger counterparts. The latter usually develops more health complications. Miniature and toy-size breeds don’t have as much wear on their body and age longer.
Health Complications
Understanding your Parti poodle’s health complications will better prepare you for them. Here are some of them below.
Addison’s Disease
Parti poodles have adrenal glands that produce stress hormones, also known as cortisol. That said, Addison’s disease inhibits the production of cortisol. In turn, your dog may seem more tired than usual.
The good news is that the disease is treatable. It requires intravenous fluid therapy and steroid injections.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition affecting your Parti poodle’s thyroid glands. In this instance, the dog is experiencing an underactive gland. In turn, your pet’s metabolic slate lowers, and they experience lethargy and weight gain.
It’s possible to treat hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, the illness isn’t curable. Consequently, treatment medications, which include thyroid hormone replacement therapy, can be lifelong.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)
GDV is a disorder that comes from excessive bloating in your Parti poodle. The bloating evolves into a stomach blockage from both ends due to the organ folding over itself.
It’s a life-threatening illness that necessitates emergency veterinary care. Signs of GDV include bloating, shallow breathing, and excess saliva.
Price
Poodles are an extravagant expense, especially Parti breeds. Since they’re less common, you’ll have to look harder for them.
From Breeder
Parti poodles generally cost more than solid-colored ones. The breed is not as popular and isn’t as widely bred. For this reason, it can cost as high as $2,000 for toy and miniature Parti poodles.
Meanwhile, standard Parti poodles range anywhere between $600 to $1,500. Certain color variations may cost more than others. For instance, white and black Parti poodles are more common. Subsequently, they’re likely more affordable.
You can find breeders that specialize in Parti poodles. Before approaching them, you need to make sure they’re legit.
In other words, they need to provide you with necessary documents such as medical tests and family trees. If you’re having trouble finding a reputable breeder, you can get a referral from your vet or close friends.
When visiting the breeder, try to assess their facility to the best of your ability. Inspect the dogs and make sure they’re well-fed and healthy. Plus, make sure the place is sanitary.
From Adoption Agency
It could prove challenging to find a specialized Parti poodle rescue place. Instead, you can visit a poodle adoption agency.
You might stumble upon a Parti variant. You can expect to pay around $150 to $600 for adoption fees.
Final Thoughts
Parti poodles aren’t typical show dogs. Instead, they’re a one-of-a-kind exotic poodle breed. You can get a standard Parti poodle for your family.
Alternatively, a miniature or toy-sized Parti poodle might be your best bet if you live in a small space. Either way, prepare yourself for a hefty grooming expense and initial costs.
It’s an expensive breed but well worth the money, thanks to its glorious curly coat. Overall, the Parti poodle is easy to train, obedient, and clever. What’s not to love?