Category: Dog Breeds

While there are tons of different color variations of the Pitbull out there, none is quite as rare or as sought after as the blue brindle Pitbull. But what makes the blue brindle Pitbull so rare, what exactly is a blue brindle Pitbull, and what else should you know about them? We’ll answer those questions and more for you here.

Breed Overview

Blue brindle Pitbulls come in different sizes and have a few different physical traits, but one thing they all have in common is their sweet and loving temperament. These dogs are extremely loving and loyal, and all they want is to curl up in your lap and spend all day, every day with you!

But while that’s what you can expect from a modern-day blue brindle Pitbull, they have a rich history that’s far from the loving and cuddly companion of today.

Blue Brindle Pitbull Breed Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Blue Brindle Pitbull in History

Despite the term “American” appearing in the name of the American Pitbull Terrier, this breed actually gets its roots from England. The breed originated as a cross between the Old English Bulldog and a Terrier, and it was a dog used as a bait dog in bullfighting.

The breed originated during the early 1800s, and it was during this same time that the first brindle Pitbull appeared, resulting from the breeding of a fawn and brown dog. While people bred early Pitbulls for their physical attributes and fighting prowess, there’s no denying the adorable look!

How Blue Brindle Pitbull Gained Popularity

While early breeders didn’t much care which colors their Pitbull had, as the fighting practices surrounding these dogs started to dwindle, more and more people started paying attention to their coats.

Brindle Pitbulls were already common, with fawn brindle, black brindle, red brindle, liver brindle, blue brindle, brown brindle, and even blue fawn brindle colors. Because of their gorgeous color and appearance, it’s no wonder that brindle colorings, including blue brindle, have remained so popular throughout the years.

Today blue brindle is relatively rare, but it’s still highly sought after, and if you want a blue brindle Pitbull, you can expect to pay a premium for one!

Formal Recognition of Blue Brindle Pitbull

While many people view the Pitbull as an American breed, and American is right in the name of an American Pit Bull Terrier, the largest kennel club in the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC), doesn’t officially recognize the Blue Brindle Pitbull.

Instead, it recognizes other “bully-type” dogs like the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Bull Terrier. Interestingly enough, non-American clubs like the United Kennel Club do officially recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier, including the blue brindle Pitbull.

But despite this, it doesn’t seem like the American Pitbull Terrier will gain formal recognition by the AKC anytime soon.

Top 4 Unique Facts About the Blue Brindle Pitbull

The Blue Brindle Pitbull is a beautiful family dog with a rich history, and because of this, there’s no shortage of facts to pick from. We’ve highlighted four of our favorites for you to read about here:

1. The American Pit Bull Is Not a “Purebred”

As one of the most well-recognized dog breeds in the country and around the world, it’s more than a little surprising that the largest kennel club in the world (the American Kennel Club) hasn’t formally recognized the breed. But while it’s surprising, it’s the truth!

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2. Pitbulls Are Great, Loving Family Dogs

Pitbulls have a terrible stigma as ruthless fighting dogs. But while these pups have fighting origins, today, they’re incredibly loving and loyal dogs that work great with families with proper training.

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3. Pitbulls Don’t Shed Much

If you want a low-shedding pup, the Pitbull is a great choice. They hardly shed at all, and even with just one quick brushing each day, you shouldn’t have to deal with much loose hair.

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4. Blue Brindle Pitbulls Can Cost Up to $3,000

Blue brindle Pitbulls are rare and highly sought after. Because of this, you can expect to spend quite a bit on one. Reputable breeders will typically charge anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 for one, so be ready to spend a fair amount if you want one as a pet.

Does Blue Brindle Pitbull Make a Good Pet?

Yes! While some people give the blue brindle Pitbull a bad name because of their Pitbull origins, it’s not a fair stigma that people place on them. Blue brindle Pitbulls, like all Pitbulls, are naturally loving and good-natured dogs that are outstanding pets.

However, because some people still illegally fight these dogs, it’s important to take care when adopting or purchasing one of these pups. You don’t want to accidentally support these organizations, and if you purchase a prior fighting dog, they will very likely have behavioral problems because of the mistreatment they endured.

Conclusion

Blue brindle Pitbulls are gorgeous pups that make outstanding pets, have a sweet and loving temperament, and have one of the richest and most interesting histories of any dog breed out there.

Now that you know a bit more about them, you can appreciate everything they have to offer a bit more, and if you’re looking to bring one into your home, you’re making an informed decision!

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Featured Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina, Shutterstock

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Labradoodles have gained popularity over the years, and it’s no wonder why! You take the Labrador Retriever, one of the top three most popular dogs according to the AKC, and give it added brains and hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle— and voila! Who wouldn’t want to welcome one into the home?

The Apricot Labradoodle is one of the colors breeders achieve during breeding. It is a gorgeous tone that accentuates the features of this adorable pup. But where exactly did the color originate? Has it been in the gene pool the whole time or developed slowly with specialized breeding?

Breed Overview

The Apricot Labradoodle sports a lovely, rusty color with normal frills and curls. While the Apricot Labradoodle is not a breed on its own, it is rather one of the most sought-after coat colors found in the breed.

Apricot comes through as a lighter version of red. Red is already considered the rarest color, making the Apricot twice as unique. So, don’t be surprised if these puppies are more expensive or if you have a harder time finding one for sale.

Apricot Labradoodle Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Apricot Labradoodles in History

The term “Labradoodle” was originally coined by Donald Campbell in 1955. He used this expression to describe his Poodle/Lab cross at the time.

However, it wasn’t common to hear of this breed taking on service roles, like being a guide or emotional support animal, until roughly 1989. Wally Conron bred these two breeds together to create a guide dog for a woman whose husband was allergic to dogs, and the Labradoodle breed has continued to be developed since then.

Since these dogs are hybrid breeds, they’re much less regulated, and therefore you have to be careful with different breeders. They may not be held to the same standards as purebreds.

How the Apricot Labradoodle Gained Popularity

Since the Apricot Labradoodle is so rare, they are highly attractive to potential buyers. Since it’s a coat color you don’t see every day, more folks are willing to wait for potential puppies to get the coat color they want.

Labradoodles, as a whole, gain popularity for obvious reasons. They are hypoallergenic, they are extremely social with families, and they make wonderful all-around pets. These dogs, with proper training, tend to acclimate very well into families.

Often, allergy sufferers might really like a specific dog breed but never be able to enjoy them in their own home due to their allergies. If someone really loved Labs but not the sneezes that came along with it, getting a Labradoodle allows them to have the Labs they love.

Formal Recognition of Apricot Labradoodles

Labradoodles are considered designer dogs. This hybrid breed is not recognized formally by the AKC. However, in Australia, the Labradoodle is highly regulated—with Australian guidelines to go by in terms of offspring.

Despite formal recognition, breeders should hold their own pups to quality standards. Each litter should be properly vetted, including vaccinations, microchipping, and general care. Breeders still charge a hefty price tag for these dogs, sometimes upward of $2,500.

Researching reputable breeders when buying the Labradoodle, no matter what color you choose, is significant. Buying from responsible breeders ensures your puppy is of high quality. Since this is such a rare color, be understanding if you need to wait or travel to obtain one.

It is unclear whether the AKC will ever standardize hybrid dogs. And as of this time, the Labradoodle, along with several other crosses, is not recognized by formal associations.

Top 5 Unique Facts About the Apricot Labradoodle

Here are some astonishing facts about Labradoodles to better understand what they’re like as a breed. Since the apricot color falls into the mix, here are fun facts about Labradoodles in general.

1. Labradoodles Are Often Tasked as Service Dogs

Labradoodles are highly desirable for service roles. These dogs have the temperament, intelligence, and trainability to make them excellent candidates to take on the task. Labradoodles make terrific guide dogs, emotional support animals, and diabetic dogs.

Some of these roles require extensive training. So if you find an Apricot Labradoodle fully trained for a specific task, you can expect to pay several thousand dollars.

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2. Red Labradoodles Are the Hardest to Breed

Red is a recessive color in the Labradoodle gene pool. That means it’s often skipped over by stronger genetics that come through in the litter. Red can come through in all sorts of tones, leaving no two exactly the same.

It can be on one extreme of the spectrum, closer to a deep, rusty red color. It can also be nearly cream. The Apricot and Apricot Cream coat colors also fall into this category since they are both dilutions of the standard red.

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3. There Are Many Other Coat Colors Outside of Apricot

Since the Labradoodle can carry traits from either parent, you have a whirlwind of coat color possibilities.

These include:

Even though these are established collars, they can have variations. You can see Labradoodles in all sorts of beautiful tones, making each one unique and adorable in its own right.

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4. The Labradoodle Can Suffer from a Few Health Issues

Like any other dog breed, Labradoodles can suffer from their own ailments. Many of these issues are genetic and, therefore, can be controlled with reputable breeding. However, it’s still nice to be aware of the potential problems you could face when owning one of these wonderful dogs.

Common health issues include:

Most of the time, Labradoodles are healthy and fit. It’s up to us to utilize the proper environment, diet, and vetting schedule to promote optimal health in our pets.

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5. Labradoodles Were Used in the Entertainment Industry

Fang, a Labradoodle, had a recurring role on the hit show Get Smart in 1965. Fang was much-loved when he took the limelight. He was always in good spirits, charming audiences all over.

Looks-wise, Fang might be slightly different from the Labradoodles you see today, but he remains one of the most adorable!

Does an Apricot Labradoodle Make a Good Pet?

The Labradoodle makes an excellent quality dog no matter what color they are. Coat color does not influence temperament, so your expectations should be the same. Labradoodles are incredibly friendly and love being part of the family.

They can simply be a family companion or become skilled service dogs with the appropriate training. Since they are so intelligent and easy to work with, it makes some excellent candidates for the roles.

Labradoodles generally get along very well with other pets, primarily when they are raised alongside them. However, they were originally bred for hunting, so they could have a higher prey drive. This characteristic might make them incompatible with farm animals and some small pets.

Like any other dog, Labradoodles have to be well-socialized and appropriately trained to live up to their fullest potential. A Labradoodle might develop nervous or destructive behavioral tendencies.

Conclusion

Now that you know a little bit more about the Apricot Labradoodle, you can understand why you might see higher price tags and lower availability. This coat color is something special, so prepare to be on long waiting lists to get one in some cases.

Always look for reputable breeders that have a history of quality litters. Steer clear of backyard breeding since these dogs are much harder to regulate.

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Featured Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

The post Apricot Labradoodle: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures) appeared first on Pet Keen.

The Labrador Retriever and Poodle are two of the most popular dogs in the United States, and as you may have guessed, the Chocolate Labradoodle is a combination of these two wonderful breeds with a rich chocolate coat.

The result is a gorgeous-looking dog with a dark wavy coat that is intelligent, playful, and friendly. The Chocolate Labradoodle, initially developed as a hypoallergenic guide dog, later demonstrated their versatility as an adored and popular family pet. Read on to find out more about this well-loved designer hybrid.

Breed Overview

The chocolate coat color of the Chocolate Labradoodle is the only difference from other types of Labradoodle. They share the same characteristics and traits, such as size, behavior, health, and temperament. However, there have been claims that the Chocolate Labradoodle may be linked to specific personality traits.

Chocolate Labradoodle Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Chocolate Labradoodles in History

The Chocolate Labradoodle is a relatively new breed. The Poodle and Labrador Retriever mix were successfully bred in 1989 by Wally Conron, who was, at the time, the head of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program. The lengthy process of creating the ideal Labradoodle started when the Australian Royal Guide Dog Association set out to breed a non-allergenic guide dog.

The objective was to create an intelligent, non-shedding, allergy-friendly dog representing the best genetically sound lines of the English Labrador and Swedish Poodle breeds. The first Labradoodle was known as Sultan.

Many people later began to understand the value of this hybrid dog after Sultan was chosen to serve as a guide dog for a blind woman in Hawaii.

How the Chocolate Labradoodle Gained Popularity

People were immediately taken aback by the dog’s wonderful temperament, intelligence, gentle nature, loyalty, beauty, and value as a guide dog. Like its popular parents, the Chocolate Labradoodle grew in popularity for its versatility as a beloved companion and became one of the most in-demand dog breeds in the world. The chocolate coat is just one of the many color varieties it comes in.

The breed has evolved, giving rise to the Miniature Labradoodle, the Medium Labradoodle, and the Standard Labradoodle, among other varieties. The Chocolate Labradoodle has remained a favorite among people seeking a hypoallergenic dog and a sociable and smart companion.

Formal Recognition of the Chocolate Labradoodle

The Chocolate Labradoodle is not yet considered a recognized breed. However, the International Australian Labradoodle Association and the Australian Labradoodle Association are moving in that direction and expect to register the designer breed eventually. These organizations have worked hard to unite breeders to work toward the same standards through intergenerational breeding.

Top 3 Unique Facts About the Chocolate Labradoodle

1. The Chocolate Labradoodle Has Three Coat Types

A Labradoodle’s coat can be divided into three texture types: flat, fleece, and wool, and three wave levels: straight, wavy, and curly. Many fleece and wool coats differ slightly, and a fleece coat may have a fleece patch, while a wool coat may have a wool patch. A wool or fleece coat is rarely 100% of one or the other, but instead 80–90% of each. You can expect your Chocolate Labradoodle to be an average or minimal shedder, depending on its coat type.

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2. The Labradoodle Come in Three Sizes

Depending on the size of the Poodle used for breeding, there are three sizes of Labradoodle: small, medium, and standard.

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3. Labradoodles Love to Swim

One of the pet parents, the Poodle, naturally loves to swim as it was bred to be a water retriever. This trait is very likely to carry over to Chocolate Labradoodle. It will love spending time in the water in the hot summer and will make a great swimming companion.

Does Chocolate Labradoodle Make a Good Pet?

Like their parent breeds, Chocolate Labradoodles are very popular pets because of their friendly, playful, intelligent, and easy-going nature. A Chocolate Labradoodle is happiest when they are with the people they care about and are devoted to their family. Generally speaking, they get along well with other dogs, small pets, and kids. However, they can sometimes be boisterous and may accidentally hurt a young child. Overall, however, they make an excellent pet for someone who has never owned a dog.

They thrive with an active family that can provide adequate mental and physical stimulation and an owner that is home more than not. However, like all dogs, they require early socializing and training.

Their coat is partially hypoallergenic and may suit owners with mild allergies. They only require moderate grooming, including a regular coat and tooth brushing, baths as needed, and nail trims. A high-quality diet, regular exercise, and annual vet visits will help keep your Labradoodle happy and healthy.

Conclusion

The Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia coordinated the first deliberate crosses of Poodles and Labrador Retrievers to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. The result was a gregarious, intelligent dog with an average shedding coat and a temperament suitable for guide dogs and companions. The Labradoodles quickly grew in popularity, and they are incredibly lovable dogs.

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Featured Image Credit: Kent Johansson, Shutterstock

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