If you’ve recently brought home a Cavoodle puppy, you may have fallen in love with their beautiful coat colour. Whether they are deep red, chocolate brown, or golden caramel, many Cavoodle owners are surprised to see their puppy’s coat lighten or “fade” over time. This change is completely natural and is due to genetics, specifically the “fading gene” inherited from their Poodle parent.
The Role of Genetics in Coat Colour Changes
Cavoodles are a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. While Cavaliers maintain their coat colour throughout life, Poodles carry a special “progressive greying gene” that can cause their fur to fade as they age. Since your Cavoodle inherits this gene from their Poodle parent, their coat is likely to lighten over time.
This fading process is most common in Cavoodles with red, apricot, chocolate, and black coats. These colours can lighten to a soft caramel, silver, or even cream as your puppy matures.
Common Coat Colour Changes in Cavoodles
Different coat colours fade in different ways, depending on genetics:
Red or Apricot Cavoodles → Often lighten to a soft caramel, cream, or champagne shade.
Chocolate Cavoodles → Can fade to a lighter mocha, taupe, or even silver-brown.
Black Cavoodles → May turn dark grey, silver, or even a blue-grey shade.
Golden/Caramel Cavoodles → Usually fade slightly but retain warm tones.
The fading process typically begins around 6–12 months of age and can continue until your Cavoodle is about 2 years old.
Will My Cavoodle’s Coat Fade?
The short answer is “yes” however the degree and how young they start to fade will differ between each puppy.
Can You Prevent Your Cavoodle’s Coat from Fading?
Unfortunately, coat fading is purely genetic and cannot be stopped. However, proper coat care can help keep your Cavoodle’s fur looking healthy and vibrant:
Use a High-Quality Dog Shampoo – A gentle shampoo can help maintain the softness of your Cavoodle’s coat.
Wash and blow dry every fortnight – Keeping your cavoodles coat clean and drying with a pet-dryer will keep them looking their best at all times.
Regular Grooming – Brushing your Cavoodle often helps distribute natural oils, keeping their fur soft, shiny and tangle free.
Embracing Your Cavoodle’s Colour Changes
While some Cavoodle owners may wish their pup kept their original coat colour, the fading process is a unique and natural trait that makes each Cavoodle special. Whether your Cavoodle stays dark until 18 months or lightens quickly over time, they will always be the same adorable, loving companion!
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