Multi-Colors
Multi-color is a catch all term for any dog having more then one color in their coat. The UKC allows them to compete in conformation as Multi-Colors. All three registries allow them to compete in performance events such as Rally and Agility.
By definition a multi-color has more then one color in their coat. This may be a pattern such as a black and tan (Doberman colored) or a solid color with white or a pattern with white.
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Multi- color patterns:
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Brindle - this is a dog with stripes. They can appear to have dark stripes on a light colored background or light colored stripes on a dark background. Brindles are normally born dark and their stripes show up as they get older. This color looks best in a short clip which allows the stripes to stand out. They often tend to "fade" as they age and lose the distinct stripes as the dark color fades.
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Sable - each hair has two colors, a light colored base that can range from white to red and a dark tip that can be black, brown, blue etc. In poodles the tips are generally shaved off as they coat grows and is groomed leaving only the light base color showing. The ear hair is rarely trimmed so they will show the darker tips. Like the brindles these tend be born dark then lighten as the under color grows in. The amount of tipping can vary widely AND like the brindles the dark tips can fade as they age changing the appearance of the dog drastically.
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Phantom- this is the traditional black and tan pattern like you see in a Doberman. Of course poodles tend to put their own twist on it. The marking can range from white to deep tan/red while the dark main color can start as black or brown then fade to blue, silver, cafe' or silver beige OR it can remain black or brown. Some also have brindled markings which can look odd but is still acceptable.
Agouti - also known by the rather descriptive name of Sable Phantom. This is a color in its own right and while it looks like a combination of phantom markings on a sable dog it is actually like a sable German Shepherd.
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Seal - not technically a multi-color it does fit the description of more then one color. These dogs are solids but for some reason the underlaying pattern "leaks" through creating a dog whose color is neither patterned nor solid. The seal color is confirmed by DNA testing which will give a result of KB-.
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Parti-color - by UKC definition a Parti-color is at least 50% white with patches or spots of any other color
Abstracts- a dog with limited white markings (under 50% white) combined with any other color. These dogs are also often referred to as mismarks if the white is limited to toes, white chest markings and often a small patch of white on the chin.
