06/11/2025
The untestable Rufus Gene does not guarantee that your poodle will not fade. Poodles in the red spectrum (including red, apricot, cream and white) that carry this gene often experience coat darkening during their early years, typically up to 2–3 years of age, followed by gradual lightening as they mature.
The fading gene exists in ALL Poodles with the exception of true genetic blacks. However, the extent of fading is influenced by the interaction of various genetic modifiers, some of which may be identified (such as the Intensity (I) gene), while others remain unknown. As a result, claims that a breeding line is “non-fading” are generally inaccurate. Although strategic color breeding etiquette may help minimize the expression of the fading gene within certain lines, the potential for coat fading remains genetically inherent in almost all Poodles.