AboutKim Wingate Expertise I can answer general questions about Poodles. My specific area of expertise is Standard Poodles, but I will answer all questions about Poodles and dog related questions if I can. If I can't answer your question, I will be able to find information or someone who can.
Experience I am a Dog Groomer and Dog Trainer, who has raised Standard Poodles for over 20 years. I can answer Housebreaking questions, Obedience questions, Grooming questions, Breeding questions, and General Dog questions.
Organizations I am a member of the AKC.
Education/Credentials I have worked at several Pet stores in my area, worked for a year as a Vet Tech, was an apprentice for a Dog Trainer, and have also worked at a Grooming/Showing kennel for several months. I have also raised, shown, trained, and groomed my own Standard Poodles for over 20 years.
Expert: Kim Wingate Date: 6/8/2008 Subject: Poodle hair color chaging
Question Kim - We have a silver toy poodle that is 3 years old. She was a pretty grey clor but we recently had her groome and she now looks like a skunk as she has an irregular black stripe down her back. We took her to a vet and he said that she mayhave suffered some kind of trauma. She is inside or with us all the time and can't imagine where she had this trauma except at the groomer's. We have used this place and specific groomer before with no problems. What do you think? Will she ever be an all over silver again?
Thanks for your input. Kathy Marsh
Answer Hello Kathy,
As your Vet suggested, your dog may have suffered some kind of trauma or hot spot that caused some scaring down her back.
Your groomer may have razor burned her there on her back, or she could have been exposed to some kind of skin infection from exposure to another infected dog.
What happens is that when there is trauma on the skin, the hair starts regrowing as if on a new puppy. In your dogs case, the hair has started to grow in black again and will eventually turn Silver, but it will take as long as it took normally to turn silver.
I have a Silver boy that this same occurrence happened to. He has a large black patch on his back that is slowly turning back to Silver. In 6 months or so, it will be back to his normal Silver color.
I hope this has helped you some. If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.
