Expert: Kim Wingate - 6/25/2009

Question
Okay I have 2 questions. I am considering buying another Standard. I already have one and she is a cream (in my eyes) and weighs about 60 lbs (female fixed). I am looking into getting a male, the breeder is calling him cream, but he looks apricot to me. I thought cream was almost white with darker areas on the ears and stuff. This puppy is like a light orange all over. So I am wondering if cream can go that dark, or if it sounds  like an apricot? Another thing is how big is the standard for a 13 week old male puppy. I think she had 6 in the litter and he is currently 27lbs. She says the father is 85-90 and mother is 45-50. Please let me know what you think.


Thanks

Answer
Hello Tasha,
I felt the same way with the colors as you and I have been breeding Poodles for over 10 years.  What I do know is that the White, Cream and Apricot colors are all fading genes and so those colors will eventually fade to a lighter color as the dog ages.  I also know that there are as many opinions out there as to what color is what, as there are Poodles.  If you would ask 10 people about White vs Cream vs Apricot, you would get 10 different answers.  
These 2 websites should help you some and they have pictures :)
http://www.le-poodles-guide.com/poodle-colors.html
http://www.parispoodles.com/colors.html

27 lbs is not uncommon for a larger Std puppy.  You will want to watch that your puppy doesn't grow too fast as this can put un-needed pressure on his joints.  Be sure to feed him according to what your Vet says is acceptable for a puppy his age.  
I would guesstimate about 1 cup 3 times a day until he is around 5-6 months, then you can go to 1 1/2 cups 2 x a day.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim