Do Maltipoos Colors Change?

The term “Color Changing Dog” isn’t as exciting as it sounds. No, your maltipoo isn’t going to be every color of the rainbow, but it is very likely your Maltipoo’s coat may lighten or darken as he gets older. Maltipoos changing their coat color as they grow up is actually very common, and for the most part, should be expected.

What Causes Color Changing Maltipoos?

There are actually many causes any breed of dog’s coat color may change, but the most common cause is simply aging and nature. As mentioned earlier, a Maltipoo changing color is more common than not, due to genetics. 

The Common Changing Colors of Maltipoos

When it comes to your maltipoo changing coat colors, note that some colors are more likely to change than others. 

Apricot

If your Maltipoo is an Apricot color, it is very likely for your puppy to change his color when he gets older. With Apricot Maltipoos, the chances your pup’s coat will lighten with age is much higher than the chances it will darken. It is actually very uncommon for an apricot colored maltipoo to transition to a darker shade rather than a lighter one. Most of the time, an apricot Maltipoo will transform into a beautiful Cream-Colored Maltipoo.

Dark Red

Red is also a very likely-to-change color when it comes to Maltipoos as they age. A lot of times they will start out a deep, beautiful red and then grow up and become a much lighter version of that red. It is also very rare for them to darken rather than lighten.

Black And White 

Black and white maltipoo with faint phantom markings

A black and white maltipoo could change colors variously. It could range from the darker parts going lighter and the lighter parts going darker or vice versa. The most common way that a black and white maltipoo will change colors is that the black sections of the coat will lighten and get little grey parts in it and the white part will stay exactly as it is. 

Seasonal Color Changes

Did you know that a Maltipoo’s coat will often change depending on the season? Well they do. For example, a black Maltipoo will often be completely black in summer, but by the time winter rolls in, that same black dog will have more of a gray coat than the beautiful black coat he had in summer. Or even take the adorable pictures above, for example. The Maltipoo could go a deep brown instead of black during a specific season and be completely black during another season. Note that this doesn’t only occur with black Maltipoos. It can occur with any Maltipoo of any color.

So, When Will My Maltipoo Change Color?

Well, we can’t say for sure because every dog is different. Some dogs don’t change their coat color at all. If your Maltipoo does change colors, it can happen more than just once in your dog’s life. They will most commonly change their coat color about three times. They could be one color at birth, another when the age of adoption, and then a whole new color once they become adults. The biggest change overall will be when your puppy transforms from his puppy fur into his adult fur. If your Maltipoo does not change his coat color during this transformation, your dog might not change colors at all, which is also very common. A Maltipoo changing his coat color is about a 50/50% chance. It is very common both ways.

Can I Stop My Maltipoo From Color Changing?

Well, a Maltipoo changing the color of his coat is a natural process, and you can’t change that, BUT there are companies who specialize in trying to preserve your dog's color with some Color Enhancing Shampoos. We understand. You have the perfect puppy who you love just the way he is and don’t want him to change in any way, and that’s fine too.