A Parti Colour Poodle, is a poodle that is predominately white (over 50%) broken with irregular patches or spots of a second colour. Writings, drawings, and paintings from the 1700's and 1800's have many examples of the parti coloured poodle.

To the right is a picture attributed to George Stubbs (born: 17 August 1724, died: 10 July 1806) showing the Parti poodle was a known breed back in the 18th Century and popular enough to be painted. The dog standing beneath the portrait is Vulcan Champagne Polka Dot, whelped 21 June 1953 showing a documented history of well over 150 years. A painting attributed to Stubbs picture and Vulcan Champagne Polka Dot, whelped June 21, 1953, owned by Vulcan Kennels in England.

We are very fortunate to have Ann Coppage (of Vulcan Kennels) as our advisor in our endeavours to re-introduce the parti poodle to the uk. Ann was one of the last breeders to be associated with the parti coloured poodles which died out in the 1960’s and 1970’s. An article written by Ann can be found on our breed history page.

For some unknown reason, around the turn of the 20th Century the parti colour became unfashionable. However, a few breeders like the late Hon. Mrs. Ionides and her partner Miss Shirley Walne continued to breed them for sheer pleasure.

In an article by Ann Cambray Coppage (Vulcan Kennels) titled Particolour Poodles which appeared in the August 1977 issue of "Our Poodles, Salute to Britain", she wrote: "The character of the particolours was always unique; somehow they had an extra dimension -- just that bit more clever, amusing or intelligent than their solid-colour littermates. Naturally enough, it was always they, which caught the eye of prospective purchasers -- and often there was a waiting list for the next one expected.

Multi-coloured Poodles are currently experiencing a strong comeback in the United States and the rest of the world. Within the past decade, there has been a resurgence of the parti colour Poodle. Partis can be registered with both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club; they may be shown in UKC conformation classes. Other countries are following suit.

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