Why is My Black Cockapoo Going Brown? The Reasons Explored

What’s going on? You chose that beautiful black puppy from the litter and its coat is starting to fade? Is it something you have done? Something you can change? Why is it happening? Let’s take a look at the whys and hows of your black Cockapoo turning brown.

Sun bleaching is the most likely cause of your black Cockapoo turning brown. Genetics can also cause color fading in dogs, but this change will be from black to grey or ‘blue’. Porphyrin Staining is another cause of fur turning brown, but this is less common in black dogs.

We are going to take a look at the fading gene and how this will contribute to your Cockapoo changing color. However, let’s start by exploring other factors which may also answer the question.

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Do all Dogs Change Color over Time and Why does it Happen?

Whilst it’s probably more common than what you may think, not all dogs will experience fading in their coats. Genetics, age and even the weather can all be causes of your black coated pooch fading to brown. Most of the reasons why this can occur are simply out of your hands, but some you may be able to prevent to a certain extent.

Sun Bleaching

Yes, the sun can bleach your Cockapoo’s coat just like it can lighten your hair. Extreme heat or over exposure, as we know, is detrimental to a human’s skin and hair and a dog is no different.

A black coat may not necessarily turn brown in the sun. It may fade to red, a reddish brown or even take a tri-colored look. Whilst this does mean that the coat has been spoiled it can, thankfully, be rectified. It may take some time, but your Cockapoo’s coat should eventually return to its natural color.

There are a few things that you can do to help speed up the process including keeping them out of direct sunlight. There are also shampoos that can help to rebuild the negative bleached effect the sun has caused. You can also buy sunscreen especially tailored to dogs to help protect their coat and skin from any further damage.

Porphyrin Staining

Whilst this is more usual in lighter colored dogs, it doesn’t mean that it can’t happen to those with a darker coat. Porphyrin tear staining generally has two causes:

Yeast infection – should it be a yeast infection that is causing a discoloring to your dog’s fur then the change is likely to change the fur a brown color. This will most commonly be a yeast called ‘Malassezia’. They will be at higher risk of ear and skin infections if left untreated. Most treatments are topical and will include anti-fungal sprays and shampoos which can be bought over the counter. However, please always consult your vet should you suspect any type of infection.
Porphyrin imbalance – in the case of an imbalance of porphyrin, the discoloring will be more of a rusty or redish brown. Porphyrins are molecules which contain iron and are produced as the body breaks down red blood cells. They are largely excreted from the body in feces but can also be expelled through saliva, tears and urine. This explains why the tear staining caused by a porphyrin imbalance is seen around the eyes and mouth. Please always consult your vet before applying any lotions, potions or over the counter products.

Other Causes

Age can be a factor in your Doodle’s color change. However, this is more likely to fade to grey like a human’s hair would as they grow older. This doesn’t mean though that a black coat won’t turn to brown. Pigment actually takes lots of energy to produce. As your Cockapoo ages, they may have to use these energy reserves for more essential necessities leaving their coat with a loss of pigmentation.

If your Cockapoo is not a solid color, meaning that their hair is lighter at the tip than the end, then you may be surprised how much a haircut will change their appearance.

Hypothyroidism can cause color changes in your Cockapoo’s coat. However, this is unlikely to be the only symptom if this is the cause. They are likely to also suffer with skin infections, brittle hair, fatigue and weight gain. As is always the advice from Know Your Doodles, should you ever be in doubt, seek professional advice.

Certain medications and an incompatible diet can also cause changes to the pigmentation in your dog’s coat. In isolation, this is generally not anything to be concerned with but should you notice any other symptoms, irritations or distress in your Cockapoo then a trip to the vets is imperative to rule out anything sinister.

Color Fading Genetics Explained

Genetics is one of the factors that you just aren’t going to be able to do anything about. Basically, it is what it is, and unless your pups’ parents have been specifically tested for the genes which cause color to fade or dilute then you won’t know until it happens.

There are two types of gene which can result in your Cockapoo changing color. Whilst our objective is to find out why your black Cockapoo is turning brown, it’s worth taking a look at how genetics can affect their coat color.

The Fading Gene

The ‘fading’ gene is also referred to as the progressive greying gene and occurs on the G locus. To quote Wikipedia “In genetics, a locus is a specific, fixed position on a chromosome where a particular gene or genetic marker is located”. To be more exact, chromosome 25.

It is also a dominant gene which means that your Cockapoo only needs to inherit one copy in order for them to ‘fade’. This dominant gene is most likely to be inherited from the Poodle although other breeds, such as the Bearded Collie, can carry this particular mutation.

The Dilute Gene

Unlike the ‘fading’ gene, the mutation responsible for causing the coat color to dilute is recessive. This means that your Cockapoo needs to inherit a copy from both parents. However, even if your pooch inherits the gene from both parents it is unlikely that it will cause the fur to change from black to brown.

The name for changes to the color varies across different breeds but it can be known as blue, charcoal, grey or slate when it occurs in a black dog. Brown and yellow dogs can also be affected by this mutation.

Genetics in summary

In both genetic cases looking at the parent will not automatically indicate that their offspring will follow suit.

Whilst the Poodle parent may display the fading trait, there is no guarantee that they will pass this gene down to their puppies.

Similarly, because your Cockapoo will need to inherit the dilute gene from both parents, they each may only carry one, meaning that they themselves will not present with a dilute coat.

The only surefire way of knowing it to have DNA testing.

INTERESTING READ – Whilst a little heavy on the old grey matter should genetics be an interest, especially how coat colors come about in dogs then ‘Science Daily’ have reported an interesting article on a newly discovered genetic element which adjusts coat color in dogs.

How to Look After your Cockapoo’s Coat

We briefly touched on dog shampoo earlier. Some shampoos are tailor made for the color of your dog’s coat. Speak with the pet store assistant to determine which is the best shampoo for your pooch and make sure that you follow the instructions on the label. Using a shampoo specific to your Cockapoo’s coat color will help to keep, and potentially even restore if damaged, the sheen.

Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids have a range of benefits including keeping the coat and skin healthy. Please do speak with your vet or a pet nutritionist before supplementing any vitamins into your Cockapoos diet.

Regular brushing and grooming are essential in keeping your Cockapoo’s coat healthy and tangle free. It will depend on whether their coat is straight, wavy or curly as to how often you will need to brush it. The curlier the coat, the more it will need brushing and also trimming. Don’t forget those furnishings either, their beard, moustache and eyebrows will only become a nuisance if overgrown. Both steel combs and a slicker brush are both great additions to the grooming kit.

Nutrition is a massive factor in your Cockapoo’s overall health, and this includes the health of their coat. A well-balanced diet is imperative, and you need to be feeding them a good quality food. Speak to your vet or pet nutritionist to help you decide whether dry, wet or raw is the best for your dog.