I am confused about the classification of Orwell's color

[Kaitee and Orwell]

In many ways he seems to be phantom-like, but he doesn't have any color change on his chest or below his tail and he shouldn't have the silver on top of his nose. Also, I highly doubt he is going to turn completely silver. 

I also found out that his dad was a cream F1b. I originally thought he was only an F1. His mom is a straight F1 and has some grey markings like Orwell but is otherwise black. So Orwell is 62.5% or 5/8s poodle which explains his wavier fleece coat. 

Here is a decent picture of him displaying his markings (Note: he has slightly silver socks on all feet as well)...

Thoughts?

There is a part of me that wants to harvest some semen from him so I could possibly help in the development of the breed. As of now, I cannot keep him intact because only one testicle has descended. If the other one doesn't drop it can turn cancerous. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Probably something from the F1b side, but phantoms come out many different shades.  My ALD also had light markings on his nose and feet and he lightened up even more since puppyhood.  He will probably get lighter, but I would not say he was a phantom.  Nice to have some photos to show the changes along the way.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

The type of color of Orwell is classified as STUNNING!   Mixed dogs come in all kinds of colors and shapes.  What you have here is Stunning.   

As for drops of semen know that it is best to not reproduce unless he would be tested for all kinds of genetic issues$$$$$$$$

We all have that wish at one time or another but SPAY and NEUTER is wonderful and all of us are so happy we did that too.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I was definitely going to have him tested down the road for all the medical stuff... though the vet says that his joints are nice and tight, so that is a good sign. 

I'd like to continue his line because he looks so unique and has definitely exhibited scary smarts. He knows how to turn the light on in his room through the motion sensor and knows how to open the waste basket.

His brothers and sisters were all black. Some had a little silver around the eyes, but nothing compared to Orwell. I've had him for over a month and there hasn't been any color change for him... will definitely be interesting when he gets closer to 6 months.

[Leslie J]

Make photographic reproductions, not living reproductions. With mixed breed dogs you could go to all that work and end up without any puppies with his amazing coloring! He certainly is stunning, though!

[Ginny Nightingale]

A puppy from a litter I raised looked like this at 6 months and is now entirely silver--they change a LOT--he was totally black as a baby.

You can not usually use a dog for breeding without the breeder's permission--most have you sign a contract guaranteeing that you will neuter by 6 months or so--and I agree that the money you need to spend on testing is a lot--over $1000 usually.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I didn't get Orwell from a breeder. A friend had a litter and he said I could stud out if I wanted. I didn't at the time, but I think I would like his semen stored just in case 10 years down the line. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

Here is the silver pup as a youngster above and at the age of 1 and 1/2 below. His dad was an F1parti color black and white and mom is an australian LD, cream in color

[Leslie J]

A very handsome boy, indeed!

[Kaitee and Orwell]

So cute... I love how he retained the extra grey around his face.

[Sheree Small]

I thought my Zoey has similar grey changes. Here's a photo if her face. She is an 8 mo Golden doodle. Her mom was a small golden and her dad a cream color standard.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Interesting... Orwell's dad was also cream. Zoey looks sweet.

[Adina P]

He's darling. 

There is no official 'development of the breed' though.  Not toward a one type with a desire to quite the mixed breed aspect anyway.