A chocolate doodle from New Orleans has captured hearts online after his owner posted a surprising video that went viral.
The TikTok video, shared by @acatalanottomack in August, shows the adorable pup at a year old with deep brown fur, followed by a clip at 2½ years where he sports a much grayer coat.
Accompanying the video is a caption that reads, “When your doodle has the color fading gene.”
@acatalanottomack/TikTok
This dramatic change in color raises a question: how does it happen?
Dog wellness experts at Dogster provide insights into this phenomenon. As dogs mature, their coats can naturally fade and appear less vibrant, often accompanied by gray hairs on their faces and bodies.
Additionally, factors like saliva containing porphyrin (which can stain light fur), nutritional deficiencies, thyroid issues, parasites, sun exposure, and even healing from trauma or cancer can contribute to these changes.
Genetics play a significant role too, with some breeds more susceptible to color fluctuations than others. While gradual changes are typically harmless, abrupt or patchy shifts could indicate potential health concerns.
One viewer, MB, noted, “So does mine…it’s so weird! He’s not even 2 yet! His red coloring has faded to a light blonde.” Another user, Nolan Prince, inquired, “How long did yours take to fade that much? I also have a one-year-old doodle starting to get some white.”
Other comments included similar observations, with users sharing their own experiences of color changes in their furry friends. It’s clear this topic resonates with many dog lovers!