I would never turn down a perfect puppy because of coat color, but at the same time, I also think my chances of getting a perfect puppy (for me) are slim, and while color/pattern is not a high priority, it will still be above some traits and if those traits are all the differences there are between two puppies, I'd certainly opt for the color I prefer. Rarely will it be "all else equal" between two, but if one is - for example - more vocal than another in the same litter, but the vocal one was a sable and the quiet one a saddled black/tan, I'd pick the vocal dog despite my preference for quieter dogs.
Essentially, a large factor in my decision to go with the litter Trent came from was timing. There was bound to be another puppy better suited for me had I waited, and in my case, timing was a very superficial factor. I simply wanted the litter that would be on the ground the earliest, and in the end, that turned out more than okay. There isn't such a shortage of good dogs out there that the puppy/litter available to you is the only dog that will ever suit you. If you pass that puppy up there will be others, and yes, if you take that puppy the color may grow on you, and the dog certainly will, but the same will be true for any dog you wait for and get in the future.
When I am looking at litters and breeders, I won't lie - if the dam and sire are both all black, I will immediately pass over the litter. Sure, if the litter was exactly what I was looking for and a black coated puppy was the absolute perfect fit for me, I'd happily take the pup. But that's incredibly unlikely and I could always find similar breedings/pedigrees that produce a coat color I have a stronger preference for. I will not insist on choosing a dog unsuitable for me in temperament or drive, but am content to wait for what I want.
That said, I WILL pass over any liver German Shepherd Dogs, or any "panda" ones, no hesitation. That much is guaranteed. I'm not sure about white or long coated dogs, either, because I abhor grooming and bathing dogs :rofl1:
I have a very serious preference for color. I will be disappointed if my next ES isn't a medium shaded sable and somewhat disappointed if I got another clear sable. I'd be happy with a tri, but shaded sable is definitely #1. I wouldn't prefer a split face or a watch eye but I don't think they'd chase me away.
Besides, I didn't like Quinn's color as a puppy and now I think it is beautiful, so even if I am initially disappointed I know it will grow on me.
I'm with Shai on this one. Send me a clear sable English Shepherd any day!
Every time you mention that you prefer shaded sables to clear sables, my mind does somersaults trying to make sense of that. BOGGLED. Quinn's coat color and pattern is my absolute favorite and she's one of the prettiest dogs ever. If I end up with an English Shepherd, I'm pretty sure I'd like her to look exactly like Quinn.
my dogs were all adults when I got them, so I never had a choice on color. We didn't *have* to buy eer, but she was beautiful and we loved the color. I wanted Liz cause I liked her, but when I went to pick her up I was like "?!?! Does she have any brindle?!?" Lol.
