I am waiting anxiously for our new puppy. The dam is a sable and sire is black. The pups range from sable to black. The genetics of coat color is a bit confusing sometimes; but I have heard mention before that out of a litter such as this that the black pups could end up being dark sables as they mature. Is there any truth to this? And if so, how can you tell if a pup is going to black or a dark sable?

My dog's parents were the same color combo as your pup's. The sire was black sable and the damn was light sable. You can see what he turned out like by my sig pic. He's actually right in between. At 14 months I thought he'd be done with the color changing but he's starting to redden up.

The best way to tell would be just to ask your breeder. They've (hopefully) seen enough of their pups grow out to be able to make a pretty accurate prediction.

Another thing to look for is black markings around the legs and paws. That black usually sticks around and indicates the pup will usually be a deep color. Generally the sable pups start out light colored, then the black comes in starting as a little band aound the tail and a stripe down the back around 12 weeks or so. When i got Dom he was light tan. The breeder assured me he would darken up and he did!

Somewhere around here I've got the link to a site that shows color changes in sables. And if i get around to it a little later i will link up a puppy pic of Dom to compare colors.

If Dennis Jones is lurking around, I know he's got some good pics of his Ericka when she was a pup. She's a very dark sable and would give you a good idea of how they start out.

 Quote: Nancy Stinson

how can you tell if a pup is going to black or a dark sable?

... waiting until the litter is born is considered 100% reliable as a means of determining what color the puppies will be!

Sorry, I know nothing about genetics, but hang in there - I'm sure it is a very exciting process!

I found a link that shows colour change over time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faeNjSqlf5U

Gorgeous!!

I guess I should have explained my question better. The pups are 6 weeks old. There are several pups that I am keeping an eye on and watching how they progress as far as temperment, drive, etc. All of the sables have the black stripe down the back. There are two "black" pups that I also like. My question was that I had heard before that out of a litter from a sable and black mating that the "black" pups may turn out to be a black sable or very dark sable. And if that is the case, how long before you can tell if they are just going to be black? If the dog has the right working ability, I would not care if it was rainbow colored. I am just trying to limit my choices as I am tempted to take home more than one.

Nancy,
Go with the best temperament

 Quote: Al Curbow

Nancy,
Go with the best temperament

I agree. You WILL love your dog(s) no matter what colour they are in the end. Unless, you somehow miraculously have a true tie for temperament between 2 dogs, in which case, I would go on gut feeling... not coat. What coat do you prefer? What is your ideal outcome from this?

Edited by phaedra rieff (09/16/2010 07:22 PM)
Edit reason: sp

To answer your question- I would guess the black ones will stay black if there's no color showing through at all at this point. The sables should darken up soon if they've already got their stripe down their back. Is there black on their paws and faces? Really its just a guess. Do you have pics? I loooove super dark sables!

Here is a link to pictures. http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/bubbasmum-09/Puppies/41020_1501869920848_1657202414_1903708_2631504_n.jpg

Not sure how to get whole album link?