Yuko, I was trying to reassure Denise's concerning her post which said, "My friend told me I have a grey sable and a long haired (rescued 2 days ago) and that he had no value even to be a pet.", as well as providing a link to some of Max's statements on color in response to your post, since you asked what he said.

Max also says (his quote also on that site), "In the case of bitches, solidity is preferred to beauty...oversize or bitch-like dogs and the fading of color coat are injurious from the point of view of breeding & are to be marked accordingly. Defects in body-build and gait, teeth, jaw, head, ears, tail, haircoat, general coloring, and eye color may exercise an influence in marking."

So I'm not sure where you saw a different point of view in what I wrote....I agree with everything Max stated about the GSD breed and would be a fool to not do so, right? I owned his book as a child and read it avidly. That was my foundation/bible for knowledge of the GSD and what I still base my opinions on today.

And yes, Meri was an awesome GSD...of course I have never owned one that wasn't.

Very well said Sandy, I have found that working with this dog for the past almost three weeks, he was lacking in all areas, due to poor ownership. I think he is absolutely fabolous color and coat, long haired or not. My friend was speaking from a "Show" aspect. As I told her, this dog was not intended for show, he is to be a PPD. I think he will do just fine at that, no matter his color. I think he looks more like a wolf due to the grey color...His temperment, nerves, play and attitude are all winners with me so far.......He is far better than the fancy yorkie show dog I bought with foul temperment, poor attitude, wioth PERFECT color for show, from her 3 yrs ago....

Funny thing about GSD's is that even in a 12 pup litter, every single one will have a different color coat. My GSD was the only female sable in the whole litter. She was also the one the breeder wanted to keep. That didn't matter, what made me pick her was her personality-whether she was pushy or standoff-ish. Turns out not only is she a good looking girl, she's also one of the smartest dogs I've ever owned.
My fiance did NOT want a GSD, I had show him different GSD's online in order for him to actually consider owning one. He had had absolutely no experience with the breed, except for what he had seen on TV and dog shows. He never cared for the breed. But, guess what, that has changed completely. He wants another one-prolly more than one, but he'll have to chill out.
I hope you the best in your training with your rescue GSD and the search for another one!

Denise, unless there is something seriously wrong with my monitor, your GSD may have long hair but he certainly is not a gray sable. His color is very dark and rich.

Denise, forget what your friend said! You may not be able to show him, but you can certainly show him off! He's SPECTACULAR looking!

He is very beautiful, you should be proud!

Denise, I'm quite taken by your GSD, he's gorgeous. Guess I forgot to mention that cause I was still in shock that someone would call him a gray sable. From the pic, he looks like a black sable.