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by auntievenom on 18 September 2008 - 15:09
My husband likes this puppy (pic at 6 weeks old). I know how to judge working ability, but structure isn't really my thing. I am not looking for a show prospect - but would prefer a dog with a good solid wide head and good enough structure.....
What can you tell me about what this boy will grow in to as far as color, structure, etc.... Please provide examples if possible. As you can see on my avatar - I knew what color I was getting last time LOL, and my girl is a black sable I got as an adult.
Thanks :)
by Kandi on 18 September 2008 - 15:09
For me, it is impossible to tell from a photo. Heck , even in person it is tough. Puppies change so much. I have seen pups with big strong heads lose them as they mature, and the opposite. I think you best bet is to look at the structure of the parents and grandparents heads, and use this as the best indicator as to how the pup will look as an adult.
As far as conformation, I personally need to see the pup moving, not standing still.

by Two Moons on 18 September 2008 - 16:09
Puppy's definately change several time's in appearance (color and markings)as they grow, the conformation would take a keen eye of a breeder who know's his breed stock and has many year's of experience selecting puppy's.
Look at the sire and dam, are there past litter's to compare, are there picture's of the sire and dam as pup's?
Movement is important as well, still photo's are no real indicator, that being said six week's is very young to look at anything.
I would say give it some more time and go back to the parent's and any other litter's (past) to compare with.

by auntievenom on 18 September 2008 - 16:09
Can you tell how much of a saddle it will have or get any feel for color?

by Don Corleone on 18 September 2008 - 16:09
Hahaha! Color doesn't mean Squat. It won't change the dog if it lightens or darkens.

by justcurious on 18 September 2008 - 16:09
Pat Hastings developed a methods which she explains on a video called "Puppy Puzzle". Though she says 6 wks is too young. The optimal time is 8 wks, give or take I think 4 days but don't remember exactly. I did find an article online http://www.geocities.com/fieldroselabs/Hastings_Puppy_Puzzle.html but the video is a very nice visual aid. Here's what it says regarding heads & muzzles:
Head
Examine the cheekbone ridge or zygomatic arch between the eye and ear to get an idea of how the head will develop. If the ridge surface is flat and the areas above and below it fairly flush, the back skull is most likely going to grow in proportion to what you see now. If the surface is not flat or the ridge is curved, most likely the back skull will broaden out of proportion. A significant indentation above the ridge between the eye and ear normally predicts the formation of a dome shaped head.
If the back skull broadens significantly, position of the ears as well as shape and position of the eyes may be altered. If the evaluation suggests that the back skull will remain in proportion, then shape and placement of the eyes and ears will remain proportionally the same also.
Muzzle
The round pellet-like formation that feels like a pearl and is found at the inside corner of the eye determines the width of the muzzle. If that pellet formation is present, the muzzle will usually grow forward in proportion to what you are looking at. If absent and you feel only a small indentation, the muzzle will most likely narrow.

by auntievenom on 18 September 2008 - 16:09
Don - I also plan on finding out the sex of my unborn baby, but it won't really mean anything otherwise :) I can't give it back.
My top priority is working ability for cadaver work. But I am trying to learn a little more on telling color etc in pups. If I had my way, I would get another solid black.
justcurious - good info - thanks :)

by Don Corleone on 18 September 2008 - 17:09
just givin ya s41t

by snajper69 on 18 September 2008 - 18:09
It will look like a dog :) lol that's one thing you can be surre of anything else is a guess lol :) hahahha

by TIG on 18 September 2008 - 20:09
Most lines have a puppy period where the pup will look in structure much like it will as an adult. The timing varies with the line. I've seen it as young as 7 weeks and as old as 14-15 weeks. An experience breeder will know that time for his/her lines and should be able to give you a good guestimate.
Keep photos of your pups at 6,8,10,12,14,16 weeks and later look back and you can discover what that window of time is for your lines.
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