hi, im going to see a breeder tomorrow who has a sbt bitch 4month old puppy. obviously i have not seen the pup yet but the breeder has told me she is an unusual grey coloured pup block coloured-has anybody ever seen this? pics would be great as i really havnt seen one this colour? also is this acceptable in the show ring? as i am possibly going to show at a later date.

The breed standard for colour says:
Colour
Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any one of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white. Black and tan or liver colour highly undesirable.

I would be concerned if the breeder doesn't know what the correct name for the colour is.

If your interested in showing I would want to know how well the parents have done a t shows too.

Have you googled their names?  If you do you will come up with any championship show results they may have had.

There are many people breeding this breed and an awful lot have little resemblance to the breed as it should look or behave, and most are not health tested.  Both parents should e tested or be from two clear parents for a neurological condition, be eye tested for PHPV and hereditary cataracts and also really ought to be hip scored (but few seem to do this).  Also slipping patellas are not uncommon.

as far as im aware they must have black pigment for the show ring,in accordance with the standard ,which is black nose,lips,eye rims,etc.true blue coloured dogs(im assuming this dog is really genetically a shade of blue as opposed to grey)will only have slate pigment as genetically they cant carry black if they are a dilute.how this will mark you down in the show ring i dont know,hope this helps,roy.

Would want to know why the pup was still with the breeder at 4 months, people do back out but there is usually someone on the list to take the pup before it is 4 months old. It should also have had both sets of injection as any immunity from the dam will now be gone.

Just a word of caution; many good breeders would not let anyone take a pup this close to Christmas, unless the prospective owner lived on their own or very quietly perhaps, so do be careful if the breeder/owner suggests the pup comes home with you immediately.

Do you have experience of showing?  A breeder with experience will be worth their weight in gold if you are new; from choosing the right dog, to handling skills and all manner of advice in between.  I know that it's not all about winning but the right breeder will be able to ensure you have a quality dog with whom to start.  I may be wrong but 'unusual' sounds as if it wouldn't be the best choice for your first show dog, neither perhaps would the last of the litter.

Alternatively this could be a puppy that the breeder wanted to run on, but has since decided it isn't show quality in which case she won't be right for you either.  Whatever the outcome for you, I hope it's the right one and best of luck.

Most importantly the parents of the pup must be tested for L2HGA and HC and also PHPV/PPSC.
Even if you are not looking at breeding you would like to know your pup wont be affected by seizures or go blind at only 6 months.
Look up your local breed club for info and please dont be swayed by a cute pup or sob story.
If you want any info or links to local to you breed clubs just ask and i will happily help.

well said dennysmum

Why not get in touch with a SBT breed club and they will be able to point you in the direction of a breed club member with a litter who has had all the appropriate tests done and you will be more likely to end up with a very decent dog instead of one that possibly may have some real health probs later on.

Did you go to see the puppy ?

> a litter who has had all the appropriate tests done and you will be more likely to end up with a very decent dog instead of one that possibly may have some real health probs later on

Excatly...........
I was aware that a friend of mine's friend had a litter of pups (SBT) I am unsure how many she had, what I do now know is they had neither her dog or the stud health checked (she is a pet), I found out all but one of the pups is ill in some shape or form they all have hernia's too, except one. Their reason for breeding her??? HARD COLD CASH to buy laptops for their kids, how sick does that make you feel??? Ghastly those poor pups suffered and heaven knows what kind of people they where sold to, anyone who had the money ready I guess.

Oh Diane what a shame about those poor pups, just hope to god their new owners care enough to get their health probs sorted out as their breeder (using the term loosly here) sure didnt care about them enough :-(