Puppy Evaluation (continued..)
Do you pay more for colour or markings?
One of the most wonderful things about this breed is the incredible variety of markings, colours and eye colour combinations that are not just available, but equally correct. Sometimes rare reds show up in the litter, but red isn't a rare color in Siberians, it's actually quite common. Ice blue eyes is something that's mentioned with almost a reverential quality in the voice, but in truth, eye colour is completely unimportant in this breed. Any time you see claims like these, or any time you feel the breeder is making the cosmetic aspect of the dog more important than the temperament and genetic health, then you know you're not dealing with a knowledgeable breeder and you should be looking elsewhere.
Siberians come in every colour from solid white to solid black, with every shade and marking in between being allowable. Eyes can be blue, brown, one of each, gold and green in red dogs, and parti-coloured in any colour of dog.
Bi-eyes are eyes with bits of blue in a brown eye, or vice versa. The colours and markings are not important to the function of the breed, so the founders of our breed recognized that by not giving any preference to anything that's purely cosmetic.
Good breeders understand that the size and shape of eyes and ears are more important than their colour. Good breeders understand that physical and mental soundness are a much more important goal in their breeding program than whatever the current rage in colour might be. And you, as a good Siberian owner, should understand that the dog you're bringing home is much more than just it's coloration. You might start out thinking you want a red and white girl with blue eyes, and end up taking home a grey and white, brown eyed boy. As you become more knowledgeable, more options open up to you, and that's good for both you and your dog!
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