I went to see the litter from which I was to select my new Labrador puppy, provisionally named Phoenix, when the were three weeks old. It is a really good looking litter of three bitches (one black, two yellow) and four dogs (two black, two yellow). My preference was for a black dog but I wanted the best litter member regardless of gender or colour.
I used a method of assessment and temperament testing known only to me and two Ecuadorian goat herders and selected a black dog who pefectly suited the name that I favoured. A week later I received a phone call from the breeder telling me that there was a problem with Phoenix. My heart sank. What was the problem? An injury, or worse still parvo virus? I was quickly reassured, he was perfectly healthy but had developed tan markings on his feet and a couple of small marks on his cheeks.
Stella, the breeder said that If I did not want Phoenix she would understand as some people will only accept ‘solid’ colouring and because he was ‘mismarked’ he could not be registered with the Kennel Club. My response was that I’d selected him because he was the best dog in the litter and he would remain my choice whatever his colouring. Stella was very pleased with this but asked me to come down and have another look at him because the marking may become more pronounced and the next time I will see him is when I get back from Australia and collect him, when he’ll be eight weeks old.
I travelled down to the New Forest to see the changes a week can bring. He was bigger, fitter, stronger and as for the markings? I think they look great. It may offend the purists who have dogs just for show but I want a dog that will work for me but most of all be my mate. I think I’ll have that in Phoenix and of course he will be great company for Treacle.