So you want a Merle with Blue Eyes ?!

When planing for a puppy, of course one of the first things that come to mind are : breed and looks. 
And after that ? What do you do ? You go online and look for a puppy -> What you should do is go online and look for a breeder. 
Why ? Because a true, dedicated, committed breeder will guide you, be there for you and help you with the information you need to make the right decision. Keep in mind such a decision is one you make for the next 15 years or so. So not only will it affect you, but your family, your kids, other animals, life style, your time, house, sports, activities.
 Does looks vs. character matter?  Oh yes. Why? Because each puppy, like each person is different. You may be a loaner with no dog experience, you may be a young family with a small child, you may own a cat/dog. So if you are active and get the low energy puppy. Who doesn't want to be your jogging partener ? Or if you have a small child and you get the puppy who is the independent and exporer -and doesn't really like cuddles? What if you are a loner and you need a cuddle partener and the puppy is just not that into that ! You have another dog and you want a companion ?
Think about more than looks:
- what is your activity level
- how much time do you spend away from home ( could be a positive or negative in both ways
- a cuddler is more prone to separation anxiety and you would probably need to me proactive in teaching him/her to be alone )
- where do you live ? Do you have an environment around you that is dog friendly. Puppy schools/ trainer/groomer/pet hotel.
- do you have kids ? How old are they ? Or are you planning on kids in the future
- do you have other animals
- how much dog experience do you have
- what is the life you would envision with your dog
And now think about the puppy:
- what energy level would suit you
- would you like the puppy to be friendly with everyone or be more family/friends oriented
- would you like a dog that cuddles next to you all day, or one that is independent and expores more, who needs more challenges
- food or toy motivated, or again interested more in petting and closeness to his/hers owner.
- do you plan to have more dogs/cats. Or do you already have other pets - think about what would suit them as well- are they older, what is their activity level ?
- take into account that some dogs have hearding instincts and may act on them. 

And in the end, after all this is in your mind. And you have taken everything into account Only then see if the color of the coat or eyes is really that important to you!!

With love, Ana Muresan at Lighthouse Aussies, 08.02.2023