How can you what puppy's coat will be like?

[gable]

We have first dibs on a litter of Jack Russell pups.

We wanted one of the rough coated sort but up to now only one is definately rough - they are a week old today.

So

how can you tell what their coats will be like?
Mum is rough - dad is smooth

 

[Ranyhyn]

You cant!

This is my jack at 6 weeks - relatively smooth coated:

And this is him at 2 1/2 years ruff muck tuff fluff coat

 

[CorvusCorax]

No way at that age already, not usually until they're bought and at home already...that's always been my experience
I've seen pups I've sworn would be coated turn out shorthaired and vice versa, we actually sold one on because we bought her to show, pick of the litter and she turned out to be a long coat, went to a lovely pet home though. Different breed of course but there are a lot of things about dogs that don't become apparent until later.

 

[echodomino]

It's too much like hard work to look at my inbox, was it you who pm'd me? I have replied but forgot to add: you may also get something in the middle - Mouse is half smooth (dad smooth, mum is my Millie - look on JRT thread!!!) and she has a coat, quite a lot of coat but it's not all rough/wire. If you look at Millie and Jim (JRT thread) you can just about see what I mean.

I can't remember if I told you it can take a while for coat to come through.

I wouldn't go and choose until they're 6wks, you'll have a rough idea (pardon the pun lol)

 

[Vizslak]

I can usually tell with my PRT puppies fairly early but it is tricky. Look at ears, paws and nape of neck for clues...the difference between rough/broken and smooth can be very subtle early on. I never say I'm 100% certain on coat types to new owners...I havnt got it wrong yet though.