German Shephard Coloring

Question
We recently purchased a German Shephard puppy (9 weeks old) from the local pet store. They actually ordered it for us after we told them our Belgium Shephard of 13 years past away. We wanted the typical tan and black coloring, which they told us he would be once full grown. The issue is that when we got him he was completely black except for the tips of his paws which were a light tan. Now that we've had him for about 3 weeks, his coloring is changing, but not to the black and tan. The tan on the paws has spread and is now more of a while/tan and he's now got under his chin a white/silver blend and also around his eyes, but the rest of him is completely black. I'm fine with whatever his coloring is, but I've never seen a German Shephard with this coloring...is this normal? Will the black slowing shrink and the tan or white or silver come through more to keep with the standard German look?

Thanks
Cindy - Clermont Florida

Answer
All German Shepherds are born a solid black and slowly develop other colors perhaps even into their second year.  As a adult, they can retain their solid black, turn completely white, or anything inbetween including largely brown.  Most of the ones I see in the dog guide program are heavy on the black now.  I think largely black parents produce largely black offspring.  I have seen ones that were all white and gray.  

You may find pictures of the color variations at www.akc.org or links from there