Q: If we give you a deposit and want a male and Dove doesn’t have a male or we don’t like the coloring of the males do you keep the deposit?
A: Selection from my litters is based on who pays the deposit first. My reason is simple, you might have your heart set on a male, have the first pick, and fall in love with a bitch. You deserve to take home the dog you want, regardless of gender. If you really want a male and there isn't one available you can either "let it ride" for first pick on the next litter or I'd give you your money back. I am probably a bit odd when it comes to gender, but it comes from a personal experience. I put a deposit on a female and I took home a male.
Color/ticking and patterns is another issue. I feel it's about the worst reason to pick one puppy over another. I'd probably allow you to let a deposit ride over color, but I don't think I'd give it back. If I turn someone down because you have your deposit, then I'm stuck with screening new folks, and spending money on advertising over your preference in color. Well, that's an economic burden to me.
On both, it's been my experience that the right dogs get placed with the right folks who are happy with what they get. Also the people who take home the last pup, well, that one usually winds up being the best dog. There's some cosmic force involved.