Sable is the dilute of the black or brown gene. The sable newborn puppy will have a base coat that is black or brown with tan highlights & then, as the hair grows in, it begins to lighten.  If the initial coat is brown, then the pup turns a gold with brown tips on ears, mustache, and possibly on the tips of feet & tail.  If the newborn coat appears black, then the coat may come in to be a silver with black tips.  There maybe a black stripe down the center of the back as well. 
In the photos below, there are examples of 4 different puppies that have the sabling trait.  Please look closely at each if you are considering a sable. 

1)  Zoe - A SOLID BLACK SABLE COCKAPOO PUPPY
The photos below are all of a sable pups whelped by Becca & Jack in May '07.  These photos are from birth until approximately 8 mos. of age.  Zoe resides in south Mississippi with her owner.  Thanks for the photos.

2)  BAILEY - A SOLID BLACK SABLE COCKAPOO PUPPY
The 6 photos below are all of a sable pup whelped by Shasta in June '04.  These photos were taken from birth up to approximately 1 year of age. Shasta is a sable cocker.  The sire was a silver poodle. This puppy, Bailey, now resides in TX with her owner.  Thanks for the photos Wayne.

3) TUFFY - A BLACK SABLE & WHITE PARTI COCKAPOO
The photos below are of a sable & white parti cockapoo.  This little boy is from a recent Hannah/Jack litter. 
These photos show the pup's progression from birth (1/15/06)  to about 7 months of age. He is a cousin to Shasta above & CJ below . Thanks to the Sample's for providing updated photos of this sweetie.