Variegated Bloodline
My goal is to create a bloodline of Blue Variegated, with dumbo ears, black eyes and rex coat. I am also hoping to have Dalmatian in this line as well, once I have a better understanding of the genetics.
I am establishing my own marked line, focusing on variegated. Some of the foundation rats are from unknown lineage, therefore the babies will be sold solely as pet only for the first several generations and the line will be meticulously monitored for health and temperament.
Standard
Blue: Color is a slate blue, as dark as possible showing no brown patches or silvering. Eye color is dark ruby or black.
Variegated: Variegated rats to be shown in any recognized color and are similar to Hooded rats but instead of a spine marking, will have patches and flecks of color on the back side. The head and shoulders to be solid like those of a Hooded rat with a white spot/star on the forehead which should be centrally placed, round or oval in shape, and no bigger than the rat's eye. The variegation (patches and flecks of color) to evenly cover the rest of the white body from the shoulders to the tail including the sides and tail. Underside (including belly, chest, and throat) to be white, devoid of creamy tinge or staining.
Dalmatian: Dalmatian rats may be shown in any recognized color. Markings will be similar to the Variegated mice with color splashes/spots on a white background, and free from any solid clear-cut markings. The splashes should be numerous and ragged in outline, but approximately equal in size, and well distributed over the entire body.
Dumbo ears: Dumbo rats to be shown in any recognized color, marking, or variety. The distinguishing feature being their low ear set. The ears are large and round, set low on the sides of the head. Head to form an equilateral triangle when viewed from above.
Rex: The coat to be evenly dense and not excessively harsh, with as few guard hairs as possible. Coat to be evenly curled and also to a lesser extent on the belly. Curly vibrissae (whiskers) are normal for Rex. Color to conform to a recognized color or pattern.
Genetics
Non-agouti (aa), black (BB), gray (gg), with black eyes (P/RR), dumbo (dudu), have the variegated marking (Hrehi) and rex (Rere). aa BB gg P- RR dudu Hrehi Rere (Hrohi for Dal)
Progress, Challenges and Health
Currently I have self produced variegated that carry blue and dumbo.
One challenge is producing variegated in blue as it is only carried at this time. Breed for rex and bring out the dumbo. If I decide to work with the wedge blaze another challenge will be getting ideal wedges.
Axel passed at 1 year, 4 months the necropsy showed white nodular masses attached to abdominal organs, possible metastatic neoplasia (cancer). I will be monitoring closely to see if this is hereditary.
Breedings
06.24.2011 Raven Darkholme of RAVN x FFCR Axel
Purpose: Pass on Mystique and Axel's wonderful temperaments, good health and large size. Improve overall structure and ears (dumbo). Develop the variegated markings. Produce babies which carry blue.
Kept: RAVN Natsuko - dumbo, shoulder rat, good variegation. RAVN Natsu - dumbo carrier, playful, stunning. RAVN Natsumi - dumbo carrier, beautiful markings and nice variegation, playful personality
12.2011 Raven Darkholme of RAVN x CAN Ace of Clubs
Purpose: Carry on friendly temperaments, good health and large size. I want to bring Ace's outgoing, shoulder rat personality into the marked line as right now some of the offspring from the first breeding are a little shy. Mystique is my sweetest girl, expecting amazing temperaments! Bring rex into the line.
Kept: RAVN Silent Night - Amazing personality, sweet and cuddly, loves to just set and get love. Beautiful color and very nice ears. RAVN Little Drummer Boy - Adorable with markings that could be used to produce variagted if paired correctly, very sweet personality.
Planned Breedings
04.2012 Black Dahlia of RAVN x RAVN Natsuko
Purpose: Improve upon temperament and continue good health. Create better structure/type. Possibly produce dumbo, if Dahlia carries it, otherwise produce dumbo carriers. Ideally create Dalmatian marked rats to move line to Dal.
06.2012 RAVN Natsumi x RAVN Natsuko
Purpose: Carry on playful temperaments, good health and large size. Improve upon overall structure and produce dumbos. Enhance the variegated markings, possibly produce blaze.
