Variegated Bloodline
My goal is to create a bloodline of Blue Variegated, with dumbo ears, black eyes and Bristle coat. I am also hoping to have Dalmatian in this line as well, once I have a better understanding of the genetics.
The Bristle coat is newly added and not as well documented so this line will be meticulously monitored for health and temperament as we introduce the new coat type.
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.
Bristle: Bristle Coated rats to be shown in any recognized color or marking. The coat has a distinct and unique feel consistent with a wire brush--very coarse textured and stiff with a crunchy feel similar to a wire haired terrier. The coat will be lightly curled/waved as very young kittens similar to Rex. It then straightens out as adults to having a stand-off, harsh, rough-looking, messy coat. These are not to be mistaken with a rough Standard coat or poor Rex coat. The whiskers will be straight to curled on the ends (similar to Satins) which is different than the curled Rex whiskers.
Genetics
Non-agouti (aa), black (BB), gray (gg), with black eyes (P/RR), dumbo (dudu), have the variegated marking (Hrehi) and Bristle (Brre). aa BB gg P- RR dudu Hrehi Brre (Hrohi for Dal)
Progress, Challenges and Health
Currently I have self produced variegated that carry blue and dumbo, some that show blue and dumbo. I am seeing drastic improvements in longevity with nearly all reaching at least 2 years.
One challenge is that both dumbo and blue is mostly only carried at this time. Breed for Bristle (newly added)and bring out the dumbo. I have also managed to lose the variegation down the side while trying to produce Dalmatian, now I have a big challenge of improving variegation coverage.
The recently added Bristle coat isn't as well documented so extra diligence will be needed in selections and monitoring to make sure we continue to get healthy and friendly rats. I did have a male becoming too dominating over cage mates and was removing from breeding plans (though he never harmed those already living with him, he refused to accept any new comers), no offspring where produce from him. I also had an adopter have a male from this line neutered due to his roughness with cage mates. I am keeping extra rats from litters to better evaluate temperament and make sure to only select those who get along very well with cage mates. No aggression towards people has been observed.
