The whole thing is fascinating to me. I guess that even within the breed people there is mis-understanding and different interpretations. Even we read the standard differently!

My guess would be you could try to show, but would be DQ/not place, again like your long hair Rott example (or a ridgeless RR :grin.

I like the traditional breed standards, docked Rotts and Dobbes for example, but see where change is necessary. I have even purchased a tailed Rottie pup. From this stand point, I see why the classic look is being fought for, but if the standard has already been adjusted to accept long and stockaar coat varieties, why not the blues?

Alright, back to my studying… I love genetics! The gene that makes the Weim the pretty silver (or blue) is very similar to the cream gene (CrD) that makes a chestnut horse a palomino or a bay horse a buckskin. Silver dogs area dilute brown dog, and the blues are a dilute black. Did I mention I love genetics?

 Quote: JessicaKromer

Alright, back to my studying… I love genetics! The gene that makes the Weim the pretty silver (or blue) is very similar to the cream gene (CrD) that makes a chestnut horse a palomino or a bay horse a buckskin. Silver dogs area dilute brown dog, and the blues are a dilute black. Did I mention I love genetics?

Me too! Just the other day I saw a neat mousy tan pit mix and immediately launched into an excited dilute conversation with my boyfriend (by 'conversation' I really mean lecture, as he wasn't really contributing) - I think it's all utterly fascinating, but he just looked at me like I'd started romancing the concrete under our feet!

Sorry to get off topic ...

~Natalya

HAHAHA!!

Rob just called to ask how my morning was going. I told him I am investigating in regard to a discussion about Blue Weimeriners. He says nothing. I ask, “Are you familiar with Weimeriners?” He says, “No, but I am sure I am about to hear all about them…” I am undaunted, “Well do you want to learn about them?” Him,” Not really, but I am sure I will anyway…”

I do love this man for putting up with me.

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I do love this man for putting up with me.

Indeed, we should consider ourselves very lucky to have them.
And not to imply that my BF doesn't have an impressive encyclopedia inside his OWN head - albeit of different subjects - I'm just WAY more chatty!

~Natalya

 Quote: angela burrell

Cathy

FYI - culling does not necessarily mean killing. It means removing them from the breeding pool (sometimes it means euth, sometimes just spay/neuter and pet home like you said).

Oops, I didn't mean to imply that all breeders who "cull" kill the pups. Unfortunately there are some who still do.

 Quote: cathy goessman

 Quote: angela burrell

Cathy

FYI - culling does not necessarily mean killing. It means removing them from the breeding pool (sometimes it means euth, sometimes just spay/neuter and pet home like you said).

Oops, I didn't mean to imply that all breeders who "cull" kill the pups. Unfortunately there are some who still do.

In UK to cull does mean to kill according to their dictionary. Here in the US it means to sort by most of our dictionaries. Gotta love this because it means a world of difference in animals upon how you're thought upon by others.

I once had a rather interesting conversation with some dog breeders in Europe and we were discussing dogs being placed as pets. These very reputable breeders told me they put down dogs at birth for color and marking faults as they preferred to not waste their resources on such puppies. Another breeder told me he does not sell pets and will put down any puppy from his line that would be considered "pet stock" by 8 weeks old.

I'm not saying these people are typical of breeders in Europe (because honestly I don't know what's typical) but it was a very interesting talk on the point of views that exist upon the matter.

Color is always an interesting conversation depending upon what your goals are. Some take it as a sign of gene polution by another breed, some take it as a sign of a odd mindset (often in the case of livers according to some people), some breed for it, and then there are some who could care less. It's always a lively conversation though.