Friday, May 2, 2014

All the Colours of the Rainbow

Each variety of cavy is remarkable for the features of its breed. These 'focal points' are the aspects that breeders strive not only to maintain but to improve with each generation that is born. One notable feature of any cavy, is coat colour. The importance of colour, in terms of showing and breeding varies depending on the breed in question.

A self red Image Jessica Patterson
Self coloured cavies are one solid colour, their pigment should be even and of the correct shade. Colour quality is definitely the main focus when breeding Self's. Secondary to colour, is type.

The main feature of Dalmations is their spotting. The focus of Dutch is their very distinct markings. Himalayan's are noted for their dark points and pure white coat. Roan are also critiqued foremost by markings including an even interspersing of white hairs on the torso with a solid or agouti coloured head and feet. Tortoise cavies are identified by their clear, distinct patches in uniform placement that look similar to a multi-coloured chessboard.
A satin self slate Image Tom Mcgaffin
Satin cavies are bred predominately for the satinisation of the hair shaft. Which makes them appear glossy and gives the coat a distinct sheen.

Long hairs however, are bred for texture, density and evenness of coat. They are not judged for their colour when being shown. So a champion Sheltie could have a long, dense coat and excellent chops but they may also possess colours that by 'self standard' are appalling.
A black sheltie
The integrity of colour quality is often times not maintained in long haired breeding resulting in the dilution of colours. This can happen with any of the colours. For example, a 'black' texel may not have the intensity and depth of colour that a self black does. It may appears lighter and more 'washed out' particularly as the cavy ages and the coat grows out. Or it may be difficult to distinguish whether a cavy is cream or gold as the shade present may be on the far end of its respective spectrum.

For me, this is an entirely enjoyable aspect of the long haired cavies. You often have no idea what you will get, in terms of colour. Even if you think you know, chances are, you don't.

A lilac and gold argente texel
If I couldn't consistently and predictably breed for coat and type, I would be quite concerned. My worth as a breeder is based on my moral conscience, my care of and concern for my animals and also my ability to consistently breed good quality cavies that meet their breed standard and improve their genetic lineage. When breeding long hairs, the coat colour is the one wildly variable aspect that I can have fun with and enjoy without the need for 'sameness'.

Here are a few interesting examples of colours and breeding in long coated cavies.

This sheltie/texel pairing resulted in a pink eyed golden sheltie.
 You will note in the above pairing that the sire is mostly agouti with some cream and gold and the dam is very dark. None the less, they produced this pink eyed, golden sheltie boar.

This texel/sheltie pairing created an all black texel boar.
  In this match up, the agouti boar was paired with a lilac and gold argente sow. One of the pups in their litter, was an entirely black boar. 

This sheltie pairing created a trio wtih striking markings.
This lilac and gold argente boar was bred with a white, cream and black tri-coloured sow which resulted in a trio of dark eyed shelties with very striking markings.
So as you can see, unless you have a solid understanding of the genetics involving colour inheritance in cavies, you are likely to have some surprises along the way and with any luck, they will be wonderful ones.

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