THE MYTH & THE MADNESS OF BREEDING BLUE & BLUE FAWN

[kernewekglas]

THE MYTH & THE MADNESS OF BREEDING BLUE & BLUE FAWN STAFFORDS.

The colours of blue and blue-fawn in the STBT are colours of prestige and distinction, and must be treated as such throughout the process of breeding. To achieve this, the right combinations of genes must be used in both quality & colour. If a Stafford with either weak colouring or weak qualities is used, all your good work will be lost within two generations, or less.

Ten years of hard work can come undone in an instant if people exploit this colour and just breed for colour alone and ignore the genetics of the breed.

Random breeding without the correct knowledge will cause the breed to revert to its weaker form, yellow or blue eyes, weak coloured nails, grey noses, and a faded wishy-washy coat.

Though, through the proper breeding of blue Staffords, keeping in mind quality & temperament, it’s possible to produce exceptional dogs
with dark eyes, black nails, black nose & a deep blue coat.

Breeding blue Staffords is an art unto itself and can create an excellent Stafford in colour & standard when bred correctly.

The rumours that blue is a lesser colour & should never be bred from are rooted in ignorance & poor understanding of the genetics involved. The gene that is responsible for the blue coat is not linked to any faults or problems within the Stafford. It is simply a gene that transforms the black pigment to a shade of blue & reverts back to black if both parents do not carry it. Those who say that the blue gene also causes a myriad of other problems fail to understand that genetically that’s simply not possible. Saying a blue Stafford is going to have more problems than a brindle is
like saying that someone is more likely to suffer a debilitating illness
if they have red hair or brown eyes, both are equally ridiculous statements. And should be treated as such.

In fact when comparing a blue Stafford to one of a different colour, just as when you compare 2 of the same colour, the colour of the coat should be disregarded.

Some will always believe the blue to be a lesser dog, but without proof it’s just another form of prejudice.


June Cook of Yacamundi Kennels

(Bulldogs: 1973 – 1988)


(Staffords: 1988 - 1993)
Ace blue Staffords ( 1993 - Now)
Also a member of the C.C.C. Canine Health Sub-committee
(Qld) 2004 - Now