Blue Min Pins are not only
a beautiful color, but also an accepted color with AKC, however, in 1980 the
MPCA seeing a preponderance of problems with their coats as a result of
unknowledgeable & irresponsible breeders, voted to not allow blues or fawns
in the show ring.
Blue and Fawn Miniature
Pinschers often suffer from a condition called Color Dilution Alopecia. which is symptomatic of
severe hair loss and poor coats. The Symptoms can be bilateral balding, which usually
begins in the flank area or along the top line and spreads down the back.
Balding may be noticeable as a puppy or gradually becomes a problem, as the dog
gets older. But,
alas... There is a "movement" if you will, to maybe get that decision
reversed and hopefully it will happen one day soon. A few very conscientious
breeders are selectively breeding.
The blue gene is a dilute gene. Blue/Tan is a dilute color of the Black/Rust. Fawn/Rust is a
dilute color of the Chocolate/Rust.
Breeding blues / Fawns
takes on a special responsibility to avoid problems that can take place, mainly
skin problems like Alopecia, There are a handful of breeders who are making
every effort to eliminate the gene that is producing this problem. I have
joined those ranks. Interestingly it is not really just a blue Min Pin problem,
but because of indiscriminate and irresponsible breeding it is seen more often
in the blues & fawns.
There are breeders who have no conscience at all and are breeding just
to get the color without careful thought to who and what they are breeding.
They will breed dilute to dilute, inferior breeding stock etc.
These breeders will advertise "RARE" blue Min Pins or Fawns.... well
folks.... blues and fawns are NOT rare...what is rare is to find a
breeder who is offering these colors from sound stock. Keep in mind that some
balding/hair loss may be because of a Thyroid problem and not Color Dilution
Alopciea at all. Don't overlook this if you see or have a Blue or Fawn
with a thinning coat.
No breeder will guarantee
against Alopecia. It is not life threatening. It is also difficult if not
impossible to treat. There is no magic remedy. However, the law of averages is
certainly in your favor if you choose a Breeder who is knowledgeable and
breeding conscientiously. All dogs, of any breed, should be bred by reputable,
educated breeders.
It is important to keep the
dogs and puppies long-term health and well being top priority and strive for
quality first not quantity. Any blues or fawns with either background
history of coat/skin problems or if they have problems themselves should not be
used for breeding. It is also important not to breed blues to blues or
blues to fawns. This will only break down the dilute color and make the
offspring more prone to these problems. Responsible breeding will get
healthy coated blues and fawns.
This is true no matter
what. Make sure you are comfortable with the breeder, in making a decision to
purchase that beautiful puppy. We are hoping to see blues and fawns of good, healthy
quality being used for breeding. Hoping to eventually see them in the
show ring again so everyone can enjoy these beautiful colored Min Pins.
Learn all you can and help
pass the knowledge along.
. If you're looking for these colors, contact me. If I don't have any, I will
try to refer you to a responsible breeder who may have what you want.