Chocolate Rex

Johnny richardson · 05-20-2018, 01:13 AM

I am looking to become an exhibitor of chocolate Rex.
I bred and successfully campaigned dwarf lops, seal point, rabbits in the 1980s, winning 29 CCs with multi Champion Reeberrich Running Buffet, and making a number of other champions
For 34 years I showed dogs, making up champions across 5 breeds, and have judged at Crufts,as well as some appointments abroad.
Currently I have only an ex show red/white Persian cat, and 3 Barbu d'Uccle bantams.
I am struggling to find a breeder of chocolate Rex, so if anyone would be prepared to mentor me and supply quality pedigree stock, that would be great !

souffle · 05-20-2018, 02:54 AM

Hi there
Chocolate rex is a very specific colour to be aiming for and not an easy choice to breed for. It is a combination of black aa and rust bb genes. Both are recessive and rust in particular can be difficult to isolate and to get a good example. They can resemble washed out goldens! Rex is also tricky and not overly popular. They can have health issues with ingrowing eyelashes due to the curly nature and the type is often not the best in rex lines. Breeders tend to keep the best examples. With rex you are confined to showing only in the rex class regardless of colour so it is easier to choose a more robust colour than chocolate. Rex fur will dilute the colour causing it look paler and duller. Chocolate already browns very quickly so getting a decent chocolate rex that would last to show would be very tricky due to the lightening and browning effect.
I would suggest you start with a simpler colour and establish excellent health, type and a decent colour line first. Once you have that you can start bringing in the genes required for your goal colour and coat type whilst attending some shows and getting to know people.

Johnny richardson · 05-20-2018, 07:42 AM

Thank you for your advice.
I have now decided that perhaps Syrian dark eyed creams could be a good starting point.
If anyone can assist with quality stock and experienced advice that would be very welcome

souffle · 05-20-2018, 08:36 AM

Take a look at the National Hamster Council site https://hamsters-uk.org/joomla30/
There is plenty info here and you can find links to the regional clubs. You could attend some shows, look at the hamsters and then talk to breeders about going on their waiting list for a pup. Creams are where more people start as they have the best type, size and temperament and are usually more readily available. There are black eyed creams and red eyed creams. With cream you can then add in other genes to get Sable and mink as well as patterns and coat types. Cream is a good choice for a beginner. You can message the sercretaries of the clubs and enquire about breeders in your area. Take a look at the registered prefixes and some of those mentioned will have websites or facebook pages where you can ask about stock.