:: Varieties ::

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:: Russian Blue ::

"Colour to be similar to blue cats and dogs. A soft medium grey-blue with a metallic sheen. Faint light speckling or a subtle ticked effect (heathering) is usual for this variety and is not a fault. Colour to be even, belly colour to match top. Undercolour dark blue down to the skin. Eyes black."

Russian blue was Lucy's variety of choice initially, beginning with a nice Russian blue (Valhalla Seven of Nine) from Valhalla Stud mated to a decent, solid Russian blue dumbo stud buck on loan from Ratty Rascals Stud. This initial mating was continued from, but the results were unspectacular and sourcing good outcrosses proved difficult. The line was rescued thanks to Serendipity Stud, kindly offering us two lovely does - Serendipity Siren (Russian blue essex) and Serendipity Chasca (Russian blue). The line is still very much in its infancy, but results so far have been very good - Asbru Spirit (Russian blue) has won best in show, reserve best in show at the NFRS Annual Cup show '06 and Best Opposite Age at the NFRS Self Show '06 on the same day!

Currently we breed Russian blue alongside Russian blue Essex as part of the same line. So far this line has exceptional temperament, with many of the rats delighting their new owners and us with their licky and outgoing antics. Having come through a nasty infection in their early stages, the immunity has been thoroughly tested and the line is very strong and healthy. Physically, the Russian blues have had lovely eyes and have been racy, but slightly narrow so far, and the line lacks a good stud buck to focus around. The colour of the Russian blues so far has also tended to not be blue enough as well as having a tendency to rust dramatically.

:: Essex ::

"To be recognised in any standard colour, remembering that the effect of the gene responsible is to lighten the top colour. The darkest area is along the spine, becoming less intense down the sides of the animal. The gradual fading of colour continues onto the belly which is off white, with no spotting of darker colour. When viewed from above, the fading effect should be symmetrical, having no clear demarcation. The fading effect also to be seen on the legs so that the feet are also off white. There should be no obvious patches of contrasting colour. Pied tails not to be penalised. A head spot is essential; this must be well defined, centrally placed on the forehead and symmetrical."

This variety was not our original intention but has been a very welcome addition to the Russian blue line, which is now our Russian blue/Russian blue Essex line. When Serendipity Siren (Russian blue Essex) was generously offered to us courtesy of Serendipity Stud, she was gratefully accepted and we have not looked back since. Russian blue Essex is a delicate and pastille shade of blue, and in combination with lovely eyes, good condition and a good headspot they have proved to be irresistable to many judges in their short time with us. Asbru Dakota (Russian blue Essex) has quickly become an NFRS Silver Champion, also taking Best in Show at the NFRS Annual Cup show '06, alongside Asbru Russia (Russian blue Essex owned by Enkidu Rats) who has won best in show and reserve best in show awards.

As per the Russian blues, the temperament and health of the line thus far have been fabulous. Lacking a decent stud buck has been a problem, many of the bucks so far have been too narrow overall. One of the main faults with the Essexes so far have been their generally creased ears and a tendency to be 'cobby', but overall there are many good aspects to work with and we expect great results in the future.

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