The Brittany Forum

Patricia

Cross posted( Yahoo group)

French CEB is a club recognized (through the Societe Centrale Canine) by
FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale which groups together 84
countries). The FCI rule gives to each club the possibility to modify
its standard.
When the CEB plans a Standard modification :
- First, he has to propose it to a Standard Comittee.
- Second, this modification has to be studied by a SCC scientific comittee
- Third, this modification project is sent to the FCI which accepts or not.
So, as you can see, when there is a modification, it not found in a
magician's hat.
When the decision to allow the black was taken, under Gaston Pouchain
presidency, in 1956, nobody thought of the Black Tricolour increasing
popularity. The first Black Tri that I saw, during the 70's, was "Ulf de
Ker yan" a litter choice of Lucienne Marchand.
I told her :
" This colour is very nice, I am sure that there is a gap in the market !"
She answered :
"Tu crois vraiment ?" (Really, you believe ?)..

Now it is a distant period and it is probable that some breeders are
specialized in this colour.
Anne is right, Black Tri are now prized. But why not ? G. Pouchain
didn't foreseen what would happen. It is the balance between supply and
demand.
What I can ensure is that the Gaston Pouchain's decision was completely
taken without mercenary mentality. Besides, Gaston became never a rich man.
Paradoxally, the allow of black was very beneficial to the Orange and
White coloured EB. This black gene indeed change the head expression. A
white and Orange EB with dark mucous head membranes, especially around
the eyes, has a deeper look. This warm colour gives the impression that
the eyes are made up. But this is a very personal assessment.
However, an opportunity is given to people looking for a both hunting
and seductive dog, and consequently a supplementary opportunity for the
breed to spread. Also consequently, the bigger the gene pool, the more
possibility have the breeders to select.

Concerning the standard evolution, a comparison is possible between
alive and dead languages. Latin and ancient Greek are frozen forever. We
respect them and even use them because they are our common past. But
alive languages are changing, because they must follow advances. So it
is for dog breeds standards. They should be capable of evolution.
For example, imagine that in the future, genetics find a correlation
between a certain morphology and hip dysplasia, it should be reasonable
to modify the standard accordingly.

Concerning the "Sable". This colour has never been reported in the EB
standard and in any others pointing breeds standard. So, it seems
reasonable to stay in accordance with others breeds of the same group.
As "Sable" is genetically dominant it should be relatively easy to
eradicate this colour, at least in appearance.

Pierre Terran

doganjo · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:11 am Post subject: