Hello,

We are looking for a solid blue female SBT. We have seen a lot of litters advertised but cannot pinpoint specific breeders and I would like to research the breeder before we viewed the puppies. We would only consider KC registered dogs with health test certificates. We are looking to purchase the puppy in the next 6 months to a year.

I would be really grateful for some advice.

Thank-you

Doog

Any 'decent' SBT breeder will not breed specifically for the blue colour, nor will they charge the over-inflated prices that some are charging for the blue Stafford.

Have you researched that colour specifically?  Makes for quite interesting reading. 

You're on the right track though by looking for a good, reputable breeder in general that do the necessary health tests, PhPV, HC, L2Hga etc (as you've already mentioned).

There are some very good and caring breeders out there.  Best of luck in your search.

I would also endorse what tessiestracy has said, good breeders don't specifically breed blues.  The blues I have seen where they have been bred for are very washed out looking blues with pale eyes and eye rims, similar to the washed out browns you get when people endlessly breed chocolate labs to chocolate labs.

FWIW, my opinion is that you should find breeders who breed for temperament and to the 'type' that you like and then research which of those lines have thrown blues over the years.  Speak to the breeders and let them know what you are looking for and you want put on waiting lists for a blue bitch.  You may end up on many lists before you get the pup of your dreams and may have to travel further than you hoped but it will be worth it.

Hello, thank-you both for your replies.

I have researched the colour to the extent that I know blues can be thrown from black parents and that its just a diluted black - is there anything else I should know? This is all I have found out.

The one breeder I have seen and are keen on breed blue and black and produce both blue and black/brindle puppies, the blues have very dark almost black eye rims and noses. I dont mind the lighter colour / dilute blue though if I am honest. I suppose its a matter of taste.

I have read loads of times that a premium should not be paid for a blue SBT as they are not rare or difficult to produce, but I havent yet seen any evidence of this unfortunately, and even KC registered breeders on the KC site specify they breed blues. I can completely understand what you are both saying and believe you wholeheartedly, but I just cannot find them!

The thing is that when breeding a breeder should be looking to breed to the breed standard and the best quality they can, and colour is secondary/irrelevant as long as it is an accepted colour.

As Blue is dilute it will be difficult to get a top quality Blue with the pigmentation required, so unless the breeder is a masochist they are less likely to breed specifically for the colour.

The Overpriced blues you see advertised are cashing in on a fashion/fad, and sadly some will sue the kennel clubs services.  Kennel club registration does not a good breeder make, though lack of KC reg would definitely be a sign of poor breeding.

As you say Brainless, Blue in the Staff is a naturally occurring colour but no breeder worth the name would be breeding for the colour. When you are deciding on which dogs to breed colour should be at the end of the list of requirements, if the best pair you can find to improve your lines happens to produce a blue then all well and good but you would not be looking to do so over and above quality of the pups.

Think the very best plan would be to find out who has blues being produced on a regular basis and put yourself on their waiting list, letting it be know that you would prefer a blue, it should not cost more than any other colour - odd that people should charge more as they do not seem to be popular in the show ring perhaps the colour carries problems with it, I don't know.

Hello, thank-you all for your replies. Very informative.

I have emailed every breeder on the KC accredited breeder list who say they have blues being produced so I guess its just a waiting game. I do want a blue pup, but as I will not be doing any serious showing (and will not breed), the pigmentation is definitely and completely second to a healthy well breed dog.

From what I gather, blue shouldnt produce any health risks - I have looked into it, so please let me know if I am wrong.

Thanks again!

> From what I gather, blue shouldnt produce any health risks - I have looked into it, so please let me know if I am wrong.

It shouldn't according to many things I have read, however, it has been known that some blue's suffer more with skin problems, etc.  However, it could also be said that the Stafford in general, can be prone to skin problems anyway.

I have also read that the pigment cells are directly produced along with the same cells that give rise to the nervous system. It could be assumed that if you have defects in genes associated with color genetics you might also have nervous system defects because both types of cells are derived from the neuronal crest.
(AKA colour dilution alopecia).

As Nova has mentioned re: the blue colour in the showring, lack of good pigmentation would be one of the prime reasons why the blue's sometimes don't do well in the showring.  However, there are a handful with very good pigmentation which are being placed at shows.

>I have read loads of times that a premium should not be paid for a blue SBT as they are not rare or difficult to produce, but I havent yet seen any evidence of this unfortunately

Just do a search on the internet for blue Stafford pups, and then you'll see why they're not rare or difficult to produce!  The advertisements are 10 a penny!
As Brainless has already mentioned too, a KC registration does not necessarily a good breeder make.

Thanks for that,

Sorry I think you may have misread my post - or I didn't write it correctly (probably the later!) I didnt mean I had not seen evidence that they are rare or difficult to produce - I can see that straight away from all the free-ads - I meant that I have not seen any evidence that people are not charging a premium for them. Even the blue that is doing well in the ring has puppies advertised for £1000! Thats just ridiculous. I would expect to pay around £500 for a well bred KC stafford. But I haven't seen any blues for under £650. Hopefully some of these breeders will get back to me.

My definition (personally) of a good stafford breeder is one with experience, that breeds healthy pups with all the health tests. Researches the lines they are breeding, has dogs of good temperament, both good with people and dogs. Wants to meet you before they produce the litter. Insures you will provide a good home and does not over-breed their dogs. Hopefully I will find a breeder like this

Ah I see what you mean now re; evidence.

Your definition seems to be spot on
Again, the very best of luck in your search.  Please do let us know how you get on!

I don't know the going rate for a well bred Staffie but would have thought that £650 would be about the going rate no matter what the colour. Perhaps a few lines cost a bit more but you should be paying for the pedigree and the health not the colour Blue that will turn up just like the Blacks, Red, fawn either solid, patched or brindle.

The reason why ill health may be associated with blue is because it is the blue that is the priority and is being bred for with no regard for health or conformation, if that is done, which it is, it is not long before you get poor animals with conformation or health problems.

EDIT: to say most of the quality breeders will not be advertising free as they will have people waiting for a pup before the bitch is even mated - I am not saying that anyone that advertises is a bad breeder it can happen that you are let down or the litter is unexpectedly large. What I am saying is that starting with free adverts is not the best place to start, go to shows or contact a few breed clubs or use the Kennel Clubs find a puppy service in order to get the addresses of breeders you can visit. Then you have to use your instincts.

Hello everyone, such a wealth of knowledge. Yes, dont worry, my first port of call is not the free-ads - ive now contacted the breeders on the KC site so will take it from there. Ive had one reply already so fingers crossed. I will let you all know, and again, thank-you for the great advice. I am going to do a bit more research on the colour with regards to potential health problems as well. x