#baronyofthesilverwolf

Aiden has glanced back the way they came. Just Clementine and Brekke - no one else. A slight hint of disappointment.

Clem says "I understand you wish anyone taking a dog to help develop the breed you're hoping to make?"

Brekke chuckles at the pup in her hand. "There are other ways to learn about the world rather than biting it," she advises, giving a light pet before putting her back down.

"We were lucky to have Oak as sire. When breeding Fae hounds, they are not so common that we may always have the luxury of fae blood for both parents. In doing so, the breed bloodlines grow, but not every pup produced will be strongly fae blooded, though they carry the gene. Two fae parents is far better." Aiden listens to Gwen, and nods, approvingly at her words.

"If you are taking the pick of the litter, it is to be expected that we'd hope to still have the option to continue the line."

One pup gives litle woofs, ready to protect mom from strangers

okay.. more like a wuf, than a proper bark..

"Linebreeding is an option, but to be used sparingly. It can reinforce traits, but also runs risks of inbreeding coefficients of any homogenized genes... You see, the science science jargon when you jargon terminology, may something something genetics...""

"Never cared for inbreeding" Clem admitttts "As a farm girl I hear too many cruel jibes about country folk"

Brekke listens to them both. This is more their expertise than hers, but she does have some knowledge, and she agrees with Clem with a nod."

He nods. "It is my opinion that the risks outweigh the benefits. Though, that does limit how many litters we produce. Litters with a mortal dog parent have pups that must be rehomed still, though without fae traits to recommend them to kithain. Ergo, such litters are only attempted when we have a waiting list of potential mortal homes as well."

"It seems, then, that it is important to identify other fae lines. Or other Great Pyrenes that are also fae hounds."

Perhaps a bit snooty, only proper homes for his dogs.. .but responsible at the same time, not breeding dogs that shall not have homes.

"That might be ttricky" Clem admits "We won that line from a nnoble which trried to take our hold"

Gwen ponders "It IS a new breed beinng formed, Baron. Maybe a third but similar breed mixed in would give a wider pool? Unnnless we are lookinng for a speciffic look?"

"Looks are important, but secondary to health and intelligence. Else we'd be no better than Red Lion Kennels." He says, with a definitive air of disdain.

"Breeding true and breeding healthy are often at odds." She reaches down to pet another of the pups, this one bumbling around while sniffing everything in reach.

A brow. "Red Lion?"

"Red Lion were scum" Gwen says before she thinnks better of it

"A Fiona led kennel that went out of business some years back. They were obsessed with creating a fae-blooded dog that would resember the Faerie Hounds of old, silver furred with Red Eyes and stripes? A living Cwn Annwn."

Nadeen tuts at Gwen "Manners, Dame Gladiola"

"They took ONLY aesthetics into account, and ended up with byblows that were... poorly formed, and short lived, blessedly. No account for the genetics behind health...."

He kneels to lift a pup, cradeling it carefully as he strokes the small dog. Doing so seems to help shed the clouds from his visage.

"They are no longer in operation."

Gladiola looks apologetic to her Baroness, but nods at the Baron's explanation

Brekke frowns and sighs. "I am glad they can do no further harm."

Aiden nods, a touch smugly.

Clem has run hands over every puppy testing gently.

"Straight backs, good strength for their age. no brain damaged ones I can tell." Approving

Brekke regards the Baron with a pup, and nods slightly. "I am pleased with what I am seeing here. As to whether or not we will exercise our option, I do not yet know."

The pups are young, but well formed, healthy and energetic!

Oak is on the gground, now 'mount daddy' for the puppies.

Some are more white with markings, a few darker with white markings, and a spread in between!

Not much of a consistent breed standard...

Dark ears and face markings seem to be most common, one girl with a just paws dark as though she had pranced through mud

She reaches to scritch the one that has the most white markings.

Clem says "Okay, this one has a white mask. this one looks like...A powdered donut all over... that one has handsome blaze.. and this one's ear tips are frosted"

"A great deal of variation," Brekke says with a nod.

"How does that impact the breeding?"

"I know looks come third to Healtth and attitude, but these ARE good looking"

Gwen smiles. She has resisted naming that onne 'powder' with effort

A nod to Clem.

"It was to be expected. Ovcharka are what's known as a primitive breed, and they are a working breed. They have been bred for function first and foremost. See, Pyshcka, her ruff is more golden and tan, whereas Mischka is darker. There is much color variation in them. Breeding for a specific look can be true folly... see the modern bulldog, or pug."

Brekke nods approval. "Good. I prefer that."

Mostly white with dark markings on head for several!

"Poor Bulldogs" Gwen sigghs "Sweet guys but.. oh breathing"

Nadeen says "I thik the fewer 'restrictions' onn what they mustt look like the better"

"Agreed."

"Do they meet your expectations, as of yet?" Curious.

Brekke reaches to give patient Oak a pet, making sure not to jostle a climbing puppy too much.