Breeds are a special subdivision of type. Breeds are a set of locked characteristics and an associated lineage that a Hound must possess in order to be considered of that breed. Breeds are developed by handlers, either on their own or working together. Breeds allow handlers to develop unique, specialized Hounds that match their desired play style. Breeds can have specialty shows run just for them, and can also receive special divisions at major shows.
Developing a Breed
New breeds are able to be developed by any handler who can meet breed requirements. It is typically easier to work with others to accomplish this goal.
Requirements
- A breed standard has been established and approved. See the breed standard prompt for more details.
- Hound must meet the breed standard.
- All Hounds in visible lineage meet the breed standard.
- Hound must have a minimum of 10 visible ancestors in its lineage.
- Hound must have at least one ancestor in both the paternal and maternal great grand parent slots.
Once the requirements are met a breed can be established. Breeds can be founded by a single Hound, or multiple Hounds. After establishment, all Hounds of the breed must have at least one parent who is a member of the breed. Breed creators may also provide edited alternates to traits permitted in the breed, that can be used on members of that breed without needing edit tokens.
Breed Standards
All breeds are required to have a breed standard. Breed standards are a set of criteria that a Hound must meet in order to be considered part of the breed. Breed standards must specify various restrictions, following the below rubric.
Colour
Breed standards must at least partially restrict allowable colours. At a minimum either phaeomelanin or eumelanin must be restricted to a logical range that does not result in allowed colours producing unpermitted colours. For example, saying Hounds may be black or blue would be acceptable. Saying Hounds may be black or lilac would not be, as purebred members of the breed could potentially produce Hounds that are chocolate or blue as well.
Physical Traits
Physical traits must be limited to logical groupings, like colours. Breeds may have no more than 3 acceptable tail or ear variants, and no more than 2 acceptable coat variants.
Pattern
Like all other traits acceptable patterns must be logically restricted. A breed may have no more than 5 base acceptable patterns, that does not include a range of white markings. A breed may have a range of 3 related white markings, or may sacrifice one of the 5 acceptable base patterns to allow any white marking.