Here is a list made in groups to help establish what type of work would be considered a Siberian breeding program.
Above all, a Siberian breeder should be concerned about preserving the breed’s genetic pool and avoid any sort of mixing with colourpoint cats or other breeds.
There is a lot of controversy regarding the colour-point cats called “neva,” which originated from the mating between Siberians and color-pointed cats. This mating could have happened either accidentally (considering Siberian cats were mostly farm cats, street cats, etc.) or from intentional man-made matings.
Either way, what is important to know is that ”colorpoint” is not only a simple fur pattern and color variation. Along with the colorpoint gene, other characteristics typical to these cats will also be passed on to offspring. There will be a page discussing the matter, but for now, you will find here the list of groups to help better understand how a Siberian breeder should work in order to preserve the breed’s genetic pool.
Attention: These groups are in no way related to FIFe colour groups.
- Breeding exclusively Siberian bloodlines free of CS carriers, which is rather uncommon.
Explanation: This is uncommon because there are only a few lines available and sometimes (but not always) highly inbreed. Working only with these lines is not possible (see why on the text below). They are still very important rare cats that must be preserved and they are wonderful work tools. To belong to group 1 every cat present in the entire bloodline from foundation must be Sib (of course) and not carry colorpoint gene.A more relaxed modality would be breeding lines without any colourpoints in the genealogy (even if there are cs carriers somewhere).
Explanation: These bloodlines are “neva free” because there aren’t colorpointed cats in the registered genealogy, but there are cats that are known to be CP carriers.The fact that one or another cat is a CP carrier does not necessarily mean that this cat’s ancestors have been mated with a Neva. It simply means that one ancestor encountered a colourpoint cat on its path, and there was a mating. Kittens from the match could carry the gene and pass it on.
*Extract from clean genealogy: Some may think that if there are CS carriers on these clean ped lines as well, there had to be some colourpoint cat at some point behind! Indeed, if we could be able to look back, we may find a colourpoint cat here or there far behind. A Colorpoint cat, but this cat would not be a “neva” but something closer to any of the colourpoint original breeds. We may find other undesired traits and not only a colourpoint behind Siberian genealogies. Another undesired genetic heritage that doesn’t belong to the Siberian genetic pool, just as the CS gene doesn’t belong.
The same goes for any other breed. If we were able to look far behind, what surprises could happen here or there? The point is that this past is irrelevant. It is impossible to consider something that cannot be checked accurately, and what is important is to be consistent with the principle and with the beginning of the breed we have on registered paper.Breeding the way most people do, accepting the lines with Mars as foundation (or other colorpoint in the foundation cats).Explanation: Cats that only have one Neva at the foundation.Some of our best blooding lines have been built with these cats at the foundation, and these lines must also be preserved and kept in breeding programs. They have become as rare as neva-free Siberian group 1 or 2.
I would like to mention here Nyusya, a color-pointed cat born on a farm. The owners killed all tabby litter mates, keeping only Nyusia because of the different fur and blue eyes. Nyusia was born in the 90s and was given a pedigree as a Neva.Number four would be those who do not have any problem with whole neva families in the pedigree. Any neva after foundation is considered to be a family.Explanation: There are very beautiful and good cats in group 4, but there are also those full of nem, and entire nem families are everywhere. With this group comes a rather complex subject because group 4 is like an OPEN DOOR for mixing, considering the most used argument for nem mixers is: “But this cat already has several nem in its genealogy; it doesn’t make any difference” Group 4 is also an open door for even further mixes like happens on Germany nowadays Sib with other breeds aiming for new colours and patterns. Therefore, I say it is a question of common sense: You are a Siberian breeder, you own a cat group 4, and it is up to you to decide if its genealogy is worth to be kept in the Siberian genetic pool. Keeping this important fact in mind, you decide if it would be better to keep this cat as a pet maker or if it would be a loss for the Siberian genetic pool to lose it.Obviously, for future purchases of new Kings and Queens, the ideal is to search the entire genealogy of the cat and stick to groups 1,2 and 3. I also would like to say that the main concern is not only about genetic expression but about this open door for further mixing. It is also possible to test kittens and select them according to all the usual important selection criteria, including the CP gene. The main concern is to keep the natural cat, the Siberian genetic pool SIBERIAN as free as possible from any interference. They would be the Neva breeders and mixers.
Explanation: Neva breeders need good Siberian blood to retype their cats and they mix good Siberians lines with their neva cats. The results are a disaster and considering the majority of people want to have variety of “colors” and sell kittens without any research as well as those who chose to mix knowing the consequences for the breed, Siberian breeders are outnumbered by mixers and immediate action is need. A good, responsible Siberian breeder will not sell kittens to mixers and avoid buying from those who don’t care and sell beautiful Siberian bloodlines to nem mixers. It would be an extreme of just nem x nem for the neva breeders.
This is totally fine and meets our goal, considering these breeders also want the total separation of breeds, SIB and Neva being different breeds.
WE NEED You who believe Siberians are great natural cats and want to preserve their genetic pool, keeping them as close as possible to their natural state.
Daniela Barros.