Dominant Blue Eyes Program

We are happy to join DBE cat program and begin our exciting adventure with these amazing cats.

Dominant blue-eyed cats are stunning not only possess an enchanting appearance but also a gentle and affectionate temperament, making them wonderful companions.

Many breeders and lovers of blue-eyed cats wonder: what is so special about a blue-eyed cat with a dominant blue eye gene and where does it come from?

In general, cats with blue eyes are not uncommon, but as a rule blue eyes are the work of the cs gene, in other cases blue eyes are either directly dependent on the W gene or their appearance is associated with white spots, genome S. Blue eyes in colors are direct consequence of the work of the cs gene. The blue eyes of white cats are the work of the W gene, which blocks the ability of cells to migrate to the retina and hair follicles, resulting in no staining, white wool and blue eyes.

In cats with a dominant gene, the deep blue color of the eyes is combined with the non-white colors of cats. That is, it can be a black, red cat with turtles with blue or differently colored eyes. This phenomenon is explained by a unique natural mutation. These unusual cats win the heart at first sight and forever.

We are looking forward to our future participation in DBE program and will be working with Azure Dream line of DBE which was founded by Igor Azure Dream, a DBE bicolour male found in Kazakhstan. Igor became the founder of numerous DBE lines, mainly in British breed. Follow the linke for more details about this line http://messybeast.com/DBE-azure-dream.htm

In our DBE program special attention will be on the health and our breeding efforts will be aimed at producing healthy, vibrant, and loving blue-eyed Scottish cats.

About Dominant Blue Eyed Breeding Program

Dominant Blue Eyes (DBE) is an autosomal dominant gene in cats that produces striking blue or heterochromatic (odd-colored) eyes, often with minimal white fur, regardless of coat color. Originating from Russian/Kazakhstan lines and now popular in breeds like British Shorthair/Longhair, Maine Coons, and Sphynx.

Dominant Blue Eyes (DBE) is a feline genetic trait caused by a specific insertion in the PAX3 gene on chromosome C1, leading to blue or odd-colored eyes, often with minimal white spotting, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with variable expression.

Key Aspects of DBE Cats

Genetics & Inheritance: DBE acts as a dominant mutation, meaning only one parent needs to pass the gene for offspring to have blue eyes. Autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance (meaning some carriers may not show blue eyes, known as latent DBE).

• Independent Inheritance: The DBE gene works regardless of coat color (tabby, solid, shaded).

• Incomplete Penetrance: A kitten with the gene might not display blue eyes at all.

• Inheritance Pattern: As an autosomal dominant trait, a single copy is typically sufficient to produce the phenotype, with a 50/50 chance of passing it to offspring.

• Potential Homozygous Effects: Mating two DBE cats can result in a "presumed homozygous" white kitten, which may have severe defects, such as cleft palate, or deafness.

• Genetic Heterogeneity: At least three distinct PAX3 variants have been identified, and some lines are known to not carry any of these three, indicating different founding events, such as the Dutch (DBE) line.

• Minimal White Spotting: Unlike dominant white, DBE is typically associated with very low levels of white (minimal white spotting), or none at all.

• Variability: DBE expression is unpredictable, with affected cats producing approximately 50/50 blue-eyed, odd-eyed, or "latent" (not showing the trait) kittens.

"Latent" DBE Cats: Some cats carry the gene without displaying blue eyes, yet they can still produce blue-eyed kittens. They usually possess minimal to no white spotting and have yellow, green, or copper eyes (no visible blue). Latent cats are often identified by breeders through DNA testing or by observing a "red-eye effect" (similar to human photo flash) in infants. They carry the PAX3 variant (DBE-RE) that causes a partial, incomplete expression of the dominant blue eye trait. Latent DBE cats can produce 50% DBE-expressing offspring when bred to a non-DBE cat, as the trait is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. They are important for breeding programs, as they allow for the propagation of the gene without the immediate white-spotting or blue-eye phenotype, but they can still produce the characteristic eye/white patterns in their offspring. 

Health Concerns: Breeders are urged to use DNA testing and to avoid breeding two DBE cats together, which may result in serious health issues or death.

Care: The DBE cats do not require excessive space and get along well with other animals. No special care or attention is required other than the normal care of a short/ long haired cat. 

Distinction: DBE is different from the blue eyes caused by Siamese (pointed) patterns or the recessive blue eye gene. 

Variable Expression and Phenotypes

Even when a cat inherits the DBE gene, its manifestation is unpredictable (often described as "genetic roulette"), resulting in diverse phenotypes: 

• True Blue Eyes: Vivid, deep blue eyes, sometimes accompanied by minimal white spotting (e.g., toes, muzzle, or "locket").

• Odd-Eyes (Heterochromia): One blue eye and one green, amber, or copper eye.

• Sectoral Heterochromia: Part of the iris is blue, while another part is colored.

• Latent/Hidden DBE: A cat inherits the gene but shows no blue-eyed phenotype. These "latent" cats can still pass the gene to their offspring.

• "Red-Eye" Glow: Infantile expression where the pupils glow red, similar to colourpoint cats, which may fade as the eye color changes. 

Key Breeding Rules and Guidelines:

• Never Breed DBE to DBE: Mating two blue-eyed cats (heterozygous heterozygous) can create homozygous (DBE/DBE) kittens. Evidence suggests this may be lethal in utero or result in white, deaf kittens.

• Pairing Strategy: Only breed a DBE cat (affected) with a non-DBE cat (normal eyed).

• Genetic Testing: Test for the specific PAX3 mutation responsible for the DBE phenotype. This ensures you know which mutation is present, as different lines exist.

• Avoid High-White Pairings: Do not pair DBE cats with high-white or dominant white (W) cats, as this can increase risks of deafness and structural abnormalities.

• Monitor for "Latent" Cats: Some cats carry the gene but do not show the blue eye phenotype (sometimes due to minimal white spotting). These "latent" cats can pass on the gene.

• Registry Rules: specific rules on registering DBE cats are applied.

Important Notes for Interested Buyers

Scam Awareness: Due to their rare nature, it is important to use reputable, verified sources, such as official cat fancier registries (e.g., CFA), to identify legitimate breeders and avoid potential scams.