Sable steel?

[5dognightfarm]

So I've heard of sable steels but I've never seen one. Here's some kits that I got in recent litters, they're half siblings and share a sure who is a chinchilla (possibly sable chin?).

One thing that's catching me off guard is the mottled patterning of the steel. They all have steel on their sides but not directly on top of their backs. I've never seen that before, is this something else?

 

[MsTemeraire]

Yes that's sable steel/shaded steel. It looks like this one's moulting, so I expect more ticking will gradually appear.

 

[Alaska Satin]

So I've heard of sable steels but I've never seen one. Here's some kits that I got in recent litters, they're half siblings and share a sure who is a chinchilla (possibly sable chin?).

One thing that's catching me off guard is the mottled patterning of the steel. They all have steel on their sides but not directly on top of their backs. I've never seen that before, is this something else?

The steeling can be pretty variable within the variety (just like agouti). Their body color is dark enough that I wonder if they may even be seal steel. What colors are the dams?