Hereford
Blue Hereford bred by Kelly Holdgate
The Hereford is a relatively new variety in the UK fancy, only gaining a standard in 2007. The markings resemble the breed of cattle after which the variety is named; a white face extending to a 'v' shape between the ears, a white line on the belly from between the front legs to the vent, white feet and a tail stop half way along its length.
Genetically, Hereford is recessive, caused by the common recessive white spotting gene responsible for the fancy's broken, even and Dutch varieties. The variety is not overly popular, but does have its fans. It seems that the head marking is easier to perfect than the belly line going by the specimens I have judged - but then it may just be that breeders concentrate on the head markings (they seem to prioritise the markings on top of the mouse in other marked varieties).
The standard for the Hereford is quite descriptive: "Eye colour to be as in standard variety. The body colour shall be that of any standardised colour. The face shall be white, extending to a V shape which terminates just beyond the line of the ears, the white going under the chin and be clean cut, but not extending down the throat. The ears and tail shall be of standardised colour with the latter half of the tail being white. The belly shall have a uniform white marking, starting between the front legs and ending at the vent with the white not to extend up the sides of the body or down the legs. The feet shall be white. Any other markings on the top shall be considered a fault."
Genetically, Hereford is recessive, caused by the common recessive white spotting gene responsible for the fancy's broken, even and Dutch varieties. The variety is not overly popular, but does have its fans. It seems that the head marking is easier to perfect than the belly line going by the specimens I have judged - but then it may just be that breeders concentrate on the head markings (they seem to prioritise the markings on top of the mouse in other marked varieties).
The standard for the Hereford is quite descriptive: "Eye colour to be as in standard variety. The body colour shall be that of any standardised colour. The face shall be white, extending to a V shape which terminates just beyond the line of the ears, the white going under the chin and be clean cut, but not extending down the throat. The ears and tail shall be of standardised colour with the latter half of the tail being white. The belly shall have a uniform white marking, starting between the front legs and ending at the vent with the white not to extend up the sides of the body or down the legs. The feet shall be white. Any other markings on the top shall be considered a fault."
Chocolate Hereford
There is also a note at the foot of the standard that states: "The white areas shall be pure and devoid of any colour or staining. This is more inline with the breed of cattle and less like the self coloured mouse with a white face and feet. The belly mark is generally thought to be best as a rectangle shaped bar or line starting between the front legs and ending at the vent.".
