koikeepr said:
what are you looking for in terms of standard? Size/shape or breeds? Am just not clear.
Like with dogs...there is a different standard for each breed. When showing, each breed is judged against their own written standard. There must be something like this for Koi, otherwise, how would the judge know what to look for and breeders know what to strive for? I found a very short standard for Butterfly Koi. From what I've read, a standard was being produced back in '06 for them because they couldn't be judged against the traditional Koi standard since they do not conform to it.
Yes, Americans love butterfly koi--but many purists do not accept them. The japanese absolutely detest them and many of the european countries (such as Gernans), don't favor them either. Some folks don't even consider butterfly koi (also known as long fins) to even be koi. Many do not like the body shape because it is thinner/narrower than standard koi, since prize koi in general are regarded because of their heft, bulk and "shoulders."
Yes, this is what I've read. It's interesting because in Boxers the same goes for the bobtail. The bobtail line was created in the UK in preperation of docking being out lawed (which it finally was). Many breeders don't consider them to be purebred Boxers (the FCI/German standard doesn't allow them).
I personally adore them, and have two. There's something about the way they float around that I just love.
Agreed. We have 2...I could sit and watch them for hours.
Some even say that butterfly koi are healthier than standard fin and easier to keep. Am not sure if that's legitimately true as koi are pretty hardy fish in general.
It's my understanding that is why they were created. A standard fin Koi was crossed with a longer finned, wild Koi in an attempt to create a healthier Koi.
In most shows of regard you are not allowed to show them. There is some talk at some shows that they may begin to accept them into shows, but in their own category and not against standard fins...
I've read that they have already been accepted to compete in AKCA shows.
This is interesting, long fins are one of my favorites as well. I went to a koi show here in Indy and was currious why I didn't see one. I wanted to buy some but none were available, now I know.
A Koi show where Koi were being judged and awarded placements/prizes? That would be interesting to see. I've been to a "reptile show" but only thing I saw were reptiles being sold. At dog shows (AKC anyway), dogs can't be sold. It's strictly a competition.
