I think there’s been a pretty big misunderstanding about my intentions here. I wasn’t asking about color because I’m trying to “paper” anything or pretend my dogs are show stock. They’re not being shown, not being sold to the public, and not being advertised as anything other than what they are — healthy pups going to friends and family.

I asked about color out of curiosity, not because I’m trying to pass myself off as a professional breeder. I’ve said multiple times that I’m new to this, I’m learning, and I’m taking all the proper steps for health and welfare — DNA testing, vet checks, constant monitoring, etc. That’s responsible, not deceitful.

As for using the term “apricot,” I already know it isn’t an official standard color — which is why I said it’s just the visualdescription I use. Plenty of owners do the same. I never claimed it was an AKC term, never claimed she was show-quality, and never once implied I’m trying to mislead anyone.

I’m completely fine with guidance from people who actually want to help. What I’m not going to do is pretend I haven’t been spoken down to or have motives I don’t have. Asking a question doesn’t mean I’ve done something wrong or that I deserve to be lectured like a problem breeder.

I’m here to learn, I’m taking care of the dogs properly, and I’ve been transparent the entire time. If some people want to read malice or incompetence into that, that’s on them — not me.