Sorry that I havent responded in so long. For some reason I didn't catch the email notification that there was activity on this posting.
There is an argument out there that the american smoothie and recessive leather are two different genes. Then you have the co-dominant Italian leather trait. The genetics behind all of this is confusing to say the least and I am definitely no expert. I am sure there is someone out there that can go into more detail regarding the difference between american smoothie and recessive leather, if there is indeed one. I have heard that dragons of these two types have been bred together and gotten nothing but normals which would back the claim that these two traits are different. Keep in mind that with the co-dominant genes out there (ie. Italian Leatherback) siblings are either visible (gene carrier) or they are normal (they are not hets. or poss. hets.). You can only be het. for recessive genes.
Either way, these dragons are around a month old now and are amazing looking. I have posted some new pics on my website. I will post some updates on here when I am on my computer. I am using a friends computer in Atlanta at the Repticon show!!