What defines a belgian leatherback?

[Whammo]

I know american leatherbacks are rougher then italian letherbacks... what are belgian leatherbacks??

 

[Claudiusx]

A leatherback is a leatherback. Pretty sure belgian/american is just a breeder term.

There was a thread about this awhile back and im 90% sure that was the response from Tom, a very well known and respected breeder on here.
(sorry to him if I am remembering wrong lol)

-Brandon

 

[HowlinGaleDragon]

Your correct Bradon it is just like when "Belgian Translucent's" where a big thing a few years ago, it is a translucent just different genetic lines, usually imported lines.

 

[Fuzzyviper]

The only big difference between types of leatherbacks is the one between the American and Italian leatherbacks. Americans are often called American smoothbacks. The genetics that create the smoother/leathery back are different. Italian leatherbacks have a co-dominant gene, which means that if you breed a regular dragon with a leatherback, you will get 50% leatherback scaled and 50% normal scaled. American smoothback/leatherbacks come from a recessive gene, so you need 2 dragons that have the gene to produce babies that are leatherback scaled. I read that some consider the American version to also be co-dominant but I think they are just renaming the genetics originally developed in Italy. Both look the same so if you're looking for a pet, either is fine. If you are going to breed though, ask about the genetics.