Hi Tina and Jorja: I don't know if it's "silvering" or not, but I have just posted new photos of my two choloclate f1's to my gallery, below. They are definitely getting amazing blonde hightlights, particularly Gracie, with the "saddle" markings you describe as well. I don't know where, but I read someplace that chocolates are really prone to sun bleaching, which makes some sense....If you look back at George and Gracie's earlier photos you can see that the blonding has corresponded to our sunny weather.....BUT, it's definitely in a distinct, symmetrical pattern and so it can't be completely that. It'll be interesting to see if they go chocolate again with our long gray winter.... I just think they're gorgeous any way you slice it. Not prejudiced, or anything.....!