British Shorthair History

Roman soldiers brought the first cats to England. Centuries later, you could find their offspring in every street or alley in the UK. It was Mr. Harrison Weir, a cat lover who was regarded as the father of the Cat Fancy, who made the British native cat breed, the British Shorthair, popular in the late nineteenth century. 'The ordinary garden cat', he wrote, 'has survived every kind of hardship and persecution. That he exists at all, is tribute to his strength of character and endurance.' Weir's devotion to the British cats was supported Mr. Jung, one of the first Shorthair judges. Many cat lovers were encouraged by Weir's and Jung's enthusiasm and started breeding the British cats. By breeding with only the best of these alley cats and dutiful mice hunters the British Shorthair breed was born. The British Shorthair cats were very popular at the first cat shows, but when the longhaired Persians came into the picture, their popularity declined. It was not until the 1930s that some breeders, among who Miss Kit Wilson, started to seriously work at the British Shorthair breed again and the breed slowly regained its popularity. Personality To start with: each and every British Shorthair (or cat for that matter) has his own personality. Even litter mates can be quite the opposite in character. But still, let's try to describe their personality. A British Shorthair can be independent and reserved but can also surprise you by acting as a little kitten - but only for a short while, they do want to keep their dignity. Dignity is very important to a British Shorthair. They do not use their voice like some breeds do, a Brit only uses his voice when it is necessary and appropriate. When they are out of food for instance. Food is important to a Brit too, perhaps the most important thing in a British Shorthair's live. They appreciate the company of us people very much but a British Shorthair can not be described as lapfungus. They like to be around, but not too overwhelming. And still they seem to be able to draw all the attention to them. They are extremely smart and they do almost everything for a treat, as long as they do not loose their dignity of course. British Shorthair are very brave cats and aren't afraid of whatever. They like their 'own people' very much and they don't mind strangers to be around, as long as they admire the Brit from a distance. It takes a while before a Brit knows you well enough to accept you stroking and petting it. They do not run away from you, they just ignore you and look the other way and as soon as you stop petting them, they'll start cleaning their coat excessively to remove all unwanted germs. Body  Compact, well balanced and powerful showing good depth of body, level back and a full broad chest. Short strong legs, well boned and strong. Rounded paws. Tail short and thick with a rounded tip. Coat Short and dense. Head Circular and massive with round underlying bone structure. The head is rounded when viewed from any direction and well set on a short thick neck. Rounded forehead with a flat plane on the top of the skull. The nose is broad, short and straight. Firm, well developed chin. The muzzle is equally developed and distinctive for the breed, round cheeks. Medium-size ears, well furnished, rounded at the tips and broad at the base, set far apart, yet completely harmonious to the roundness of the skull. Eyes The eyes are alert and large, decidedly round, well opened, set wide apart and level. Faults Tail defects. Definite nose stops. Overlong or fluffy coat. Scale of points   GCCF   CFA   FIFe Head 20 Head (30)   Head 30     Muzzle 5         Skull 5         Ears 5         Neck 5     Eyes 10 Eye shape 10 Eye colour 10 Body 20 Body (30)   Body 20     Torso 20     Legs and paws 10 Legs and feet 5     Tail 10 Tail 5     Coat, colour and condition 30 Coat (20)   Coat (35)       Length 10 Quality, texture, length 10     Texture 10         Colour 20 Colour 25         Texture 5 Total 100 Total 100 Total 100 Self colours Blue Colour Light to medium blue. Even colour and no tabby markings or white anywhere. Eyes Copper or orange. Nose leather and pads Blue. Faults Unsound coats. Silver tipping to coats. Withhold certificates Incorrect eye colour. Green rims. Lilac Colour Frosty grey coat with pinkish tone. Eyes Copper, deep gold or orange. Nose leather and pads Pinkish. Faults Incorrect lilac colour. Tabby markings. Incorrect eye colour. Withhold certificates Incorrect eye colour. Green rims. Chocolate Colour Rich dark brown coloration. Eyes Copper, deep gold or orange. Nose leather and pads Brown. Faults Unsound coats. Tabby markings. Incorrect eye colour. Withhold certificates Incorrect eye colour. Green rims. Black Colour Jet black to roots, no rusty tinge. No white hairs anywhere. Rusty tinge permissible in kittens. Eyes Deep copper or orange with no trace of green. Nose leather and pads Black. Withhold certificates Incorrect eye colour. Green rims. Cream Colour Lighter shades preferred. Level in colour and free from markings. No sign of white anywhere. Eyes Copper or orange. Nose leather and pads Pink Withhold certificates Incorrect eye colour. Green rims. Heavy tabby markings. Blue-cream Colour Blue and cream to be softly intermingled. No blaze. Eyes Copper or orange. Nose leather Blue Pads Blue and/or pink. Faults Tabby markings. White anywhere. Colour unbroken on paws. Unequal balance of colour. Withhold certificates Incorrect eye colour. Green rims. Solid patches of colour. Tortoiseshell Colour Black with brilliant patches of cream and red. All these patches should be clearly defined and well broken on the legs and body. A red or cream blaze on the head is desirable. Eyes Brilliant copper or orange. Nose leather and pads Pink and/or black. Faults Tabby markings. Brindling. White anywhere. Colour unbroken on paws. Unequal balance of colour. Withhold certificates Incorrect eye colour. Green rims. White anywhere.