Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Background
The American Bobtail is a relatively young breed that appeared in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Its distinguishing feature is the short, naturally shortened tail caused by a genetic mutation. The first known representatives appeared in the 1960s, when a semi-wild cat with an unusual tail was crossed with domestic shorthair cats. Later, breeders began work to establish the breed type: a strong body, developed musculature, and the characteristic short tail. The breeding goal was to preserve the natural, wild appearance reminiscent of a lynx. Within the ICCF system, the American Bobtail is recognized as an independent breed with a temperament suitable for family life and an original appearance distinguished by strength, harmony, and stable disposition.
General Appearance
The American Bobtail is a medium-to-large, powerful, muscular cat with a solid bone structure. The body is rectangular in format, the chest broad, the back straight, and the loin strong. The main feature of the breed is the shortened tail, which must be flexible, mobile, and variable in length, but always visibly shorter than normal. The head is broad, slightly wedge-shaped, with a pronounced muzzle and strong chin. The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and expressive. The ears are medium-sized, upright, with rounded tips and sometimes with small tufts. The coat may be short or semi-long, dense, and with a well-developed undercoat. The overall impression of the breed is one of strength, balance, and natural beauty.
Important Proportions
All proportions of the American Bobtail must reflect harmony. The body is rectangular, with the length exceeding the height at the withers, but not excessively. The head is proportional to the body, with a broad muzzle and a strong chin. The eyes are large and set wide apart. The ears are medium in size, neither too high nor too low. The limbs are medium-length, strong, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front, giving the impression of power and stability. The tail, the breed’s main feature, should measure from 2.5 to 10 cm, flexible, well-furred, and mobile, without fusion. All parts of the exterior should form the image of a balanced animal with a natural appearance.
Behavior and Character
The American Bobtail is distinguished by its even, friendly, and intelligent temperament. These cats have a lively disposition but are not overly active. They are sociable, easily establish contact with people, quickly become attached to their family, and get along well with children and other pets. Bobtails are curious, adaptable, and possess a stable psyche and high intelligence. In play, they show resourcefulness and can even develop simple habits reminiscent of dogs. Despite their wild appearance, they have calm and predictable behavior. They are excellent for family life, combining independence with loyalty to their owner.
Head
The head of the American Bobtail is broad, slightly wedge-shaped, with smooth yet clearly defined lines. The forehead is rounded and moderately convex, smoothly transitioning into the nose. The cheekbones are prominent, emphasizing strength and breed type. Cheeks in adult males are more massive, emphasizing masculinity. The muzzle is broad, of medium length, not pointed, and harmonizes with the head. The chin is strong and straight, emphasizing the firmness of the bite. The overall shape of the head gives the impression of power and a wild look while maintaining balance.
Facial Part
The facial part forms an expression reminiscent of wild cats. The nose is of medium length, straight, and sufficiently wide, with a smooth transition from the forehead. The cheekbones are wide, cheeks rounded, chin strong and prominent, never weak. The bite is correct, the lips dry and tightly closed. The facial part should convey strength and balance but remain harmonious and proportionate, without coarseness or excessive elongation of the muzzle.
Eyes
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, set at a slight angle and widely spaced. They must be bright, expressive, and lively. Eye color varies from golden to green; in white cats, blue or odd-colored eyes are acceptable. The expression should be intelligent, alert, and slightly watchful, emphasizing the breed’s natural look. The eye rims are dark, highlighting the shape and depth of the gaze. Small, dull, too round, or protruding eyes are undesirable.
Ears
The ears are of medium size, with a broad base and rounded tips. They are set wide and moderately high, enhancing the impression of a broad head. Tufts on the tips are allowed and valued as a breed feature, reinforcing the lynx-like appearance. The ears must not be overly large, narrow, or low-set. The inner surface is well furnished with hair. The overall ear shape should harmonize with the expression of the head, emphasizing the natural, wild look of the breed.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, muscular and strong, blending smoothly into the body. In males, it is noticeably thicker and more powerful; in females, more graceful but still firm. The neck should provide a smooth transition from the head to the shoulders, ensuring stability and strength of head carriage. It must not be too short, coarse, or elongated, disrupting the balance. During movement, it should remain flexible and elastic, supporting the general proportion of the cat’s exterior.
Body
The body of the American Bobtail is rectangular, strong, muscular, and harmonious. The chest is broad and deep, the back straight, the loin strong. The croup is well developed, the sides slightly rounded, and the abdomen tucked up. The physique combines strength and elegance while maintaining naturalness. The body should not be overly massive, coarse, or, conversely, too light and elongated. Overall, the body reflects natural power, endurance, and stability.
Tail
The tail is the main distinguishing feature of the breed. Its length ranges from 2.5 to 10 cm, always clearly shorter than normal but flexible and mobile. The base of the tail is broad, and the tip is rounded. A slight curve or small kink is acceptable, but the tail must not be stiff or deformed. It is fully covered with fur and harmoniously completes the silhouette of the cat. Kinked, fused, or immobile tails are disqualifying faults.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are of medium length, straight, strong, and stable. The bone structure is solid, the musculature well-developed, and the shoulders powerful. The paws are large, rounded, with thick pads and strong toes. The limbs must not be too thin or overly heavy. The stance is parallel and stable, without turning in or out. The limbs should emphasize the strength and confidence of the breed, providing steadiness in both stance and movement.
Hindlimbs
The hind legs are strong, slightly longer than the front ones, giving the silhouette a dynamic look. The thighs are powerful and muscular, the lower legs firm, and the joints well defined. The paws are large, oval, with thick pads. The hind legs must be straight and parallel, ensuring a powerful push and stability in movement. Weak or narrow limbs that disturb the balance of the body are undesirable.
Gait and Movement
The movement of the American Bobtail is confident, free, and springy. The gait resembles that of wild cats: smooth and soft, yet strong and energetic. The cat moves steadily, without stiffness or abruptness, with precise and balanced steps. The characteristic gait combines strength and elegance. Unstable, abrupt, or overly light movements are undesirable and inconsistent with the breed type.
Coat
The coat is dense, thick, and resilient, with a well-developed undercoat. There are short-haired and semi-long-haired varieties. In short-haired cats, the coat lies close to the body; in semi-long-haired cats, the coat is slightly longer, with more pronounced furnishings, a bushy tail, and a ruff. The texture should always be firm and slightly glossy. The coat must not be too long, fluffy, or sparse.
Acceptable Colors
The ICCF standard accepts all colors and patterns except colorpoint and albino forms. Tabby patterns—mackerel, spotted, and classic—are most valued, emphasizing the breed’s wild appearance. Solid colors, silver and golden shades, as well as bicolor and tricolor variations, are permitted. The pattern should be clear, bright, and contrasting, and the coat should have a light sheen or smoky effect. Blurred or faded patterns are undesirable.
Size
Male American Bobtails are large, weighing 6–9 kg, with a strong bone structure, broad chest, and well-developed muscles. Females are lighter and more graceful, weighing 4.5–6 kg. Sexual dimorphism is evident but not extreme: males are more massive, females slender and elegant. The height and proportions should form a balanced overall silhouette without signs of heaviness or fragility.
Faults
Faults include disproportionate body shape—too long or too short a torso, weak musculature, or excessive massiveness. A tail that is too long, immobile, or poorly covered with fur is considered a fault. Ears that are too large, high-set, or low-set spoil the expression. Eyes that are too small or pale, a weak chin, or an overly short or long nose disturb balance. Small or flat paws are also faults. Coat faults include softness, thinness, lack of undercoat, or dull, faded color. Behavioral faults such as timidity or excessive excitability are also considered undesirable.
Disqualification
Disqualification applies to animals with defects incompatible with the breed type. Main causes include an immobile tail, vertebral fusion, pronounced kinks, or complete absence of the tail. Incorrect bite such as overbite, underbite, or jaw asymmetry. Strabismus, congenital eye defects, or loss of almond eye shape. White patches on the body where not permitted by the standard. Complete absence of undercoat or excessively long fur. Cats with hereditary diseases, congenital defects, or serious behavioral abnormalities are excluded from breeding. Aggressive or excessively fearful animals are disqualified.
Important Notes
Breeding the American Bobtail within the ICCF system is allowed only with official documents confirming pedigree and compliance with the standard. All animals must undergo veterinary examinations and expert evaluations. Cats with disqualifying faults are not allowed in breeding programs. The main goals of breeding are the preservation of the unique tail, harmonious body structure, and stable temperament. Inbreeding must be avoided to maintain genetic diversity. In exhibition practice, ICCF experts evaluate not only the exterior but also the behavior, sociability, and calm disposition of the animal.
Conclusion
The American Bobtail is a harmonious breed recognized by the ICCF. It combines a natural, lynx-like appearance with a balanced and friendly temperament. These cats are notable for their strong health, unique tail, and devotion to humans. Participation in exhibitions and breeding programs is possible only with ICCF documentation confirming origin and compliance with the standard. Animals with disqualifying faults are excluded from breeding. Breeding aims to preserve natural features and a stable temperament. Thus, within the ICCF system, the American Bobtail holds an honorable place among modern breeds, combining beauty, strength, and friendliness.
