Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Background
The American Curl is a relatively young breed that originated in the United States in the early 1980s. It derives its name from its unique ears that curl backward. The first representatives were discovered in California in 1981, when a family noticed a stray cat with unusual ears. Later, her offspring gave rise to the breed. The unique shape of the ears was found to be genetically fixed and became its defining feature. Breeding work focused on developing a harmonious type, maintaining health, and preserving a gentle temperament. By the late 1980s, the breed had gained recognition and popularity for its originality and friendliness. Today, within the ICCF system, the American Curl is recognized as a breed that combines a distinctive appearance with a harmonious balance of exterior and character.
General Appearance
The American Curl is a medium-sized, elegant cat with a strong bone structure and balanced body proportions. The body is moderately long but not overly stretched, with a straight back and deep chest. Legs are of medium length, paws are oval and neat. The tail is long, flexible, and harmonizes with the body. The head is wedge-shaped with smooth lines and characteristic backward-curled ears — the breed’s main distinguishing feature. The coat may be short or semi-long, always dense and silky. The eyes are large, expressive, and oval, giving the face a friendly expression. Overall, the breed presents an impression of elegance, proportion, and uniqueness due to its remarkable ears.
Important Proportions
According to the ICCF standard, the American Curl must retain harmony in all body parts. The head is wedge-shaped and proportional to the body. The ears are medium-sized, curling backward at an angle of 90 to 180 degrees, with a smooth and symmetrical curve. The eyes are large, widely set, and oval in shape. The body is of medium length, balanced and not overly elongated. The legs are of medium length and sturdy, with the hind legs slightly longer than the forelegs. The tail should be equal in length to the body or slightly shorter, flexible and straight. The coat fits closely to the body and emphasizes elegance. The overall proportions must demonstrate balance without any signs of coarseness or fragility.
Behavior and Character
The American Curl is known for its friendly, even-tempered, and sociable disposition. These cats are active, curious, and easily form bonds with people. They show affection toward their owners, enjoy being near them, but are not intrusive. They coexist well with children and other pets. Their temperament is calm and gentle, yet they remain playful and lively even in adulthood. Intelligence and adaptability allow them to adjust easily to new environments. Curls are not prone to aggression and are characterized by openness and trust in humans. These qualities make them excellent companions suitable for both families and single owners.
Head
The head of the American Curl is wedge-shaped, of medium size, and harmoniously proportional to the body. The lines are smooth and soft without abrupt transitions. The forehead is slightly rounded, and the transition to the nose is gentle, without a stop. The cheekbones are moderately defined, not coarse, emphasizing overall balance. Cheeks are medium full, more pronounced in adult males, giving maturity to the expression. The chin is strong, symmetrical, and even, with a correct bite. The muzzle is neither elongated nor short, forming a soft oval that contributes to the friendly expression.
Facial Part
The facial structure of the American Curl is characterized by harmony and balance. The muzzle is of medium length, broad at the base, with smooth contours — neither pointed nor square. The nose is straight, of medium length, fairly wide at the base, and rounded at the tip. Cheekbones are rounded and noticeable but not overly prominent. The chin is strong and well-defined, supporting a correct bite. The overall facial expression is gentle, friendly, and slightly curious, giving the breed its unique charm.
Eyes
The eyes are large, oval, slightly slanted toward the nose, and widely set, giving the face an open and expressive look. Eye color varies according to the coat but should always be rich, bright, and clear. Acceptable shades include green, gold, and amber, while blue or odd eyes are allowed in white cats. The eyelids are thin and neatly shaped, enhancing the eye’s outline. The expression of the American Curl is always lively, intelligent, and friendly, reflecting its social nature.
Ears
The ears are the main distinguishing feature of the American Curl. They are medium-sized, with a wide base and smoothly rounded tips. Their unique trait is the backward curl forming an arc from 90 to 180 degrees. The curve should be smooth and symmetrical, without kinks or stiffness. The inner surface is covered with light fur, while the outer side is smooth. Rounded tips and small tufts are acceptable and desirable. The ears should be firm yet flexible, never rigid. Asymmetry or excessively sharp curving angles are faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong and muscular, yet elegant. In males, it is thicker and more powerful; in females, finer but still strong. The neck line transitions smoothly into the body, forming a harmonious silhouette. The skin fits tightly without folds. The neck should support the proper head carriage and maintain proportion. It must not appear too short or overly long, as that would disturb balance.
Body
The body of the American Curl is medium in length, well-proportioned, muscular, and balanced. The chest is deep and rounded, the back straight, and the loin strong. The flanks are slightly rounded, and the abdomen is tucked up. The body should neither be overly massive nor too delicate. The essential impression is one of balance — elegant yet sturdy and steady. All body lines are smooth, with no angularity, reflecting natural harmony.
Tail
The tail is long, flexible, and equal to or slightly shorter than the body length. The base is of medium thickness, tapering gradually to a rounded tip. It is fully covered with fur; semi-longhaired cats have a fluffy, expressive tail. The tail must always be mobile, without kinks or vertebral fusions. At rest, it continues the body line, and during movement, it serves for balance. Immobile, too short, or deformed tails are not permitted.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are of medium length, straight, with a well-developed bone structure and firm musculature. Paws are oval, neat, with strong pads and closely gathered toes. The stance is straight and stable, without inward or outward turning. The forelegs should convey strength and balance, ensuring both stability and ease of movement. Overly thin bones or weak joints are faults.
Hindlimbs
Hind legs are powerful, slightly longer than the forelegs, giving the silhouette a dynamic appearance. Thighs are broad and muscular, joints strong and well-defined. Paws are oval, large, and firm. The rear legs must be straight and parallel, providing drive and balance. Narrow, weak, or overly curved hind legs disrupting stability are undesirable.
Gait and Movement
The gait of the American Curl is light, smooth, and confident. Movements are free and springy, with proper coordination. When standing, the cat appears balanced; in motion, it maintains grace and steadiness. Legs move in unison, steps are precise and even. The motion should be natural and easy, without stiffness or abruptness, emphasizing the breed’s agility and grace.
Coat
The coat of the American Curl can be short or semi-long, but always dense, soft, and silky. The short coat lies close to the body, appearing smooth and shiny. The semi-long variety has a ruff, breeches, and a bushy tail. The undercoat is moderate, the texture resilient and easy to maintain. Coats that are too sparse, coarse, or downy are unacceptable.
Acceptable Colors
The ICCF system accepts all colors and patterns in the American Curl. These include solid, tabby, spotted, mackerel, marbled, silver, golden, bicolor, and tricolor coats. Colors should be rich and even, with distinct, contrasting patterns. Albino and colorpoint patterns are not permitted. Preference is given to clear, harmonious shades that enhance the cat’s expressive look.
Size
Male American Curls are medium-sized, weighing between 4 and 6 kg, with a solid frame and well-developed muscles. Females are smaller and more refined, weighing between 3 and 4.5 kg. Sexual dimorphism is present but moderate: males are stronger and larger, females lighter and more elegant. The overall impression must remain balanced and proportionate.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from the ICCF standard that does not constitute disqualification. These include incorrect ear shape — overly weak or extreme curvature, asymmetry, stiffness, or uneven curling. A head that is too narrow or, conversely, too heavy and coarse; weak chin; incorrect profile. Small, dull, or pale eyes that lack oval shape. Ears without the characteristic curl or with straight tips reduce evaluation. A body that is too long or too short, with weak musculature or a narrow chest, disrupts balance. Legs that are too fine or heavy, or flat feet, are faults. Coat that is coarse, sparse, or lacks silkiness, absence of breeches in semi-longhaired cats, or faded coat color are also undesirable.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include any defects incompatible with the breed type. The main disqualifying feature is the absence of ear curl, broken or sharply angled ears, asymmetry, cartilage damage, rigidity, or complete loss of elasticity. Shortened or immobile ears are not allowed. Bite defects such as undershot, overshot, or severe jaw asymmetry lead to disqualification. Crossed eyes, congenital eye deformities, or improper shape. Lack of tail mobility, fused or shortened vertebrae. Albino and colorpoint coats are disqualifying. Behavioral faults such as aggression, panic, or inability to be examined also result in disqualification. Cats with hereditary diseases or congenital defects are excluded from ICCF breeding programs.
Important Notes
The ICCF system requires strict adherence to the breed standard in American Curl breeding. All cats must have official ICCF documents verifying pedigree and standard conformity. Cats with ear, tail, or bite defects or hereditary diseases are not eligible for breeding. In show evaluations, ICCF experts assess not only the exterior but also temperament — the cat must be friendly, social, and free of aggression or fearfulness. Special attention is paid to the correct ear curl: it must be symmetrical, elastic, and flexible without stiffness or deformation. Breeding aims to preserve the breed’s unique trait, silky coat texture, and harmonious body. Inbreeding is prohibited. The primary goal is to maintain health, breed type, and stable temperament.
Conclusion
The American Curl is a unique breed distinguished by its original ear shape, balanced body structure, and friendly character. Within the ICCF system, it is recognized as a full-fledged breed with a clearly established standard. These cats are versatile — well-suited for families with children, highly adaptable, and emotionally stable. Participation in ICCF shows is permitted only for cats with official documents confirming pedigree and standard conformity. Only healthy animals without disqualifying faults are allowed for breeding. Cats with incorrect ear curl, behavioral issues, severe bite or tail defects are excluded. The primary goal of breeding is to preserve the breed’s defining traits — body harmony, silky coat, and distinctive curled ears, which are the hallmark of the American Curl. The breed represents a balance between selective breeding and natural beauty within the ICCF system.
