Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Brazilian Shorthair is recognized as the first officially acknowledged national cat breed of Brazil. Its origins trace back to European cats brought by Portuguese sailors during the colonization of South America. Over time, these cats adapted to local conditions, developing a robust, healthy population with strong hunting instincts. Breeders later began selecting the best examples to establish consistent appearance and temperament. In the 1980s, Brazil launched an official breeding and registration program, leading the breed to international recognition. Today, the Brazilian Shorthair is valued for its natural balance, friendly temperament, and its status as part of Brazil’s cultural heritage.
General Appearance
The Brazilian Shorthair is a medium-sized, well-proportioned, and athletic cat that combines elegance with strength. Its body is balanced—not too long or compact—with a muscular yet refined frame. The breed gives an impression of agility, grace, and sturdiness. Legs are medium in length and proportionate to the body, with rounded, neat paws. The head is slightly elongated with smooth lines and harmonious proportions. The coat is short, dense, and glossy, emphasizing the cat’s natural elegance. The tail is medium in length, flexible, and tapering toward the tip. The overall appearance reflects natural grace, physical balance, and adaptability.
Important Proportions
Proportions must display harmony between head, body, and limbs. The body length slightly exceeds shoulder height, creating a sleek but not elongated silhouette. The head is slightly longer than wide, contributing to a refined profile. The neck is medium in length, smoothly joining head and torso. Legs are proportional and allow fluid, elastic movement. The tail should be about two-thirds the body length, balancing the overall form. All lines should appear soft and natural, without harsh or angular features. Symmetry and proportion are essential elements of the ICCF standard.
Behavior and Temperament
The Brazilian Shorthair is friendly, balanced, and intelligent. It is active and curious but not overly demanding. Adaptable to home life, this cat retains a natural hunting instinct and enjoys play and exploration. It is sociable, affectionate with people, gentle with children and other animals, and capable of spending time alone without stress. The breed is emotionally stable, loyal, and easy to train. Its temperament embodies the perfect balance between playfulness and calmness, making it an ideal companion.
Head
The head is slightly elongated and softly contoured, without sharp angles. The forehead is moderately rounded, transitioning smoothly to a straight nose. Cheekbones are well-defined but not prominent. The chin is strong, balanced, and aligned with the profile. The head’s proportions express symmetry and natural elegance.
Facial Features
The face is expressive and balanced, with a medium muzzle that gently tapers toward the nose. The nose is straight and of medium length, with a rounded tip. The cheeks are smooth and softly rounded, and the whiskers are long and thick. The facial expression is open and friendly, reflecting the cat’s gentle nature.
Eyes
Eyes are large, almond-shaped, and slightly slanted, giving an alert and intelligent look. Colors range from green to yellow, including golden tones, always pure and vivid. Eye color must harmonize with the coat. The gaze should be bright and attentive, emphasizing intelligence and liveliness.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, slightly pointed at the tips, broad at the base, and set moderately apart. They are slightly tilted forward, following the natural contour of the head. The inner surface may have fine hair. Ears should appear symmetrical and enhance the cat’s alert, lively expression.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, elegant, and muscular, blending smoothly into the shoulders. It must be neither too short nor overly long. In males, the neck may appear stronger; in females, more slender. The overall impression should be one of flexibility and harmony.
Body
The body is medium in size, firm, and muscular, with a straight back and a slightly rounded croup. The chest is moderately broad, well-developed but not heavy. The abdomen is firm and tucked, emphasizing an athletic physique. The overall build combines strength with grace, showcasing the breed’s natural adaptability.
Tail
The tail is medium in length, about two-thirds of the body, broad at the base, and evenly tapering to the tip. It should be flexible, well-furred, and carried straight or slightly curved. It must not be too thick, thin, or short. The tail completes the body’s flowing lines and serves as a balancing aid in motion.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are straight, medium-length, muscular, and strong-boned. Shoulders are firm, and elbows lie close to the body, allowing free movement. Paws are round, compact, with strong pads. The stance must be stable, ensuring precision and agility.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving a slight upward slope toward the rump. Thighs are muscular, with strong joints and elastic motion. Paws are rounded, with firm pads. The hindquarters provide excellent jumping ability and balance during movement.
Gait and Movement
Movement is smooth, light, and energetic. The Brazilian Shorthair moves gracefully, with natural balance and flexibility. Its gait reflects power and precision without stiffness. Movements should appear effortless, agile, and coordinated, reflecting the breed’s hunting heritage.
Coat
The coat is short, close-lying, smooth, and glossy. It is soft to the touch yet firm and dense, with little to no undercoat. The texture highlights the body’s musculature and natural elegance. Hair should be evenly distributed, with no bald patches or coarse areas.
Acceptable Colors
All traditional coat colors are allowed except colorpoint, chocolate, lilac, fawn, and cinnamon. Common patterns include solid, tabby (all types), bicolor, harlequin, and van. Colors such as black, white, blue, cream, and red are accepted. The pattern should be clear, even, and typical for the breed. Eye color must harmonize with the coat.
Size
This is a medium-sized breed. Males typically weigh 4–6 kg, females 3–4.5 kg. The body must remain balanced, without heaviness or excessive slenderness. The height at the shoulder is moderate, with males appearing more muscular and females more refined.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from harmony and proportion: body too long or short, weak musculature, coarse bone, or excessive fragility. Head too angular, muzzle too short or elongated, incorrect bite, ears too large or small, eyes dull or mismatched in color. Coat too long, rough, or with undercoat. Tail deformities, such as kinks or abnormal length, are faults. Behavioral faults like shyness or aggression are also undesirable.
Disqualifications
Severe deviations disqualify a cat from shows or breeding. These include congenital or acquired deformities, strabismus, missing eyes, severe dental or jaw defects, tail deformities, lameness, or skin diseases. Non-standard colors (pointed, chocolate, cinnamon, etc.) are disqualifying. Aggressive or extremely fearful temperament also leads to disqualification.
Important Notes
Judges must prioritize natural harmony and authenticity. The breed should retain its natural look—excessive selective exaggeration is undesirable. Minor individual variations are acceptable if they do not break overall balance. Judges should consider sex, age, and condition: males may appear stronger, females more refined. Seasonal coat changes are permitted. Behavior must show calmness, curiosity, and friendliness. Participation in ICCF shows requires official documentation confirming lineage and breeding value.
Conclusion
The Brazilian Shorthair is a naturally balanced and elegant breed combining strength, agility, and charm. It represents the national heritage of Brazil and is admired for its intelligence, loyalty, and temperament. According to the ICCF standard, only cats with verified documentation proving origin and health may participate in shows or breeding. Breeding programs aim to preserve the breed’s natural type, vitality, and harmony—making the Brazilian Shorthair a true symbol of beauty and balance.
