Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The British Shorthair is one of the oldest cat breeds in Europe. Its ancestors arrived in the British Isles with the Romans, who brought strong domestic cats to protect grain supplies from rodents. Over time, these cats adapted to England’s cool climate, developing dense coats and sturdy frames. In the 19th century, planned breeding began to establish the breed’s robust build, calm temperament, and diverse range of colors. The first official British cat exhibition took place in London in 1871, marking the formal recognition of the breed. Continuous selection refined its type, and by the 20th century, the British Shorthair had become a national symbol of pride. Today, it is admired worldwide as the embodiment of harmony, balance, and traditional British elegance.
General Appearance
The British Shorthair gives the impression of a well-balanced, solidly built cat with a powerful bone structure and well-developed muscles. The body is compact and sturdy, with a broad chest and strong shoulders. The head is round with full cheeks, conveying both strength and softness. The ears are small, rounded at the tips, and set wide apart. Eyes are large, round, and expressive; their color corresponds to the coat. Legs are short, strong, and straight, with round paws. The tail is medium in length, thick at the base, and rounded at the tip. The coat is short, plush, and dense with a rich undercoat. Overall, the British Shorthair combines substance with symmetry and understated elegance.
Important Proportions
The defining feature of the British Shorthair is harmony in proportion. The head should form a perfect circle, with full cheeks and a strong chin. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, but the overall impression remains compact. Limbs are short and proportional to the body’s mass. The tail should be about two-thirds the body’s length. Ears and eyes must be symmetrically placed to emphasize the rounded head shape. Balance between the broad chest, muscular shoulders, and strong hindquarters is essential. The coat should be uniform in length and density across the body. The breed’s conformation excludes any elongation or refinement, emphasizing stability and strength.
Temperament and Character
The British Shorthair is known for its calm, independent, and intelligent temperament. It is peaceful yet alert, affectionate but not demanding. These cats form strong bonds with their owners while respecting personal space. They get along well with other pets and children and rarely show aggression. Patient and stress-resistant, they adapt easily to new environments. Though not overly active, they enjoy play in moderation and retain grace in movement. Their dignified and balanced nature makes them ideal companions for family life.
Head
The head is large and round, with a broad skull and full cheeks. The forehead is well-developed with smooth contours. The chin is firm and aligned, giving strength to the profile. The transition from forehead to nose is gentle, without sharp breaks. The overall head shape must harmonize with the cat’s solid build.
Face
The facial structure is expressive yet soft in outline. The nose is short, wide, and straight. Cheeks are well-developed, particularly in adult males, giving the characteristic “chubby” look. The chin is strong, blending smoothly into the neck. The face should appear full, round, and balanced.
Eyes
Eyes are large, round, and widely set, giving the cat an open and friendly expression. The color is rich and varies with coat color—from copper and amber to blue or green. The look is calm and intelligent, reflecting the breed’s composed temperament.
Ears
Ears are small, broad at the base, rounded at the tips, and set far apart. They fit neatly into the rounded contour of the head. The inner surface may have slight fur. Ears that appear too large or pointed spoil the breed’s type.
Neck
The neck is short, thick, and muscular, blending smoothly into the shoulders. Mature males may have a noticeable “ruff” of fur and skin, emphasizing strength. The neck should never be long or thin, maintaining the breed’s compact and powerful appearance.
Body
The body is sturdy and well-muscled with a broad chest, strong shoulders, and straight back. The frame is compact but not coarse. The abdomen is rounded but firm, never sagging. The overall impression is one of strength and balance.
Tail
The tail is medium in length, thick at the base, tapering slightly to a rounded tip. It is straight and covered in dense fur. The shape should harmonize with the cat’s overall compact build.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are short, straight, and strong, with solid bones. The paws are round and firm. Shoulders are broad, providing stability and balance.
Hindlimbs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs but proportional to the body. Thighs are muscular, with firm joints. The paws are round and solid, ensuring stability and graceful movement.
Gait and Movement
Movement is smooth, confident, and balanced. The gait shows strength without heaviness. When walking or running, the cat displays fluid motion and agility, supported by a solid frame.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, and plush, with a thick undercoat. It should stand slightly away from the body, giving a soft, velvety texture. The coat must be even in length and fullness, without bald patches or thin areas. The plush quality is a hallmark of the breed.
Accepted Colors
The British Shorthair exists in a wide variety of coat colors. Accepted solid colors include blue, black, white, cream, red, lilac, and chocolate. Also accepted are bicolors, tricolors, tabbies (classic, mackerel, spotted), as well as chinchilla, silver, and golden shades. Eye color must conform to the recognized standard for each coat pattern.
Size
Males are significantly larger than females, typically weighing 6–9 kg, sometimes up to 10–12 kg. Females weigh between 4–6 kg. Height at the withers ranges from 30–35 cm in males and 27–32 cm in females. Growth and full development occur slowly, usually completing at 3–4 years of age.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from the ideal proportions: an elongated body, fine bone structure, or overly long legs. Narrow or pointed muzzle, weak chin, or narrow skull are also undesirable. Ears that are too large or high-set break the round head shape. Almond-shaped, small, or closely set eyes are considered faults. Thin, long, or kinked tails are also undesirable. Coat faults include sparse, soft, or uneven fur lacking density. Color faults include uneven shading, white patches, or dull eye color. Behavioral issues such as aggression or excessive fearfulness are also considered faults.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying defects include tail deformities, jaw misalignment, missing teeth in young cats, or crossed eyes. Severe structural abnormalities of the head or body, excessively long legs, or visible baldness result in disqualification. Incorrect coat colors, albinism, or mismatched eye colors are not accepted. Aggressive or excessively fearful behavior also disqualifies the cat. Animals without verified ICCF documentation cannot participate in breeding or exhibitions.
Important Notes
The British Shorthair matures slowly, reaching full development by 3–4 years of age. During evaluation, coat density and evenness are crucial. Minor imperfections are acceptable in young cats still developing. Proper nutrition is essential to maintain strong bone structure and thick fur. Breeding must strictly follow ICCF standards, excluding animals with major faults. Judges evaluate not only conformation but also temperament and behavior in the ring. Maintaining genetic diversity is essential to preserve the breed’s health and type.
Conclusion
The British Shorthair represents a perfect balance of strength, round features, and calm temperament. It is valued for its steadiness, loyalty, and distinguished appearance. According to ICCF standards, only cats with verified ICCF documentation proving lineage and standard compliance may participate in shows or breeding programs. Strict adherence to these rules ensures the preservation of the breed’s purity, quality, and global prestige as the ideal domestic cat.
