Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Aphrodite’s Giant Cat is a rare and ancient breed originating from the island of Cyprus, where these large, strong, and resilient cats developed naturally over thousands of years. It is believed that their ancestors lived in monasteries and mountainous areas of the island, adapting to harsh conditions and protecting grain stores from rodents. The breed’s name is associated with the goddess of love, Aphrodite, who, according to legend, was born from the sea near Cyprus. Modern breeding of the Aphrodite’s Giant began in the late 20th century, aiming to preserve its natural type, impressive size, strong health, and calm temperament.
General Appearance
The Aphrodite’s Giant Cat is a large, powerful, and harmoniously built animal with an impressive size and natural elegance. The body is long, muscular, and strong-boned without appearing coarse. Limbs are sturdy and proportionate, the chest broad and deep, and the back straight. The head is of medium size with soft contours and expressive eyes that give a noble and serene expression. The ears are medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips, and set high. The tail is long and densely furred. The coat is thick and semi-long, with a soft undercoat adapted to a mountainous climate. Overall, the breed combines power, balance, and natural beauty, preserving its wild ancestry and domestic nobility.
Important Proportions
The Aphrodite’s Giant Cat displays well-balanced proportions for such a large breed. The body length exceeds the height at the withers, creating a long yet harmonious silhouette. The head is proportional to the body, not overly large, with smooth transitions and moderate skull width. The limbs are strong and relatively long, providing stability and agility. The tail is long—equal to or slightly shorter than the body—and flows naturally from the spine. The chest is broad and deep, the abdomen tucked, and the muscles well-developed. All parts of the body must be visually balanced, conveying strength, grace, and harmony without heaviness.
Temperament and Character
The Aphrodite’s Giant Cat has a calm, balanced, and friendly temperament. Intelligent and affectionate, it forms a strong emotional bond with humans while maintaining independence and dignity. Gentle, patient, and sociable, it gets along well with children and other pets. Despite its impressive size, the breed is noted for its soft, peaceful nature. At the same time, these cats are active, curious, and playful, especially in open spaces. Self-confident and composed, they adapt easily to new environments and always display tranquility and grace.
Head
The head of the Aphrodite’s Giant Cat is medium in size, proportional to the body, with soft lines and a slightly elongated shape. The skull is moderately broad, the forehead gently rounded, and the nose transition smooth and natural without breaks. Cheekbones are well-defined but not coarse, emphasizing the breed’s strength and nobility. The muzzle is medium in length, rounded, and softly contoured. The chin is firm but not heavy, harmoniously fitting into the profile. The overall impression of the head conveys balance, strength, and natural elegance characteristic of an indigenous breed.
Facial Structure
The face of the Aphrodite’s Giant Cat is proportionate and expressive, with soft, noble lines. The nose is straight, of medium length, broad at the base, and gently tapering toward the tip without abrupt transitions. The cheeks are moderately full with defined contours, highlighting the strength of the muzzle. The chin is firm and rounded, forming a harmonious profile line. Whiskers are long and dense, enhancing the expressiveness of the face. The overall facial expression should be balanced, open, confident, and calm, reflecting dignity and a gentle temperament.
Eyes
The eyes are large, oval, and wide-set, giving the breed a soft and expressive look. The gaze is open, attentive, and slightly alert yet friendly. Eye color varies depending on the coat—golden, amber, or green are typical, with copper shades permitted. The main requirement is brightness and color saturation in harmony with the coat. The eyes should be symmetrical and proportionate to the head. Very small, dull, or unevenly placed eyes are considered faults.
Ears
The Aphrodite’s Giant Cat has medium to large ears, broad at the base and slightly pointed at the tips. They are set high and upright, slightly flaring outward to convey alertness and strength. The inner ear is well-furred, and tufts on the tips are permitted, enhancing the breed’s majestic, wild expression. The ears must be proportional to the head and preserve overall balance. Ears that are too small, too large, or set too low are considered deviations from the standard.
Neck
The neck of the Aphrodite’s Giant Cat is strong, of medium length, muscular, and firm. It connects the large head to the body in smooth lines, ensuring structural harmony. Males have thicker, more muscular necks, while females possess a more refined outline that still conveys strength. The neck must appear powerful yet elegant, emphasizing the breed’s majestic profile. Short, thick necks or excessively long, thin ones that disturb balance are undesirable.
Body
The body of the Aphrodite’s Giant Cat is large, long, and muscular, with a powerful bone structure and well-developed musculature. The chest is broad and deep, the back strong and level, and the abdomen firm but not hollow. The body must project power, health, and endurance while maintaining balance and elegance. The silhouette is solid but never heavy or coarse. The overall impression is one of natural strength and harmony.
Tail
The tail is long and proportional to the body, broad at the base, gradually tapering to a rounded tip. It should be flexible, mobile, and in balance with the body proportions. The tail is fully covered with thick fur, especially lush in longhaired variants. At rest, it continues the line of the spine; in motion, it aids balance. Kinks, knots, or overly short or thin tails are disqualifying faults. A proper tail enhances the breed’s majestic appearance.
Forelimbs
The forelimbs are long, strong, and muscular, with solid bone structure. They are straight and parallel, ensuring balance and stability for the heavy body. Shoulders are sloped and firmly connected to the torso. Paws are large, round, and strong, with thick pads and sturdy toes. Weak bone structure, curvature, or fragility in the limbs are serious faults. The forelegs should support the body’s mass and underline the breed’s strength and endurance.
Hind Limbs
The hind limbs are powerful and slightly longer than the forelimbs, creating a gentle rise over the loins. Thighs are broad and muscular, shanks strong and proportional. Paws are large and round, similar to the front ones. The stance must be straight and parallel, ensuring stability. Weak joints, over-massiveness, or fragile structure are faults. Properly formed hind limbs provide strength and smooth, energetic movement.
Gait and Movement
The Aphrodite’s Giant Cat moves with confidence, elasticity, and freedom. Its stride is long and rhythmic, with smooth, coordinated motion. The gait must combine strength and grace, giving the impression of effortless power. The tail plays an active role in maintaining balance. Stiffness, asymmetry, or unsteady movement are faults. Correct movement reflects the breed’s endurance, agility, and natural nobility.
Coat
The coat is dense, semi-long or long, depending on the variety. It has a well-developed undercoat providing insulation. The texture is full, soft, and silky to the touch, with natural volume and sheen. The neck and chest form a luxurious ruff, the tail is richly plumed, and hind legs may feature “trousers.” Thin undercoats, matting, or overly soft and fragile fur are undesirable. The coat must appear voluminous, even, and healthy.
Acceptable Colors
All coat colors and patterns are accepted by ICCF: solid, tabby of all varieties, bicolor, tricolor, silver, and smoke. Both classic and rare combinations are permitted. White markings in bicolor and tricolor cats are allowed but must be symmetrical and harmonious. Preferred are vivid, rich shades with even color distribution. The eye color must complement the coat, enhancing the breed’s expressive appearance. Uneven, patchy, or “dirty” colors are penalized.
Size
The Aphrodite’s Giant Cat ranks among the largest feline breeds. Males are significantly larger than females, weighing 7–9 kg or more, while females typically weigh 5–7 kg. Height at the withers is above average. The body is long and massive, with strong, long limbs. Despite its size, the breed must retain harmony and proportion, avoiding heaviness or squatness. Undersized or excessively bulky individuals are considered undesirable.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from the harmonious breed type. These include excessive thinness or heaviness, overly short or elongated bodies, weak bones, or poor musculature. Heads that are too narrow or pointed, weak chins, short or crooked noses are undesirable. Ears that are too small, low-set, or too large disrupt balance. Eye faults include small size, dull color, incorrect shape, or mismatch with coat color. Coat faults include insufficient undercoat, matting, thin or brittle texture, or uneven coloration. Patchiness in solid coats or irregular tones are considered faults. Gait irregularities or weakness of the limbs are also penalized.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations from ICCF standards: tail deformities, kinks, spinal or limb curvature, incorrect bite, or missing teeth. Hairless or thin-coated cats without undercoats, or with straight, sparse, uneven fur are disqualified. White patches on solid coats or non-standard eye colors (such as blue in non-pointed cats or yellow in silver cats) are considered severe faults. Aggressive or overly timid behavior, hereditary diseases, or clear hybridization signs lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
ICCF emphasizes that the Aphrodite’s Giant Cat is a unique national breed of Cyprus, requiring special care in breeding. Key features include large size, strong bone structure, dense double coat, and balanced proportions. During evaluation, judges must consider not only conformation but also temperament—cats should be friendly, affectionate, and self-confident. ICCF documentation (pedigree, veterinary passport, and microchip verification) is mandatory for breeding and exhibition. Breeders must preserve the breed’s natural traits, avoid crossbreeding, and maintain genetic diversity.
Conclusion
According to ICCF standards, the Aphrodite’s Giant Cat represents majesty, strength, and natural grace. Distinguished by its large size, dense coat, expressive eyes, and balanced silhouette, the breed embodies harmony between power and elegance. Participation in exhibitions and breeding is permitted only for cats with official ICCF documents confirming pedigree and standard compliance. ICCF ensures preservation of genetic purity and the unique heritage of this ancient Cypriot breed. The Aphrodite’s Giant Cat stands as a symbol of nature’s harmony and timeless beauty—an exceptional and noble representative among rare feline breeds.
