Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Overview
The Kurilian Bobtail is an aboriginal cat breed that developed naturally on the Kuril Islands through centuries of natural selection in the harsh climate of the Russian Far East. The first records of short-tailed cats date back to the 19th century, in the writings of Russian settlers and naturalists who documented the local fauna. These cats were prized for their hunting skills, endurance, and adaptability, quickly becoming valued companions of fishermen and military personnel living on the islands. In the late 20th century, selective breeding began to preserve the unique appearance and natural temperament of the breed. Its short “pom-pom” tail, strong build, and instinctive character made the Kurilian Bobtail a recognizable and highly regarded breed. Today, it is officially recognized by international organizations and is considered a symbol of native feline heritage.
General Appearance
The Kurilian Bobtail is a medium to large, well-muscled cat with a strong skeleton and compact, athletic body. It combines power and balance, with a deep chest, firm back, and strong limbs. Its most distinctive feature is the short, kinked tail, formed by several curves or bends resembling a pom-pom. The head is a broad trapezoid with soft contours, pronounced cheekbones, and a smooth transition to a muscular neck. The ears are medium-sized, slightly tilted forward, giving the cat an alert expression. Eyes are large, almond-shaped, bright, and expressive. The coat is dense and water-resistant, varying from short to semi-long depending on the type. Overall, the Kurilian Bobtail gives the impression of an agile, resilient, and intelligent animal, naturally adapted to its environment.
Important Proportions
Proportions emphasize a balance between strength and agility. The body length approximately equals the height at the withers, creating a compact and stable outline. The head must harmonize with the body, maintaining proportional balance. The neck is short yet muscular, smoothly joining the shoulders. Legs are of medium length, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front, allowing for excellent jumping ability. The tail measures between 3 and 8 cm, always with visible kinks or curves forming a unique pom-pom shape. Coat length varies: shorthaired cats have a dense undercoat, while semi-longhaired ones possess a more developed outer coat. All features must form a unified image of a strong, agile, and enduring cat.
Behavior and Temperament
The Kurilian Bobtail is an intelligent, sociable, and even-tempered breed. It learns quickly, easily adapts to new environments, and enjoys close interaction with humans. Playful and active, these cats often love water and display strong hunting instincts. Despite their independence, they are deeply loyal to their owners, often following them around and participating in family life. Friendly and courageous, Kurilians coexist peacefully with children and other pets. They show remarkable adaptability and confidence, embodying a blend of feline grace and canine devotion.
Head
The head forms an isosceles trapezoid, slightly widening at the cheekbones, with soft, rounded contours. The forehead is moderately broad and gently curved; the transition to the nose is smooth, without a pronounced stop. Cheekbones are well-developed, giving the face an expressive yet balanced appearance. The muzzle is of medium length, neither pointed nor overly short. The chin is firm and proportionate, completing the harmonious, confident expression characteristic of the breed.
Facial Features
The face is clearly defined but not heavy. The nose is straight and of medium length, evenly broad with a soft curve at the tip. Whisker pads are full and well-developed, enhancing the muzzle’s strength. The jaws are powerful with a correct scissor bite. Cheeks are slightly rounded, creating a firm but gentle look. Overall, the face should convey balance and express the breed’s natural hunting aptitude without roughness or refinement extremes.
Eyes
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and widely set, giving the cat an intelligent, lively expression. Eye color ranges from yellow to green in all shades, with amber tones acceptable and harmonious with the coat. Blue or odd-colored eyes are permitted only in white or partially white cats. Eyelids fit closely, and the eye outline is clear and expressive. The slight upward slant of the eyes adds a touch of oriental elegance to the overall look.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, broad at the base, and slightly rounded at the tips. They are set wide apart, continuing the natural contour of the head. In profile, they tilt slightly forward, enhancing the attentive, alert expression. Inner furnishings are present, and semi-longhaired types may have tufts at the tips. The ears should be well-proportioned, neither too large nor too small. Their placement and balance play an important role in defining the breed’s distinctive appearance.
Neck
The neck is medium-length, strong, and muscular, proportionate to the overall body. It connects smoothly to the shoulders and should appear powerful yet graceful. Males have more pronounced musculature, while females appear slightly finer without losing strength. The neck contributes to the solid, compact impression of the breed.
Body
The body is medium to large, strong, and well-balanced, with a deep chest and solid back. The loins are powerful, slightly raised toward the rump, emphasizing the breed’s agility and athleticism. The abdomen is firm and tucked up. The body should reflect strength, endurance, and agility, typical of a natural hunter adapted to rugged conditions.
Tail
The tail is the Kurilian Bobtail’s hallmark. It measures between 3 and 8 cm when straightened and always features kinks, curves, or twists forming a unique pom-pom shape—no two tails are alike. The fur on the tail is thick and fluffy, enhancing its rounded appearance. The tail must not interfere with movement and should harmonize with the overall body proportions. A straight or overly long tail without kinks is considered a serious fault.
Forelegs
Forelegs are straight, of medium length, strong, and muscular. Elbows point backward and must not turn inward or outward. Shoulders are well-developed and firmly attached to the body. Paws are round and compact, with strong pads and claws. The front legs ensure stability, agility, and grace, essential for the cat’s active nature.
Hind Legs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the front ones, providing springiness and excellent jumping power. Thighs are broad and muscular; knees are well-formed, and hocks are strong and straight. Paws are oval and compact. The overall construction guarantees power, balance, and smooth movement. Weak joints, misaligned legs, or instability are considered faults.
Gait and Movement
The Kurilian Bobtail moves with springy, confident, and fluid motion. Steps are smooth and coordinated, driven by strong hindquarters. The gait reflects both power and grace, showing natural agility and hunting readiness. The back remains level, and the cat maintains excellent balance even at high speed or when jumping. Any stiffness, uncertainty, or crossing of limbs is undesirable.
Coat
The coat is dense with a well-developed undercoat that provides protection against moisture and cold. Two coat types are recognized: shorthaired and semi-longhaired. The shorthaired variety has a firm, close-lying coat with a thick underlayer, while the semi-longhaired type features a softer texture with slight feathering on the neck, tail, and hind legs. In both cases, the coat should appear glossy, elastic, and healthy.
Permitted Colors
All colors and patterns are accepted except chocolate, lilac, fawn, cinnamon, and colorpoint. Common colors include tabby (mackerel, classic, spotted), solid, and bicolor variations. Harlequin and van patterns are also accepted. Eye color should harmonize with coat color—yellow and green are most typical. White cats may have blue or odd eyes.
Size
The Kurilian Bobtail is a medium-to-large breed. Males weigh 5–7 kg (sometimes up to 8 kg), while females weigh 3.5–5 kg. The height at the withers ranges from 25 to 35 cm. Despite their solid build, cats must remain compact and proportionate. Proper muscle tone and balance are essential, while excessive thinness or obesity are disqualifying faults.
Faults
Minor faults include deviation from standard proportions, an overly massive or narrow head, weak cheekbones, incorrect ear placement, or lack of expressiveness in the eyes. Tails longer than 8 cm, too straight, or sparsely covered are undesirable. Weak musculature, poor chest development, or imbalance between front and hind legs are also faults. Coat faults include insufficient undercoat, overly soft or tangled texture in semi-longhaired types, or too coarse a coat in shorthaired cats.
Disqualification
Disqualifying defects include the complete absence of the typical bobtail, a straight tail over 8 cm long without kinks, lack of undercoat, incorrect bite, missing canines, or severe dental anomalies. Cross-eyed cats, deafness, or sensory impairments result in disqualification, as do disallowed coat colors (chocolate, lilac, fawn, cinnamon, colorpoint). Aggressive or overly fearful behavior, as well as visible skeletal deformities or mobility issues, also lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
The Kurilian Bobtail is a unique aboriginal breed requiring careful preservation. Each tail is individual and evaluated for balance rather than uniformity. ICCF judges emphasize natural temperament, boldness, friendliness, and health. Breeding programs must protect genetic diversity and avoid crossbreeding with other breeds. Active lifestyles are recommended for maintaining the cat’s physical condition. ICCF closely monitors breeding practices to preserve the breed’s original appearance and natural vitality.
Conclusion
The Kurilian Bobtail represents the perfect harmony of natural strength, intelligence, and devotion. Its distinctive pom-pom tail, solid build, and loyal nature make it a national treasure of feline heritage. In the ICCF system, only cats with verified documentation confirming pure lineage and conformity to the standard may participate in shows or breeding programs. This ensures the purity, stability, and long-term preservation of the true Kurilian Bobtail type.
