Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Manx is an ancient cat breed originating from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. It is believed that its taillessness arose as a result of a natural genetic mutation that became fixed due to the isolation of the local population. The first written mentions of tailless cats date back to the 18th century. The breed quickly attracted attention for its unusual appearance, sturdy build, and distinctive temperament. By the 19th century, Manx cats were exhibited at shows in Great Britain, leading to their official recognition and subsequent worldwide spread. Today, the breed is considered a symbol of the Isle of Man and is valued by breeders for its rarity, balance, and devotion to its owners.
General Appearance
The Manx is a sturdy, muscular cat of medium to large size, with rounded body lines and a characteristic lack of tail. It is well-balanced, with a broad chest and powerful limbs that give it a compact and harmonious silhouette. The hind legs are longer than the forelegs, producing a gentle arch along the back that slopes down toward the shoulders and gives the breed its distinctive outline. The head is round with soft contours, full cheeks, and a strong chin. The Manx appears solid yet agile and strong. Its short or absent tail is the breed’s defining feature. The overall impression is one of health, strength, and natural distinctiveness.
Important Proportions
The Manx’s proportions are carefully balanced to emphasize body harmony. The length of the torso is roughly equal to the height at the shoulders, giving an impression of compactness and solidity. The head must be in proportion to the body, round and without excessive angularity. The chest is broad and deep. The hind limbs are longer than the forelimbs, creating the breed’s characteristic rising backline toward the rump. The absence or shortening of the tail must not disrupt the body’s symmetry. The cat should not appear overly long, heavy, or coarse. The proportions of the Manx combine power, steadiness, and elegance, highlighting the breed’s natural uniqueness.
Temperament and Character
The Manx is calm, friendly, and deeply devoted to its family. Highly people-oriented, it is tolerant of children and makes an excellent companion. These cats are intelligent, easy to train, and retain strong hunting instincts with natural agility. Despite their compact build, Manx cats are active, playful, and quick to adapt to new environments. They are cautious with strangers but not aggressive. Within the family, they show affection, patience, and loyalty, often forming a close bond with one primary owner. Manx cats are social and thrive on attention, combining independence with warmth and trust.
Head
The head of the Manx is round and proportionate to the body, with soft lines and smooth transitions. The skull is broad, with well-developed cheekbones, full cheeks, and a noticeable chin forming a correct bite. The forehead is slightly rounded, and the transition to the nose is smooth without sharp breaks. The nose is straight and of medium length, fitting harmoniously into the overall facial structure. The chin is strong but not coarse, giving an impression of confidence. The overall head shape emphasizes the roundness and compactness characteristic of the breed. Narrow or elongated heads are undesirable.
Facial Features
The face is round and full, with prominent cheeks, especially in mature males. The muzzle is short but not flat, with well-defined outlines. The transition from forehead to nose is gentle and smooth. Whisker pads are wide and prominent, emphasizing the fullness of the muzzle. The nose bridge is straight and of medium width with a softly rounded tip. The chin is firm and proportionate, completing the balanced facial structure. The expression should be harmonious and kind, reflecting the breed’s even temperament and distinctive roundness of form.
Eyes
The eyes of the Manx are large, round, and set wide apart, with a slight tilt toward the nose. They give the face a friendly and intelligent expression. Eye color should be bright, clear, and correspond to the coat color — ranging from gold and copper to green or blue. The gaze should be open and expressive, conveying alertness and calmness. Small, narrow, or dull eyes are considered faults. Proper eye shape and placement contribute to the breed’s signature look of strength combined with gentleness.
Ears
The ears are medium in size, widely set, with slightly rounded tips. They should harmonize with the overall round shape of the head and not appear too large or pointed. The base is broad, and the set is low to medium, enhancing the calm and balanced appearance of the cat. The inner surface is well furnished, while the outer side is smooth. Ears must be symmetrical and proportionate. Excessively large, sharp, or upright ears disrupt the harmony of the Manx’s round appearance and are undesirable.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, strong, and muscular, smoothly connecting the head to the powerful body. It should be broad at the base yet not coarse, maintaining harmony with the cat’s rounded lines. The neck gives the Manx a regal, balanced appearance and emphasizes the breed’s sturdiness. In adults, especially males, the neck muscles are well developed. Viewed in profile, the transition from head to body is smooth and natural. The neck must be proportional and complement the Manx’s overall impression of strength and balance.
Body
The body of the Manx is compact, solid, and rounded, with well-developed musculature and a broad chest. The back rises gently toward the rump due to the longer hind legs, creating the breed’s characteristic arched profile. The chest is deep and broad, the abdomen tucked but firm, and the sides smoothly curved. The croup is wide and muscular, emphasizing power. The body should not appear elongated or delicate. The Manx’s structure reflects natural sturdiness, equilibrium, and grace, giving the breed its unmistakable, balanced appearance.
Tail
The defining feature of the Manx is its lack or reduction of the tail. According to the ICCF standard, there are several variations: completely tailless (rumpy), a small rise or bump (rumpy riser), a short partial tail (stumpy), and, rarely, a nearly full tail (longy). Preference is given to completely tailless cats, although all variations are accepted if structurally sound. The tail area must be smooth and rounded, without depressions or deformities. The absence of a tail must not affect movement or balance. Any rigid bone protrusion or curvature causing discomfort is a serious fault.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are short, strong, and straight, proportionate to the body. The bones are solid, and the muscles are well developed but not coarse. The shoulders are broad, providing stability and a smooth transition into the chest. The paws are round, compact, with firm pads and tightly gathered toes. The forelegs must appear balanced and steady, supporting the breed’s compact and powerful structure. Weak bone structure, narrow stance, or deformities are undesirable.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are longer than the forelegs, creating the distinctive upward slope from shoulders to rump. They are muscular and powerful, with strong thighs and stable joints. This structure gives the Manx excellent jumping ability and agility. The knees and hocks are strong and straight, and the paws are round and firm. The hind legs must harmonize with the body and maintain balance. Weak joints, curvature, or excessive length that disrupts symmetry are considered faults.
Gait and Movement
The Manx moves with confidence, smoothness, and springy precision. Its powerful hindquarters create a characteristic “hopping” motion, combining strength and grace. The gait should be balanced and coordinated, showing agility and poise. When running or jumping, the Manx demonstrates impressive speed and muscular control. Stiff, unsteady, or awkward movement is a fault. Proper movement should highlight balance, compactness, and physical strength.
Coat
The Manx has a dense, double-layered coat with a well-developed undercoat that adds volume and resilience. The topcoat is straight, medium-length, and slightly coarse to the touch, providing protection against moisture and cold. The coat should feel firm and springy, with a thicker collar around the neck and chest. The texture emphasizes the breed’s rounded body lines. The coat must not be overly soft, woolly, or harsh; it should strike a balance between density and elasticity.
Accepted Colors
All traditional colors are permitted, including solid, tabby, marble, spotted, and bicolor patterns. Common colors include black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, and combinations with white. Tabby patterns of all types—classic, mackerel, and spotted—are accepted, as well as colorpoint variants. White markings are permissible but should not distort the breed’s outline. Cinnamon, fawn, and caramel are not allowed. The color must be even, rich, and harmonious, enhancing the cat’s natural symmetry.
Size
The Manx is a medium to large cat with a solid bone structure and strong musculature. Males are heavier, weighing 5–6 kg, while females average 3.5–4.5 kg. The body is compact and low-set, with a distinctive rise from shoulders to rump. The overall impression is sturdy and powerful, without heaviness or coarseness. The breed must maintain balance and proportional strength consistent with its type.
Faults
Minor faults include weak musculature, lack of compactness, overly long or short body, narrow chest, weak hindquarters, or thin bone structure. In the head, faults include an elongated muzzle, overly large or sharp ears, and small or deeply set eyes. Movement faults include stiffness or imbalance. Coat faults include excessively soft texture or lack of undercoat. A tail that is too long or unevenly bumpy is also considered a fault. These factors may reduce evaluation but do not fully disqualify the cat.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include severe spinal deformities causing pain or mobility issues, rigid bone protrusions, or fused vertebrae at the tail area. The presence of a full tail excludes the cat from breeding or show. Serious asymmetry of the body, narrow chest, limb deformities, cross-eyes, or incorrect bite also lead to disqualification. Severe lameness, poor coordination, or visible discomfort are unacceptable. Coat lacking undercoat or clearly untypical in texture disqualifies the cat. Aggressive or overly fearful behavior also results in disqualification under ICCF rules.
Important Notes
ICCF places special emphasis on the health of Manx cats, as taillessness can be associated with spinal genetics. Breeding requires strict control — mating two completely tailless cats is discouraged to prevent congenital defects. Pairing tailless with short-tailed individuals maintains health in offspring. Breeders must also consider the breed’s activity level and hunting instincts, providing adequate space and stimulation. Proper nutrition is essential for strong bones and muscles. With good care, Manx cats are known for longevity and vitality.
Conclusion
Within the ICCF system, the Manx breed is admired for its distinctive appearance, strong physique, and affectionate disposition. This tailless cat represents a naturally occurring mutation refined through careful selection. Its compact body, powerful limbs, and unique outline make it one of the most recognizable feline breeds. Only cats with official ICCF documentation verifying their lineage and conformity to the standard are eligible for breeding and exhibition. This ensures health, authenticity, and preservation of the Manx’s remarkable heritage — a rare and historic breed symbolizing harmony between nature and selection.
