Got it — you want the full ICCF official translation into English, in the same style and structure as your previous ones (continuous professional text, accurate terminology, no omissions). Here’s the complete translation:
Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Neva Masquerade breed originated in Russia in the late 20th century as a colorpoint variety of the Siberian cat, distinguished by its unique mask-like facial pattern. It is believed that such kittens appeared naturally in Siberian litters. Due to their striking coloration and impressive appearance, they quickly attracted the attention of breeders and cat enthusiasts. The breed was named after St. Petersburg and the traditional Russian masquerade. Within a short time, the Neva Masquerade gained popularity, preserving the strength, endurance, and immunity of the Siberian cat while adding the elegant, decorative coloration that became its hallmark.
General Appearance
The Neva Masquerade is a large, harmoniously built cat with a strong skeleton, well-developed musculature, and an expressive, noble appearance. The body is solid yet proportional, with a broad chest and straight back. The head is large and rounded, with smooth lines, a wide muzzle, and a thick ruff around the neck. The eyes are oval, bright blue, and strikingly expressive. The ears are medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips, often adorned with tufts and inner furnishings. The coat is semi-long, dense, and water-repellent, with a soft undercoat that provides protection from cold and moisture. The defining feature of the breed is the colorpoint pattern and the contrasting dark “mask” on the face, harmoniously balanced with the rest of the body.
Important Proportions
All proportions of the Neva Masquerade should reflect harmony between strength and grace. The head is large but not coarse, with a proportionate muzzle and a medium-length nose. The body is rectangular in shape, combining breadth with moderate length. The legs are of medium height, powerful and proportional to the body, with large rounded paws. The tail is full and well-furnished, proportional to the body, equal in length to the back or slightly shorter. The balance between massiveness and flexibility must be maintained; the cat should not appear overly elongated or overly compact. Balanced lines and well-proportioned features are key elements of the ideal type.
Temperament and Behavior
The Neva Masquerade is calm, composed, and dignified in temperament. These cats are affectionate and friendly, deeply attached to their owners but not intrusive. They coexist well with children and other pets due to their tolerant and gentle disposition. Intelligent and observant, they easily adapt to household routines and understand human emotions. Despite their calm demeanor, they retain the natural curiosity and playfulness typical of the Siberian lineage. Their voice is soft and melodic, used sparingly. The breed is noted for its intelligence, patience, adaptability, and devoted companionship.
Head
The head of the Neva Masquerade is large, in proportion to the body, and trapezoidal in shape. The skull is broad with smooth contours and no sharp angles. The forehead is slightly rounded, the transition to the nose is soft and gradual without a pronounced stop. The cheekbones are strong and well-developed, emphasizing the breed’s sturdiness but without coarseness. The chin is firm and aligned with the nose in profile, forming a straight line. The muzzle is broad and moderately long, giving the cat an expression of strength and confidence. The overall impression should be one of harmony, balance, and noble expression.
Facial Features
The facial structure is powerful and expressive, emphasizing the breed type. The nose is of medium length, straight, with a soft transition from the forehead and a slightly rounded tip. The bridge should not have a pronounced break or bump. The chin is strong and even, not sloping, harmonizing with the line of the nose. Cheeks are broad and full, especially in mature males, forming pronounced “cheek pads” that add a majestic look. Whiskers are long and dense, enhancing the expressiveness and width of the muzzle. Overall, the facial part should combine strength with softness of lines.
Eyes
The eyes are large, oval, wide-set, and slightly slanted, giving the face a particularly expressive appearance. Their placement emphasizes the strength and proportionality of the head. Eye color is exclusively blue, ranging from pale sky to deep sapphire, with a rich, vivid tone being most desirable. The gaze is intelligent, gentle, and serene, radiating calmness and friendliness. The contrasting facial mask enhances the depth and brightness of the eyes. The eye shape should be oval—neither perfectly round nor overly almond-shaped.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, broad at the base, slightly tilted forward, and set high on the head but not too close together. The tips are gently rounded and often adorned with lynx-like tufts, reinforcing the breed’s wild, majestic appearance. The inner ear has thick fur that protects from cold and moisture. The ears should harmonize with the head and not appear oversized. Low-set, overly large, or poorly furnished ears are considered faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, and muscular, proportionate to the body and smoothly joining the shoulders. In males, the mane forms a thick, luxurious ruff, adding to the breed’s majestic look. The neck must be sturdy and well developed, supporting the large head. It should not be too short or too long, as that would disrupt the overall balance. Abundant fur in this area forms an elegant collar that enhances the breed’s noble expression.
Body
The body of the Neva Masquerade is large, rectangular, and powerful, with a massive skeleton and strong musculature. The back is broad, level, and muscular, the chest is deep and wide, and the abdomen is firm without sagging. Shoulders and hips are of equal width, ensuring balance and stability. The topline rises slightly toward the croup. The body should convey strength and endurance without heaviness or excessive compactness. The overall impression is one of power, balance, and grandeur.
Tail
The tail is long, or medium-long, proportionate to the body, broad at the base, and tapering gradually to a rounded tip. It is covered with long, dense hair forming a full, plume-like appearance. The tail should be flexible and expressive, serving as a natural extension of the body line and aiding balance in movement. Kinks, knots, or sparse fur are considered faults. The tail should enhance the cat’s elegance and overall harmony.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are medium in length, sturdy, and muscular with a strong bone structure. The elbows are set close to the body and directed backward. The paws are large, round, and firm, with tufts of fur between the toes. The legs should be straight, stable, and well-balanced, providing secure support. Weak bone, narrow stance, or curvature are considered defects. Proper forelimbs reflect the breed’s power and symmetry.
Hindlimbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, raising the body line slightly toward the rear. The thighs are strong and muscular, the knees and hocks well defined and properly angulated. The paws are large, round, and covered with tufts of fur. The hind limbs provide balance, agility, and power in movement while maintaining smooth body lines. Weak joints, narrow stance, or incorrect angulation are faults.
Gait and Movement
The movement of the Neva Masquerade is smooth, graceful, and free, combining strength with elegance. The gait is springy and balanced, with broad, even steps and silent, confident motion. When running or jumping, the cat demonstrates agility, endurance, and control. The tail is actively used for balance. Stiffness, clumsiness, or heaviness in motion are undesirable. The gait should express natural power and poise.
Coat
The coat is semi-long, thick, and dense, with a soft undercoat and longer guard hairs forming a full, weather-resistant layer. A prominent mane forms around the neck, the hind legs have “britches,” and the tail is long and fluffy. The texture is resilient, glossy, and protective against moisture and cold. The winter coat is fuller and denser, while the summer coat is lighter but still characteristic. The coat should remain silky, resilient, and well-groomed in all seasons.
Allowed Colors
All colorpoint variations are accepted: seal point, blue point, red point, cream point, chocolate point, lilac point, tortie point, tabby point, and their combinations. The facial mask must be distinct, matching the tone of the ears, tail, and legs, while the body remains lighter—cream, ivory, or golden. Strong contrast between body and points is essential. Eye color must always be blue, harmonizing with the coat and enhancing expression.
Size
The Neva Masquerade is a large breed. Males are significantly larger and heavier, weighing between 6 and 9 kg, with some reaching up to 10–12 kg. Females are lighter and more refined, weighing 4–6 kg. The skeleton is strong, the body elongated, and the musculature well developed. Height at the withers averages 30–35 cm in males, slightly less in females. The overall size should maintain balance and proportion, emphasizing the breed’s strength and grace.
Faults
Faults include deviations that disturb harmony and balance: a head that is too small or too massive, a narrow or overly coarse skull, a nose that is too long or too short, a weak chin, poorly defined cheekbones, small or poorly shaped eyes, dull eye color, oversized or poorly set ears, an elongated or compact body, weak bone, narrow chest, thin or long legs, sparse tail, or poor coat quality. Uneven coloration, weak mask definition, or dull body color are also considered faults.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include aggression, excessive timidity, spinal or tail deformities, visible kinks, strabismus, non-blue eyes, lack of mask, incorrect or solid coat color without contrast, absence of undercoat, excessively short fur, deformities of limbs or chest, malocclusion, or signs of crossbreeding. Cats without official ICCF documents confirming pedigree are not eligible for show or breeding.
Important Notes
Seasonal and age variations in coat condition should be considered. The summer coat is less dense, and young cats may lack the full mane and britches. Full development occurs by 3–4 years of age. The mask color deepens with maturity, and kitten eye color may be lighter before reaching its final tone. The breed retains the Siberian’s natural health and endurance; therefore, signs of weakness or frailty are serious deviations. Evaluation should always consider the overall harmony and type, not isolated traits.
Conclusion
The Neva Masquerade is a unique variation of the Siberian breed that combines power, grace, and luxurious coloration. According to ICCF standards, only cats with verified ICCF documentation are eligible for shows and breeding, ensuring purity and conformity to the standard. The breed is admired for its strength, expressive blue eyes, and contrasting colorpoint pattern. Its balanced temperament, intelligence, and devotion make it an ideal companion, while its resilience and health make it easy to care for. Through careful selection and ICCF supervision, the Neva Masquerade remains one of the most distinctive and proud symbols of modern Russian felinology.
