Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Nibelung is a rare cat breed that originated in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. The first representatives appeared by chance in litters of domestic shorthair cats carrying the gene for blue coloration and semi-long hair. The foundation cat of the breed is considered to be a female named Elsa, whose offspring established the line. The breed’s name was inspired by the German epic The Song of the Nibelungs, symbolizing the beauty and mystery of these cats. Targeted breeding began in the 1980s, when breeders aimed to fix the unique type characterized by an elegant physique, silky silver-blue coat, and expressive eyes. Today, the Nibelung is recognized by several feline organizations and is valued for its harmonious combination of elegance, rarity, and gentle temperament.
General Appearance
The Nibelung is a graceful, well-balanced medium-sized cat with an elongated body and soft, flowing lines. The overall impression is one of refinement and elegance, enhanced by a dense, silky coat with a shimmering silver hue. The head is wedge-shaped with smooth contours and well-defined cheekbones. Ears are large, slightly pointed, and set high. Eyes are large, oval, and a deep shade of green. Limbs are of medium length, proportional to the body, and paws are rounded. The tail is long and evenly covered with dense fur. The breed combines grace and strength, maintaining an impression of nobility and sophistication.
Important Proportions
All proportions of the Nibelung are balanced. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, giving the cat a subtly elongated silhouette. The head is moderately wedge-shaped, with the width across the cheekbones balanced with the length of the muzzle. The ears are in proportion to the head, forming a harmonious outline. Eyes are large but not exaggerated, positioned symmetrically on the face. The neck is of medium length, smoothly joining the shoulders and body. Limbs are proportional to the torso, providing an impression of light, fluid movement. The tail is proportionate to the body length—neither too long nor too short—and evenly covered with dense fur. All elements of the exterior should create a unified and harmonious appearance.
Temperament and Character
The Nibelung has a calm, balanced, and affectionate temperament. These cats are deeply attached to their owners, preferring quiet companionship and often choosing one person as their main companion. They are loving but not intrusive, enjoy gentle attention, and appreciate tranquility. Nibelungs are moderately playful, especially in their youth, yet their activity never becomes excessive. The breed is known for its refinement, gentleness, and adaptability. They coexist peacefully with children and other pets when properly introduced. Shyness or excessive timidity is considered a fault, as the breed standard values confident yet gentle behavior.
Head
The head of the Nibelung is medium in size, wedge-shaped, with soft and smooth contours. The forehead is slightly rounded, and the cheekbones are well-defined but not heavy, emphasizing the breed’s elegance. The profile is straight, with a smooth transition from the forehead to the nose. The muzzle is moderately long, fitting harmoniously into the overall outline of the head, and the chin is rounded and firm. The overall impression of the head should convey refinement and grace while maintaining strength and correct proportions.
Facial Features
The facial structure forms a harmonious continuation of the wedge-shaped head. The nose is straight and of medium length, maintaining consistent width along its length. The chin is strong and slightly rounded, forming a straight line with the nose in profile. Cheeks are moderately full, and adult males may have slightly more developed jowls. Whiskers are long and flexible, emphasizing the cat’s noble expression. All facial features should be balanced, contributing to the breed’s soft and elegant look.
Eyes
The eyes of the Nibelung are large, oval, and set wide apart with a slight slant, giving a distinctive expression. Eye color ranges from soft green to vivid emerald, with a hint of amber allowed in young cats. The gaze is lively, calm, and intelligent, reflecting the breed’s gentle nature. The color should be even and saturated, without dullness or variation. The expression of the eyes should harmonize with the delicate lines of the face, enhancing the breed’s refined elegance.
Ears
The ears are large, high-set, and slightly pointed at the tips, with fine, delicate outlines. They are placed at a moderate distance from each other and slightly tilted forward, giving an alert but gentle appearance. The inner surface is lightly furnished with soft hair. The tips may be subtly rounded but not overly so. The ears must harmonize with the shape of the head, maintaining the breed’s elegant silhouette.
Neck
The neck of the Nibelung is of medium length, strong yet slender, and gracefully connects the head to the body. In males, the neck may appear more powerful, while females show greater delicacy. The neck is covered with thick, silky fur, which enhances the breed’s noble appearance. It should appear proportional and balanced, contributing to the cat’s overall elegant profile.
Body
The Nibelung’s body is slightly elongated, slim, and muscular, while retaining an elegant outline. The chest is deep and moderately broad, rounded but not heavy. The back is straight and smooth, flowing seamlessly into the loins and croup. Shoulders and hips are of equal width, maintaining symmetry. The flanks are slightly tucked, and the abdomen is flat. The overall impression is of a refined, strong body structure, combining grace and firmness.
Tail
The tail is long, flexible, and proportional to the body, typically equal to the length from withers to base. The base is moderately thick, tapering smoothly to a rounded tip. The entire tail is covered with long, silky fur, giving a soft, smoky appearance. It should be supple and mobile, emphasizing the breed’s graceful movement. Short, kinked, or sparsely furred tails are undesirable.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are straight, slender, and of medium length, set parallel to each other. The bone structure is firm but not coarse, with well-developed muscles. Shoulders are smoothly attached to the body, and elbows must point directly backward without turning inward or outward. Paws are round, compact, and firm, with well-developed pads. The legs should provide stability while maintaining the breed’s elegant look.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving a gentle rise from shoulders to rump. Thighs are strong and muscular but not heavy. The joints are well defined, allowing free, smooth motion. The paws are round, compact, and well padded. The hind legs provide agility and power, enabling graceful leaps and balanced movement.
Gait and Movement
The Nibelung’s gait is light, smooth, and graceful, displaying typical feline suppleness. Movements are confident, elastic, and well-coordinated. The back remains level during walking, and limbs move rhythmically. In motion, the cat gives the impression of gliding effortlessly, with no stiffness or heaviness. The gait should express balance, elegance, and natural flexibility.
Coat
The coat is semi-long, soft, and silky to the touch. The undercoat is dense but not excessive, giving fullness and light volume. The guard hairs lie close to the body and end in silvery tips, creating a shimmering “halo” effect. The neck and tail feature particularly abundant fur, adding to the breed’s regal look. The coat must be smooth, fine, and well-groomed, with a healthy sheen.
Accepted Colors
The only accepted color for the Nibelung is an even, solid blue with a silver sheen on the hair tips. The tone must be uniform, without patches, stripes, or spots. The undercoat should be slightly lighter, producing depth and radiance. Any other colors, markings, or tabby patterns are disqualifying. The ideal coat has a luminous, silver-blue appearance that defines the breed’s unique charm.
Size
The Nibelung is a medium-sized breed. Males are larger and more muscular, weighing between 4.5 and 6.5 kg. Females are more delicate, weighing 3.5 to 5 kg. The height at the withers is approximately 28–32 cm in males and 26–30 cm in females. The total body length, including the tail, ranges from 55 to 70 cm. The overall build must be firm yet elegant, never coarse or overly refined.
Faults
Faults include deviation from balanced proportions, excessively short or long body, narrow or overly broad chest, small or overly large ears, or incorrect ear placement. Small, round, or deeply set eyes, or improper eye color are also faults. Coat faults include lack of silver sheen, overly thin or harsh texture, or uneven coverage. Behavioral faults such as shyness, aggression, or timidity are penalized. Lack of coordination or stiffness in movement is also undesirable. Minor deviations may be tolerated if they do not detract from the breed’s harmony.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include the complete absence of the silver sheen, tabby markings, or any color other than blue. Tail deformities such as kinks, knots, or twists are not allowed. Crossed eyes, incorrect bite, malformed ears, or disproportionate head structure lead to disqualification. Severe skeletal defects, impaired movement, or congenital malformations exclude the cat from breeding. Aggressive or excessively fearful behavior, as well as lack of ICCF documentation confirming origin, are also grounds for disqualification.
Important Notes
Special attention must be paid to preserving the Nibelung’s unique silver-blue color and refined type. Crossbreeding with other breeds is not permitted, as it may compromise the coat’s texture and color. Breeding must prioritize health and genetic integrity, excluding individuals with hereditary issues. Proper grooming is essential to maintain the silky texture and sheen of the coat. The breed’s temperament must remain calm, affectionate, and stable.
Conclusion
The Nibelung is a rare and refined breed, embodying elegance, intelligence, and devotion. Within the ICCF system, it represents the ideal balance of beauty and harmony. Participation in shows and breeding is permitted only for cats with official ICCF documents confirming pedigree and standard compliance. Maintaining the purity of the breed requires responsible breeding and care, ensuring preservation of its distinct silver-blue coat and gentle character. The Nibelung stands as a symbol of grace and rarity, admired for its serene nature and exquisite appearance.
