Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Pixiebob is a relatively young cat breed that originated in the United States in the 1980s. Its history is associated with breeder Carol Ann Brewer, who began developing cats with a wild, lynx-like appearance but a completely domestic temperament. The breed takes its name from the first cat, “Pixie.” The foundation cats used for breeding were large, naturally occurring short-tailed cats found in the northwestern regions of the U.S. Their appearance resembled the North American bobcat, though genetically they were fully domestic cats. Selective breeding focused on consolidating traits such as a short tail, spotted coat, strong body, and the characteristic wild look. Today, the Pixiebob is recognized as a rare breed, valued for its lynx-like features, strength, and calm, balanced temperament.
General Appearance
The Pixiebob is a large, powerful cat with distinctive wild-type features resembling a miniature bobcat. The body is muscular, elongated, and solidly built with a broad, deep chest and slightly arched back. The head is large and pear-shaped, with pronounced cheekbones and a strong chin. Ears are medium-sized, often tipped with lynx-like tufts. Eyes are triangular and slightly hooded, giving a predatory expression. The tail is short—typically 5 to 15 cm—flexible and mobile. The coat is dense and thick, either short or semi-long. The overall appearance combines wild beauty with domestic composure and balance.
Important Proportions
Pixiebobs are characterized by their substantial size and balanced proportions. The body length significantly exceeds the height at the withers, creating a long and powerful silhouette. Legs are strong, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front, giving the cat its distinctive bobcat-like gait. The head is large and broad, wider than it is long, with well-developed cheekbones and a strong chin. Ears are medium-sized, set wide apart, sometimes with tufts. The tail is short but flexible, harmoniously continuing the body line. The eyes are large and triangular, slightly hooded. All proportions emphasize the preservation of the wild type within a balanced domestic structure.
Behavior and Character
Despite their wild appearance, Pixiebobs are calm, gentle, and devoted cats. They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy close companionship. Friendly and adaptable, they live comfortably in family environments and get along well with children and other pets. Pixiebobs balance independence with sociability: they love attention but are never overly demanding. Highly intelligent and trainable, they can learn basic commands and interactive games, displaying keen awareness. They are moderately active—energetic in play yet calm in daily life. Their loyal and dog-like behavior has earned them the nickname “a dog in a cat’s body.”
Head
The Pixiebob’s head is large, pear-shaped, and proportional to the body. The skull is broad and slightly rounded, with soft transitions. The forehead is moderately high. Cheekbones are strong and pronounced, adding width and a lynx-like power. The muzzle is broad and square with a firm chin and even bite. The nose is medium in length, broad at the base, and straight. The head should express power and wildness while maintaining harmony and proportion. Narrow or elongated heads that disrupt the type are undesirable.
Facial Part
The facial structure is prominent and strong. Cheeks are full, cheekbones pronounced, emphasizing the width of the face. The chin is broad, deep, and well-developed, aligning smoothly with the nose and forehead. The nose is wide and straight, with a soft bridge. Long, thick whiskers enhance the wild appearance. The upper eyelids slightly hood the eyes, creating the breed’s characteristic “predatory” look. The face should be symmetrical, strong, and refined—not coarse. Narrow or delicate features are considered faults.
Eyes
The eyes are large, triangular, and slightly hooded by the upper lids, producing a wild expression. They are widely spaced and slightly slanted, harmonizing with the head shape. Eye color ranges from gold to green or amber—always rich and expressive. Blue eyes are disallowed in adults, though acceptable in kittens before color change. The expression should be alert, intelligent, and confident. Small, round, or dull-colored eyes are considered faults.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, set wide apart, and slightly tilted forward. The base is broad, with softly rounded tips, often adorned with small lynx-like tufts—an appreciated breed hallmark. The inner ear is well furnished with hair for protection. Ear placement should enhance the width of the head and emphasize the wild look. Ears that are too small, large, or incorrectly set are faults. Properly shaped and positioned ears complete the breed’s lynx-like expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, thick, and muscular, connecting the large head smoothly to the strong body. Its width contributes to the cat’s overall impression of strength and stability. Lines should be smooth and flowing. In males, the neck is more robust; in females, finer but always strong. Weak or thin necks detract from the breed type. The neck should create a seamless transition to the shoulders, reinforcing the powerful silhouette.
Body
The body is large, elongated, and muscular, with a solid bone structure. The chest is broad and deep, the back straight and strong, and the hindquarters well-developed. The abdomen is slightly tucked but retains roundness. Thighs are powerful and muscular, accentuating the silhouette. The overall impression should be one of strength and endurance, with no heaviness or coarseness. The body must remain balanced, flexible, and harmonious.
Tail
The tail is short—5 to 15 cm—but always flexible and mobile. It may be straight or slightly curved but should not be stiff or deformed. The base is broad, tapering gently to a rounded tip. The fur on the tail is thick, matching the coat type. The tail is a defining breed characteristic, giving the Pixiebob its lynx-like identity. Total absence of a tail or an excessively long one is disqualifying. Kinks or rigid joints are faults. The tail must enhance the cat’s natural balance and wild impression.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are of medium length, strong, and muscular, with substantial bone. Shoulder blades lie flat and provide stability. Elbows point straight back without turning inward or outward. The paws are large, round, with thick pads and tufts of hair between toes. Polydactyly (extra toes) is permitted and considered a unique, non-penalizing trait. Weak or overly slender limbs are faults.
Hind Limbs
Hind legs are strong and slightly longer than the forelegs, creating the breed’s characteristic bobcat gait. Thighs are muscular and merge smoothly into the body. Lower legs are sturdy and proportional. Hocks are low, facing straight back, providing excellent stability. Paws are large, round, with strong pads and possible polydactyly. Hind limbs must be well-developed and balanced, never weak or misaligned.
Gait and Movement
The Pixiebob moves with a confident, smooth gait reminiscent of a wild bobcat. The longer hind legs give the step resilience and power, resulting in a distinctive rolling motion. Movements are precise, balanced, and steady. When running, the cat shows strength, agility, and coordination. The tail balances motion gracefully. Awkwardness, stiffness, or instability are faults. The movement should express wild grace combined with domestic poise.
Coat
The coat is dense, thick, and double-layered. Two varieties exist: shorthaired and semi-longhaired. Shorthaired Pixiebobs have tight, resilient coats with distinct spotted patterns. Semi-longhaired cats have softer, slightly longer coats with ruffs and britches, enhancing the wild look. The undercoat is well-developed, protecting against cold and moisture. The texture must be firm and plush, never woolly or sparse. The coat’s texture is key to the breed’s wild aesthetic.
Permitted Colors
The Pixiebob’s signature color is a spotted tabby pattern in shades of brown, reddish-brown, or silver. The markings should be clear and evenly distributed across the body, legs, tail, and abdomen. Classic “M” lines on the forehead and eye outlines are required. A subtle “wild” ticked tone is acceptable. White patches are undesirable, though small spots on the chin or chest are tolerated. The coat must show good contrast and intensity to emphasize the wild type.
Size
Pixiebobs are a large breed. Females typically weigh 4–6 kg, maintaining graceful balance. Males are heavier—6–9 kg—with strong bone and muscular build. The backline appears slightly elevated at the hindquarters. The short tail complements the elongated body. Overly small or excessively heavy cats are undesirable. Proportions must emphasize strength and wildness while retaining smooth harmony.
Faults
Faults include weak musculature, narrow chest, overly short or long body, fine or coarse bone structure. Incorrect head shape—small, elongated, or lacking cheek definition—is a fault. Eye faults include small, round, or protruding eyes, dull color, or poor spacing. Incorrect ear size or placement, absence of tufts, or stiffness in the tail are also faults. Sparse or overly soft fur, weak coat texture, or lack of pattern clarity are penalized. In behavior, excessive shyness or fearfulness reduces evaluation scores.
Disqualifications
Serious deviations from the ICCF standard disqualify a cat. These include the total absence of a short tail, a long or rigid tail, or severe tail deformities. The absence of spotted markings or a replacement with a striped, non-spotted pattern is disqualifying. Blue eyes in adults are not permitted. Major head deformities, incorrect bite, or asymmetry of the muzzle also lead to disqualification. Severe skeletal defects or mobility issues, as well as aggression or extreme fear preventing handling, are grounds for exclusion. Cats without official ICCF documentation cannot participate in shows or breeding.
Important Notes
The Pixiebob is a rare and valuable breed that requires responsible breeding to maintain its lynx-like appearance while preserving its gentle, domestic nature. Breeding is allowed only for cats with ICCF documents verifying pedigree and health. Polydactyly is permitted and not considered a fault. Breeding cats with tail defects or lacking spots is prohibited. Proper grooming and nutrition are essential to maintain the coat’s density and shine. With adherence to ICCF standards, the Pixiebob retains its health, distinct appearance, and exceptional character.
Conclusion
The Pixiebob is a unique breed combining the wild elegance of a lynx with the temperament of a loyal companion. These cats are intelligent, affectionate, and family-oriented, adapting easily to domestic life. The ICCF enforces strict breed standards ensuring purity, health, and authenticity. Only officially registered cats may participate in breeding and shows. Responsible breeding preserves the breed’s key traits—short tail, spotted pattern, and robust build—making the Pixiebob a living symbol of strength, harmony, and devotion.
