Официальное описание породы ICCF
Краткая историческая справка
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Делаю строгий официальный перевод ICCF-стандарта — полностью, без сокращений, без адаптаций, строго по оригиналу, как в переводе «Чаузи».
Начинаю с первой части (до раздела “Important Proportions”).
Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Chartreux is one of the oldest European cat breeds, known in France since the 16th century. These cats were mentioned in the monastic records of Carthusian monks, from which their name originated. It was believed that Chartreux cats were valued for their soft, wool-like coat and their exceptional ability to hunt rodents. The breed developed naturally, adapting to the climatic and living conditions of France, which ensured its robust health and endurance. In the 20th century, the Chartreux received official recognition when French breeders consolidated its characteristic traits: a strong body, copper-gold eyes, and a dense blue-gray coat. Today, the Chartreux is recognized worldwide as a national treasure of France and a breed with a rich historical and cultural heritage, valued within the ICCF system for its stable type and rare combination of elegance and strength.
General Appearance
The Chartreux is a medium to large-sized cat, solid yet graceful. The body is massive and muscular, with a broad chest and strong shoulders. The head is rounded and trapezoidal in shape, with smooth lines and well-developed cheekbones. The eyes are large, slightly oval, wide-set, and of a bright copper or golden hue. The ears are medium in size, high-set, and slightly rounded at the tips. The nose is straight and of medium length. The limbs are of medium length, strong, with rounded paws. The tail is of medium length, thick at the base, and tapers toward a rounded tip. The coat is dense, thick, and short, with a rich undercoat and an exclusive blue-gray color with a silvery sheen. The overall impression of the Chartreux is that of a powerful, balanced, and noble cat.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Chartreux must express a balance between solidity and elegance. The body is medium or large, rectangular in outline, strong but never heavy. The head is broad at the base and slightly tapering toward the muzzle, forming a trapezoidal contour. The ears are proportional to the head, set high but not too close together. The eyes are large, wide-set, and harmonize in size with the face. The limbs are of medium length, with rounded, strong paws. The tail is of medium length and must be in proportion to the body and flexible in movement. Harmony is essential: excessive heaviness or, conversely, thinness is considered a fault. Within the ICCF system, the Chartreux is valued for its precise balance of strength and elegance, clearly expressed in its proportions.
Behavior and Character
The Chartreux is known for its calm, balanced, and devoted temperament. These cats are friendly yet unobtrusive, maintaining independence while easily establishing a bond with humans. They get along well with children and other animals and rarely show aggression. Chartreux cats are intelligent, observant, and quick to learn, though they do not demand constant attention. They are distinguished by their soft voice and restraint—they rarely meow without reason. Playful but never restless, they possess an innate sense of tact, which makes them ideal companions. Within the ICCF system, the Chartreux is valued as a breed with a stable psyche, perfectly combining a noble appearance with a calm and balanced temperament.
Head
The head of the Chartreux is characterized by a broad shape resembling an inverted trapezoid. It is massive but not coarse, with smooth transitions and soft lines. The skull is wide at the base, gradually tapering toward the muzzle, giving the head an expressive look. The cheeks are well-developed, especially in mature males, emphasizing the rounded profile. The forehead is high and slightly convex. The nose is straight, of medium length and width, without excessive narrowness or shortening. The chin is strong but not protruding, harmoniously complementing the lower face. The overall contour of the head creates an impression of strength, stability, and nobility, which is a key feature of the ICCF standard.
Facial Part
The facial part of the Chartreux conveys a calm and composed expression. The muzzle is of medium length, broad at the base, and slightly narrowing toward the nose but without sharpness. The cheeks are full, adding softness and roundness to the face. The nose is straight and broad, aligned with the eye line, without abrupt curves. The chin is distinct, even, neither receding nor protruding. The lips are neat and well-defined, with a small, proportionate mouth that gives the face completeness. The overall facial impression must be harmonious, without coarseness or excessive roundness, preserving the breed’s typical serene and noble expression.
Eyes
The eyes of the Chartreux are large, slightly oval, and widely set. Their placement gives the face an open and gentle expression. The eye color must be exclusively copper or golden, bright, saturated, and deep, highlighting the breed type. Green or light tones are not permitted. The Chartreux gaze is calm, friendly, and slightly thoughtful, giving the breed its unique charm. The eyes must be symmetrical, equal in size and color, without signs of strabismus or dullness. Within the ICCF standard, the eyes define the characteristic expression of the Chartreux, combining intelligence, restraint, and nobility.
Ears
The ears of the Chartreux are medium-sized, high and wide-set, with a slight forward tilt. They should be upright, broad at the base, and slightly rounded at the tips. The ears must not disturb the trapezoidal contour of the head but instead blend harmoniously into its shape. Oversized, sharply pointed, low, or narrowly set ears are undesirable. The inner surface of the ears is well furnished with hair, though it should not protrude beyond the outline. In the breed’s exterior, the ears emphasize balance and attentiveness. Within the ICCF system, correct ear shape and placement are mandatory elements of evaluation.
Neck
The Chartreux has a medium-length, strong, and muscular neck that smoothly connects the massive head with the body. It should convey strength and stability but not coarseness. In males, the neck is broader and more powerful; in females, it is thinner yet always harmonious and proportional. During movement, the neck should remain flexible, maintaining the overall balance of the body. Overly long or thin necks, as well as short and heavy ones that break the smooth line, are faults. In the ICCF system, the correct neck is recorded as an essential breed trait, giving the Chartreux its elegant and noble outline.
Body
The body of the Chartreux is solid, massive, and muscular yet never coarse. The torso is medium to large, with a broad chest, strong shoulders, and a well-developed back. The abdomen is tucked up, but the overall impression must remain dense and powerful. The sides are rounded, and the ribs are elastic. The body is rectangular, well-proportioned, neither elongated nor short. Males are heavier and more massive, while females are more elegant but still muscular and compact. Excessive thinness, looseness, or weak musculature is unacceptable. In the ICCF standard, the Chartreux body is evaluated as a symbol of health, strength, and harmony.
Tail
The tail of the Chartreux is of medium length, thick at the base, and gradually tapers to a rounded tip. It is flexible and mobile, harmonizing with the overall body proportions. In motion, the tail should move freely, without kinks or deformities. Too short a tail, knots, or thickened areas are disqualifying faults. The tail is an important part of the exterior, completing the silhouette. Its proper form and proportion emphasize the breed’s balance. Within the ICCF standard, the Chartreux tail is a required feature, reflecting harmony and sound structure.
Forelimbs
The forelimbs of the Chartreux are of medium length, strong, straight, with solid bone structure and well-developed musculature. The paws are large, rounded, with soft pads and tightly gathered toes. The limbs should convey stability and strength, consistent with the breed’s solid body. Thin or overly long legs, weak joints, or distortions are unacceptable. The forelimbs must provide a firm stance while maintaining overall harmony with the body. In the ICCF system, correct limbs are an indicator of skeletal strength and overall breed health.
Hind Limbs
The hind limbs are slightly longer than the forelimbs, emphasizing the Chartreux’s dynamic and harmonious outline. The thighs are strong and muscular, with flexible joints. The paws are large, rounded, with soft pads. The limbs must maintain correct proportions and allow smooth, unrestricted movement. Curved legs, weak joints, excessive heaviness, or thinness are undesirable. The hind limbs should give an impression of power and steadiness, harmoniously complementing the front legs. In the ICCF system, the hind legs are evaluated as an essential element of the breed type, ensuring the cat’s agility and graceful movement.
Gait and Movement
The gait of the Chartreux is soft, confident, and fluid. Movements should be elastic and balanced, expressing both strength and harmony. The cat moves gracefully, without sharpness or fussiness. The stride is of medium length but energetic. When running, the Chartreux demonstrates good coordination and power. Lameness, stiffness, instability, or excessive lightness inconsistent with the breed’s solid type are unacceptable. Within the ICCF system, gait and movement serve as indicators of correct anatomy and sound health, confirming the breed’s structural harmony.
Coat
The coat of the Chartreux is short, very dense, and plush, with a well-developed undercoat. It is soft, springy, and gives the impression of a double layer of fur. The hairs are uniform in length and should have a silvery sheen, giving the coat its characteristic luster. To the touch, the coat is silky but firm, never coarse or sparse. Sparse fur, lack of undercoat, or excessive hair length are undesirable. Within the ICCF standard, the Chartreux coat is one of the breed’s defining features, contributing to its unique appearance and value.
Permitted Colors
The Chartreux is accepted only in a single color — uniform blue-gray in all shades, from light to dark, with a characteristic silvery sheen. The color must be pure, free from spots, stripes, or markings. The nose and paw pads are gray-blue, harmonizing with the coat. The eye color must be exclusively copper or golden, bright and intense; green or yellowish tones are not permitted. White spots, stripes, or any pattern are considered serious faults. Within the ICCF system, the color range of the Chartreux is strictly limited, which makes the breed unique and easily recognizable.
Size
The Chartreux is a medium to large-sized cat. Males typically weigh between 5 and 7 kilograms, while females weigh between 3 and 5 kilograms. The proportions must remain balanced, with no signs of excessive heaviness or thinness. The body is compact yet not bulky, with a strong skeleton and developed musculature. The height at the withers is moderate and proportional to the body. Extremely small or overly large specimens are undesirable. In the ICCF system, size is considered an important indicator of breed type and physical soundness.
Faults
Faults include an overly elongated or thin body, weak bone structure, narrow chest, or insufficiently developed cheeks. A narrow head lacking the trapezoidal shape, or a long, narrow, or sharply curved nose are also faults. A weak, slanted, or protruding chin is undesirable. Eyes that are small, pale, green, or dull are penalized. Ears that are too large, pointed, low-set, or narrowly spaced are considered faults. Legs that are too long, thin, or weak, as well as long, thin, or kinked tails, are undesirable. Sparse, harsh, or overly long fur, lack of density, or absence of the silvery sheen are coat faults. Any spots or stripes in the color are serious deviations. Behavioral faults include excessive timidity, aggression, or instability of temperament.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include absence of the uniform blue-gray color, presence of white spots, stripes, or markings. Eye colors that are green, yellow, or heterochromatic are disqualifying. Crossed eyes, congenital eyelid defects, or total or partial deafness are disqualifying as well. Incorrect bite, severe jaw deformities, or immobile, kinked, or calcified tails also disqualify a cat. Major skeletal deformities, limb curvature, or weak joints are not permitted. Sparse coat, lack of undercoat, or excessive hair length are serious disqualifications. Any signs of crossbreeding with other breeds are prohibited. Aggressive behavior or extreme fear that prevents examination is also a cause for disqualification. Cats with diseases, parasites, or evidence of surgical alteration are excluded. Within the ICCF system, such animals are fully barred from breeding and exhibition programs.
Important Notes
Within the ICCF system, maintaining purity of color and preservation of the Chartreux’s typical features is of particular importance. The color must be exclusively blue-gray with a silvery sheen, and any deviation is regarded as a serious fault. Breeders must pay close attention to health, avoiding excessive massiveness and respiratory problems. Chartreux cats must preserve their calm and balanced temperament — character is as important as exterior type. In breeding, strict adherence to the standard is required, excluding any crossbreeding to preserve the breed’s uniqueness. The ICCF emphasizes that maintaining harmony, noble appearance, and a stable temperament are the primary responsibilities of breeders.
Conclusion
The Chartreux is a noble French breed with a unique history and distinctive appearance. It is characterized by a solid, muscular body, trapezoidal head, large copper-gold eyes, and a dense blue-gray coat with a silvery sheen. Its calm temperament and loyalty make it an ideal companion. Within the ICCF system, the standard enforces strict requirements: uniform blue coat, harmonious proportions, and stable disposition. Only cats possessing official ICCF documentation confirming their origin and compliance with the standard are eligible for shows and breeding. This ensures preservation of the breed’s unique traits and prevents undesirable deviations. The Chartreux stands as a symbol of elegance, strength, and French heritage in the world of feline breeding.
