Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Snowshoe (from English “snow shoe” — “snowy paw”) is a relatively young breed that originated in the United States in the 1960s. It was developed by breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, who aimed to combine the colorpoint pattern of the Siamese cat with the white markings typical of the American Shorthair. The result was a unique breed that blended the elegance and expressiveness of the Siamese with the gentle, friendly temperament of the American Shorthair — distinguished by its characteristic white “boots.” Initially, the breed developed slowly due to difficulties in fixing stable traits, but by the 1980s, through careful selective breeding, the Snowshoe achieved international recognition. Today, this rare and valuable breed is appreciated worldwide for its harmony of appearance and affectionate nature.
General Appearance
The Snowshoe is a medium-sized cat with a strong yet elegant build. The body combines power and grace, resembling a smooth balance between the refined Siamese and the solid American Shorthair. Its defining features are the characteristic colorpoint pattern with white “gloves” or “boots” on the paws and symmetrical white markings on the face. The coat is short, sleek, and close-lying with a light sheen. The head is rounded-wedge in shape, with soft lines. The eyes are large, oval, and a vivid blue. The overall impression is that of a harmonious and well-balanced cat with a unique and expressive look.
Important Proportions
Snowshoe proportions must be balanced. The head is wedge-shaped but softly contoured; its length slightly exceeds its width. The nose is medium-length and straight, with a smooth forehead transition. Ears are medium-sized, matching the head’s proportions. The body is slightly elongated, with a deep chest, level back, and moderately long, slender legs ending in oval paws. The tail is proportional to the body. White markings on the face and limbs must be symmetrical. The breed should maintain elegance and strength without heaviness or thinness.
Temperament and Character
The Snowshoe is known for its friendly and social temperament. These cats are people-oriented, affectionate, and enjoy being at the center of attention, though not demanding. They are intelligent, curious, and playful yet maintain a calm, balanced nature. They bond closely with their owners, get along well with children and other animals, and communicate with a soft, melodic voice rather than loud vocalizations like the Siamese.
Head
The head is medium-sized and wedge-shaped but softer in outline than that of the Siamese. The skull is slightly rounded; cheekbones are moderate and not prominent. The forehead is of medium width, gently rounded, with a smooth nose transition. The nose is straight and of medium length; a slight indentation is permissible. The chin is firm and well-developed, aligned with the nose and lips, ensuring correct bite. The muzzle is moderately wide, neither short nor pointed. Males have stronger, more robust heads; females appear lighter and more delicate.
Facial Structure
The facial expression is symmetrical and harmonious. The muzzle is medium-length, softly rounded, with smooth contours. The nose is straight, of medium width, and the nose leather matches the point color, often with a contrasting outline. Whisker pads are moderate; whiskers are long and resilient. A hallmark of the breed is the white inverted “V” or other balanced white facial markings, which must be distinct and symmetrical. The chin should be firm and complete the overall facial balance. The expression should be open, calm, friendly, and well-balanced.
Eyes
Eyes are large, oval, and slightly slanted, giving the breed an oriental expression. They are wide-set, the space between them equal to the width of the nose. The eye color is exclusively blue, ranging from light aquamarine to deep sapphire, with vivid, clear tones preferred. The expression is gentle, intelligent, and attentive, reflecting the breed’s affectionate nature. Any dullness, uneven tone, or deviation from blue is considered a fault.
Ears
Ears are medium to slightly large, broad at the base, tapering smoothly to rounded tips. They are set high and slightly outward, complementing the wedge-shaped head. The inner surface is lightly covered with fine hair. Ears should not be too large, too small, too low, or vertical. Their correct placement enhances the harmony and elegance of the cat’s profile.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, strong yet graceful, smoothly joining the head and body. In males, it may appear more muscular; in females, slender and elegant. The top line should be smooth, with tight, wrinkle-free skin. The neck contributes to the noble and balanced appearance of the breed.
Body
The Snowshoe has a medium-sized, slightly elongated, well-muscled, and firm body without heaviness. The chest is broad and rounded; the back is straight; the abdomen is tight. The bone structure is medium yet strong, and muscles are well-defined. The silhouette should convey both strength and refinement. Males are more robust; females, more delicate.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, flexible, and proportional to the body, tapering evenly to a rounded tip. It should move freely and flow smoothly from the line of the back. Any kinks, bumps, or deformities are disqualifying.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are medium-length, straight, and slender, with oval, compact paws. The bone structure is light yet firm. Symmetrical white “boots” are mandatory; they must be well-defined, clear, and not extend above the joints. Asymmetry or uneven white markings are faults.
Hindlimbs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, providing agility and grace. The thighs are muscular; hocks straight and parallel. The white “socks” on the hind legs should be even, symmetrical, and not excessively high.
Movement
The gait is light, elastic, and graceful. Movements are free and smooth, with a steady back and rhythmic coordination. Any stiffness, clumsiness, or imbalance detracts from the breed’s elegance.
Coat
The coat is short, sleek, and close-lying, with a fine, silky texture and a natural sheen. The undercoat is minimal or absent. The pattern is colorpoint with obligatory white markings — the signature “boots” and white mask on the face must be clear and symmetrical.
Permitted Colors
Accepted colorpoints include seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac, along with their variations. Symmetrical white markings on the paws and face in an inverted “V” shape are essential, along with white on the chest and belly. Bicolor and harlequin patterns are allowed if balanced and harmonious. Solid white cats or those lacking the required white markings or point contrast are disqualified.
Size
The Snowshoe is a medium-sized breed. Males weigh 4.5–6 kg; females, 3–4.5 kg. Height at the withers is 28–32 cm. The body is moderately long and proportional. The breed reaches full development by 2–3 years of age.
Faults
Faults include deviations from balance or type: overly narrow or broad head, weak chin, unsymmetrical markings, small or pale eyes, oversized or low-set ears, excessive massiveness or thinness, poorly defined white markings, dull coat texture, or weak contrast between body and points.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include absence or extreme asymmetry of white markings, non-blue eyes, jaw defects (undershot, overshot, or asymmetrical jaw), tail deformities, skeletal abnormalities, gait defects, or absence of breed-defining features (white “boots” or facial markings). Cats lacking ICCF documentation are ineligible for shows or breeding.
Important Notes
Snowshoe breeding requires careful attention to maintaining the key traits — vivid blue eyes, symmetrical white markings, and distinct colorpoint contrast. Kittens’ colors and markings may change as they mature, so final evaluation should occur near adulthood. Crossbreeding with other breeds is prohibited to preserve type purity.
Conclusion
The Snowshoe is a rare and exquisite breed combining Siamese elegance, distinctive colorpoint contrast, unique white “boots,” and a gentle, affectionate nature. The ICCF recognizes it as a refined and distinctive breed whose preservation demands strict adherence to standards. Only ICCF-registered cats are eligible for shows and breeding. The Snowshoe represents harmony, beauty, and friendliness — a true symbol of grace and balance in modern feline breeding.
