Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Tiffany, also known as the Chantilly-Tiffany, originated in the United States during the 1960s. The first kittens with long, silky chocolate-colored coats appeared unexpectedly in a domestic litter. Breeders took interest in their elegant appearance and gentle temperament. The breed developed from semi-longhaired domestic cats, and later oriental breeds were introduced to refine body elegance. During the 1970s–1980s, the Tiffany gained limited recognition in several American associations. Today it remains a rare breed, appreciated for its noble appearance, expressive eyes, and affectionate disposition.
General Appearance
The Tiffany is a medium-sized cat of graceful yet solid build. The body is elongated and elegant, with a deep chest and firm musculature. The primary feature is its long, soft, glossy coat that drapes smoothly without heavy undercoat. The head is wedge-shaped with soft lines and a slightly elongated muzzle. Eyes are large, oval, and luminous, golden-yellow to amber, giving the impression of a “glowing gaze.” Ears are medium in size and harmoniously set. The tail is long, plumed, and richly furnished. Overall, the Tiffany conveys refinement, harmony, and aristocratic elegance.
Important Proportions
All parts of the body should be balanced and flow smoothly into one another. The head is wedge-shaped, slightly longer than wide. The nose is straight, of medium length, with a gentle rise from the forehead. The chin is firm with correct bite. Ears are of medium size, proportional to the head. Eyes are large, almond-shaped, and widely set. The body is long and slender with a deep chest. Legs are of medium length; paws oval and neat. The tail is long and proportional to the body. The coat must emphasize smooth contours and elegance. Excessive heaviness, frailty, or sharp angles are undesirable.
Behavior and Temperament
The Tiffany is affectionate and sociable. These cats are devoted to their owners, enjoy companionship, and like to participate in family activities. They are gentle, calm, and balanced, getting along well with children and other pets. Intelligent and curious, they adapt quickly to new surroundings. Their voice is soft and quiet, used sparingly. The Tiffany’s temperament embodies harmony—an aristocratic yet friendly and loyal companion.
Head
The head is medium in size, wedge-shaped with flowing lines that highlight the breed’s nobility. The skull is slightly rounded, moderately broad at the cheekbones. The forehead is smooth and medium wide without flatness or bulge. The profile is straight or gently curved, without stop. The nose is straight, medium in length, blending smoothly from the forehead. The chin is firm and well developed, aligning vertically with the nose tip. The muzzle is slightly elongated—neither pointed nor short—and maintains the breed’s balance and elegance. Males have broader heads with stronger cheeks; females appear finer and more delicate.
Facial Part
The face should display harmony and soft outlines. The muzzle is medium in length, neat, complementing the wedge-shaped head. Cheeks are gently rounded, accentuating expression without coarseness. Whisker pads are well defined; whiskers long, resilient, and slightly arched, lending a noble appearance. The nose leather matches the coat color. Lips are close-fitting, forming a clear contour. The expression is calm, gentle, and refined. White facial markings are undesirable except in approved bicolor varieties, where they must be symmetrical and tidy.
Eyes
Eyes are large, oval-almond in shape, widely set and slightly angled, giving a refined look. They are always bright and expressive, with deep luminosity. Color ranges from golden-yellow to rich amber; a soft greenish tint may occur in some colors, but deep gold and amber tones are preferred. The gaze is lively, open, and friendly, with a hint of mystery. Eyelids are fine and close-fitting, emphasizing the eye shape. Small, dull, or overly round eyes detract from the breed’s characteristic expressiveness.
Ears
Ears are medium to slightly large, broad at the base and tapering to gently rounded tips. Set high and slightly tilted outward, they maintain harmony with the head and a soft overall impression. Ears should blend naturally with the head’s silhouette—neither prominent nor too small. The inner surface has fine hair; slight furnishing or tufts at the tips are desirable and enhance expression. Ears that are too large, upright, or low-set are faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong and muscular yet elegant and smooth, emphasizing the breed’s noble outline. It should connect head and body harmoniously, without appearing thick or frail. In males, the neck is more powerful; in females, slender and graceful. The topline of the neck is soft; skin smooth without folds. A short, thick, or overly long thin neck is undesirable. The neck should convey strength without heaviness.
Body
The body is medium in size, elongated, with elegant flowing lines. The skeleton is firm but not heavy; musculature dry and well developed. The chest is deep and broad, ribs rounded. The back is straight, merging smoothly into a rounded croup. The abdomen is tucked, with soft, harmonious contours. The overall impression combines strength and lightness—graceful yet solid. Males are more robust; females more refined. Excessive heaviness or delicacy, sagging abdomen, or narrow chest are faults.
Tail
The tail is long, flexible, and proportional to the body, tapering evenly to a rounded tip. It is covered with long, soft hair forming a full plume. The tail should continue the body line gracefully and move freely. Short, kinked, or deformed tails, or tails too thin or too long, break the breed’s balance. A long, flowing, feathery tail is an important feature that enhances the Tiffany’s elegance.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are medium in length, straight and slender with solid bone and firm muscles. Elbows face backward and lie close to the body. Pasterns are strong and vertical. Paws are compact, oval, with tight toes and resilient pads. White markings on the paws are undesirable except in approved colors. Bowed legs, weakness, cow-hocks, or disproportionate length are faults.
Hindlimbs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, ensuring graceful posture and movement. Thighs are well muscled with defined joints. Hocks are parallel and correctly set, neither close nor turned out. Paws are oval and match the front ones. Proper hindlimb structure provides elasticity and ease of movement. Close hocks, cow-hocks, or weak muscles are faults.
Gait and Movement
The Tiffany moves with a smooth, light, graceful gait. Movements are free, elastic, and confident. The back remains level, the tail continues the body line, emphasizing balance. The motion should appear gliding and refined. Stiff, clumsy, or short-stepped movement is undesirable.
Coat
The coat is semi-long, soft, and silky, falling smoothly with a natural shine. The undercoat is light or absent, preventing matting and easing care. Around the neck and chest, a soft ruff may form; the tail is fully plumed. The coat should enhance body lines and elegance, never appear heavy or obscure proportions. Coarse texture, lack of luster, dense undercoat, or tangled fur are faults.
Permitted Colors
The classic color is chocolate, but lilac, blue, black, cinnamon, and fawn are also allowed. Tabby patterns are accepted, highlighting the breed’s refinement. White markings are undesirable, permitted only in approved bicolors if symmetrical and balanced. The coat must remain glossy, even in tone, and emphasize harmony of form.
Size
The Tiffany is a medium-sized cat. Males are larger and more muscular, weighing 4.5–6 kg yet maintaining elegance and proportion. Females weigh 3–4.5 kg and appear lighter and more delicate. Height at the withers averages 28–32 cm. The body is moderately elongated with a deep, broad chest and straight back. The tail is proportionate, long, and plumed. Excessive heaviness or miniaturization disrupts the breed’s harmony. Sexual dimorphism is distinct but must not disturb balance.
Faults
Faults include lack of harmony or proportion—head too narrow or heavy, harsh profile, weak chin, small or pale eyes, overly round eyes, ears too large, pointed, or low-set; body too massive or too light, narrow chest, sagging abdomen; legs disproportionate or crooked; tail thin or short; coat coarse, dull, or over-dense; uneven color or non-standard markings.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying defects include incorrect bite (overshot, undershot, jaw asymmetry), loss of teeth beyond permitted limits, eye colors other than gold or amber or heterochromia, tail deformities (kinks, breaks, knots), coat lacking silky structure or shine, dense undercoat, non-standard or extreme colors, white patches outside allowed zones, or asymmetrical markings. Cats with skeletal deformities, gait defects, or severe hereditary diseases are excluded from breeding. Aggressive, excessively timid cats or those lacking ICCF documentation are also disqualified.
Important Notes
The Tiffany requires careful preservation of its distinctive type. Key features include semi-long soft hair without heavy undercoat, deep golden-amber eyes, long plumed tail, and elegant body. Kittens’ eye color may change as they mature, and the coat develops gradually. Sexual dimorphism is clear—males more powerful, females finer. Outcrossing with breeds lacking these traits is prohibited, as it would compromise coat texture and color. All cats shown under ICCF must possess official ICCF documents verifying origin.
Conclusion
The Tiffany is a rare and refined breed combining noble structure, silky coat, and expressive golden-amber eyes. It embodies harmony and elegance, with a calm and affectionate temperament. Within ICCF, this breed is recognized as a genetic and aesthetic treasure requiring strict adherence to the standard. Only cats with official ICCF documentation confirming pedigree and conformance may participate in shows or breeding. The breeder’s task is to preserve the Tiffany’s health, stability, and distinctive features, excluding faults and disqualifying traits. The Tiffany symbolizes feline elegance and grace, and ICCF ensures its protection and international recognition.
