Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Toybob breed originated in Russia at the end of the 20th century. The first representatives appeared naturally among domestic cats with short, curved tails. Breeders took interest in their miniature size, balanced proportions, and friendly temperament, initiating selective breeding. The goal was to preserve the naturally short tail without signs of dwarfism while creating a compact, healthy cat with a calm disposition. Over time, the Toybob gained recognition from international feline organizations, including ICCF, as a unique miniature breed of natural origin.
General Appearance
The Toybob is a miniature yet harmoniously built cat with a proportional body and sturdy bone structure. It has a compact body, rounded contours, and soft lines. The head is small and round, with large expressive eyes and a short muzzle. Ears are medium-sized and set wide apart. The tail is short, curved, or spiral-shaped — the breed’s defining feature. Legs are of medium length with neat, rounded paws. The coat is short or semi-long, soft, silky, and close-lying. The overall impression of the breed is miniature elegance and natural balance without any signs of dwarfism.
Important Proportions
The Toybob’s proportions must be balanced and natural, reflecting compactness and elegance. The body is short and solid, with the length approximately twice the height at the withers. The head is proportional to the body, without excessive roundness or shortening. The legs are medium in length, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front, giving a gentle rise from shoulders to rump. The tail is short — between 3 and 8 cm — and may be curved or spiral-shaped, but never straight. All parts must harmonize, emphasizing a miniature yet physically strong cat with solid bones and a balanced silhouette.
Temperament and Behavior
The Toybob is calm, affectionate, and friendly. Intelligent, devoted, and people-oriented, this cat quickly forms close bonds with humans and enjoys attention and companionship. Toybobs are excellent with children and other pets, showing no aggression and adapting easily to new environments. They are playful, curious, and active without being overly demanding. Their behavior is balanced, gentle, and intelligent, combining natural sweetness with developed intellect — making them ideal household companions.
Head
The head of the Toybob is small, round, and softly contoured, proportionate to the body. The forehead is slightly convex, with a smooth transition to a short nose. The muzzle is short and round, with pronounced whisker pads. The cheeks are full, the profile smooth, and the chin strong and proportional. The overall shape conveys softness and balance, emphasizing the breed’s harmonious and miniature nature.
Facial Part
The facial structure is short, rounded, and soft in outline. The muzzle is neat, with prominent whisker pads that give the cat a kind, intelligent expression. The nose is short and straight, with a gentle curve at the bridge. The cheeks are moderately full, and the lips fine and even. Nose leather color matches the coat. The transition from muzzle to neck is smooth, and the overall expression is tender, open, and balanced, reflecting the breed’s friendly character.
Eyes
Eyes are large, oval, wide-set, and slightly slanted toward the nose, giving a gentle and attentive look. Eye color is vivid and harmonizes with the coat — shades of green, gold, amber, or blue are acceptable. The gaze is intelligent and kind, expressing calmness and confidence. The eyes should be symmetrical, without squinting or bulging. Their shape and placement create the Toybob’s characteristic trusting, endearing expression.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, widely set, with rounded tips and a soft forward tilt. The base is broad, and the shape complements the round head. The distance between ears is moderate, giving a balanced and gentle appearance. The inner ear is lightly covered with fine hair, while the outer surface is smooth. Ears that are too large, pointed, or narrowly set are undesirable, as they disrupt the breed’s proportions.
Neck
The neck is short or medium in length, proportionate to the body, strong, and muscular. It connects smoothly to the shoulders, enhancing the Toybob’s compact and balanced form. Males have thicker necks, while females’ are finer yet equally graceful. The skin is tight without folds. The fur on the neck may form a light collar when semi-long.
Body
The Toybob has a compact, firm, and proportional body with well-developed musculature. The back is straight, chest rounded and deep, and the abdomen slightly tucked. Shoulders and hips are of equal width, providing a balanced and stable outline. Lines are smooth, emphasizing elegance and harmony. Despite its small size, the body is solid, never fragile, with natural grace and strength.
Tail
The tail is the breed’s signature trait — short (3–8 cm), curved, spiral, or kinked, but flexible and painless. The vertebrae may be fused or irregular but must allow free movement. The tail tip is rounded and soft, completing the spine’s line harmoniously. The fur on the tail matches the body length and texture. Tails that are long, straight, or rigid, or show injury or pain upon touch, are disqualifying.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are straight, medium-length, with strong but refined bone structure. Shoulders are well-developed and merge smoothly with the body. Muscles are moderate, movements light and confident. Paws are round, compact, and firm, with well-formed toes and pads. The stance is straight and parallel, ensuring steadiness and elegance.
Hind Limbs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the front, producing a subtle rise toward the rump. Thighs are strong and muscular, joints firm, ensuring excellent coordination. Paws are round and compact. Legs are straight and parallel, supporting light and soft movement. The hindquarters reflect the Toybob’s strength and agility despite its miniature frame.
Gait and Movement
The Toybob moves gracefully, smoothly, and confidently. Movements are well-coordinated, light, and elastic. The cat walks with quiet assurance, the back straight and tail naturally positioned. The gait combines ease and precision, embodying the breed’s harmony and compact grace.
Coat
The coat is short or medium in length, dense, soft, and silky to the touch. The hair is fine, smooth, and close-lying with a natural sheen. The undercoat is light or moderate, giving softness and elasticity. Medium-length coats may form a delicate collar on the neck and furnishings on the hind legs. The coat must be even and healthy-looking, highlighting the body’s flowing lines.
Accepted Colors
All coat colors are permitted: solid, tabby, colorpoint, bicolor, and combinations thereof. Common colors include cream, blue, chocolate, red, black, lilac, as well as silver and golden tabby varieties. Smoke and tortoiseshell patterns are also allowed. Eye color should harmonize with the coat — from vivid green and amber to blue in point varieties. Unbalanced or nonstandard markings are considered faults.
Size
The Toybob is a true miniature breed with well-proportioned features and strong bones. Adult males weigh 2.5–3 kg; females 2–2.5 kg. The body is compact yet muscular, never fragile. Height and length are proportionate, maintaining balance and elegance. Despite its small size, the Toybob possesses excellent endurance and vitality.
Faults
Faults include an overly long or short body, narrow chest, weak bone structure, poor musculature, oversized head, long or straight tail, dull or sparse coat, and disproportionate features. Behavioral faults such as timidity, aggression, or instability are also undesirable. Minor deviations are acceptable if they do not alter the breed’s harmony.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include absence of a short tail, long or straight tail, painful or immobile tail deformities, signs of dwarfism, limb or spinal curvature, skull deformities, incorrect bite, or visible physical abnormalities. Cats with aggression, fearfulness, disease symptoms, or unapproved coat colors are also excluded from breeding and shows.
Important Notes
Only healthy Toybobs without genetic or skeletal defects are approved for breeding. The naturally short, flexible, painless tail is essential. Breeding aims to maintain miniature size without dwarfism, ensuring strong bones, balanced proportions, and stable temperament. Cats with fixed or painful tail deformities or skeletal irregularities must not be bred.
Conclusion
The Toybob is a unique Russian breed combining miniature size, elegance, and natural harmony. With its short, curved tail, expressive eyes, and affectionate temperament, it embodies gentleness and intelligence. Friendly, loyal, and adaptable, Toybobs are perfect family companions. Despite their small stature, they remain strong, active, and resilient. Within the ICCF system, the Toybob is valued for its natural origin, balanced character, and perfect blend of grace, intellect, and miniature beauty.
