Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Toyger breed was developed in the late 20th century in the United States by breeder Judy Sugden, daughter of the creator of the Bengal cat. Her goal was to create a domestic cat resembling a miniature tiger but possessing a gentle and balanced temperament. Bengal cats and shorthaired tabbies with distinctive striped patterns were used in the breeding program. The breed was officially registered in 1993 and soon gained international recognition. Today, the Toyger is a rare and exclusive breed admired for its exotic appearance and friendly, well-tempered personality.
General Appearance
The Toyger is a medium-sized cat with a strong, elongated, and muscular body. Its most distinctive feature is the vivid tiger-like striped pattern on its short, glossy coat, giving it the look of a miniature tiger. The head is well-proportioned with soft lines and a broad nose. The ears are small and rounded, and the eyes are large, expressive, and golden or green in color. The chest is broad, the limbs are strong, and the long tail ends in a rounded tip. The overall impression is one of strength, grace, and confidence, combined with the softness and agility of a domestic cat.
Important Proportions
The Toyger’s proportions should be balanced, evoking the image of a small tiger. The body is elongated, muscular, and deep-chested, with a length that exceeds its height at the shoulders. The legs are strong and medium in length, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front, creating a subtle rise toward the rump. The head is proportionate to the body, the muzzle slightly extended, and the neck muscular and smoothly connected to the torso. The tail is long, evenly thick, and rounded at the end. Every part of the Toyger’s structure should convey harmony, power, flexibility, and wild elegance.
Temperament and Behavior
Despite its wild appearance, the Toyger is an intelligent, affectionate, and even-tempered breed. It is friendly, calm, and highly social, forming close bonds with people. Toygers adapt easily to new environments and get along well with children and other animals. They are active and playful but not aggressive, with a lively curiosity and quick learning ability. Toygers enjoy interaction, follow their owners closely, and respond well to training. Their behavior combines confidence, gentleness, and devotion, making them ideal companions.
Head
The head is medium in size, proportionate to the body, with soft contours and slight elongation. The skull is moderately wide, and the muzzle is extended with a pronounced bridge and strong chin. The profile is smooth without sharp angles. Cheeks are moderately developed, cheekbones prominent, giving the face a “wild” expression. The nose is long and broad, with a brick-red nose leather and dark outline. The overall head shape should suggest strength and refinement, forming a slightly elongated oval with rounded lines.
Facial Part
The muzzle is elongated with a broad nose and firm chin. Well-developed whisker pads give the cat a noble, wild expression. The cheeks are moderate, and the transition to the neck is smooth. The nose leather is deep red with a dark rim, enhancing color contrast. The face bears distinct vertical striping, intensifying the tiger-like resemblance. The overall expression must be symmetrical, powerful, and alert yet refined.
Eyes
The eyes are medium in size, round to slightly oval, set wide apart and gently slanted toward the nose. Their color ranges from deep golden yellow to amber or green, always warm in tone to harmonize with the coat. The gaze is deep, intelligent, and expressive, radiating energy and awareness. Dark outlines around the eyes emphasize contrast and enhance the wild look. Pale or bluish eyes and narrow or overly slanted shapes are considered faults.
Ears
The ears are small to medium, wide at the base, set high and slightly tilted forward, giving an alert, “wild” expression. Tips are rounded, never pointed. The inner surface is lightly haired, while the outer coat is short and smooth. Oversized, sharp, or narrowly set ears detract from the breed’s balance and are undesirable.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, muscular, and proportionate to the body. Males have thicker necks, while females show a more graceful form. The lines are smooth, connecting naturally to the shoulders. The neck should express both strength and suppleness, enhancing the Toyger’s powerful yet elegant presence.
Body
The body is elongated, strong, and flexible, with a well-developed chest and straight back. The chest is deep, sides rounded, and abdomen taut. The back line rises gently toward the hindquarters, forming a dynamic silhouette. Shoulders and hips are equally strong, creating balance and symmetry. Covered in dense, short fur with a bold tiger pattern, the body projects both power and elegance.
Tail
The tail is long, thick, evenly shaped, and rounded at the tip. It is flexible and follows the line of the back. Distinct dark rings encircle the tail, ending in a solid dark tip. The fur is dense and sleek, maintaining the same sheen and contrast as the body coat. Kinks, deformities, or weak patterning are faults.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are straight, medium in length, sturdy, and muscular. The bone structure is strong but not coarse. Shoulders are smooth and close to the body, ensuring steady movement. Paws are large, round, with thick pads and short toes. A visible striped pattern must be present on the legs, contributing to the tiger look.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving the body a subtle rise toward the rump. Thighs are muscular, hocks strong, and joints firm. Legs are straight and parallel, supporting graceful yet powerful movement. Paws are large and round with thick pads and distinct stripes.
Gait and Movement
The Toyger moves with a smooth, springy, and confident gait reminiscent of a tiger’s stride. The back remains level, and the motion is silent, flexible, and controlled. Every step appears measured and fluid, expressing both strength and grace. The tail balances the body naturally during motion.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, and soft, lying close to the body with a distinct sheen that gives a “golden glow” effect. Each hair has multiple shades, creating depth and shimmer. The pattern is clear and contrasting, composed of vertical or gently curved stripes resembling those of a tiger. The texture is silky and resilient. Dull, sparse, or harsh coats are considered faults.
Permitted Colors
Recognized colors are warm brown tabby tones with vivid, high-contrast striping. The ideal pattern is brown mackerel tabby with a golden-orange background and dark brown to black stripes. A slight golden iridescence is desirable. The nose leather and tail tip must be dark, and paw pads should be warm-toned. The pattern must be continuous and distinct over the entire body. Cool gray or faded colors are disqualifying.
Size
The Toyger is a medium to large cat with a solid bone structure and strong musculature. Males typically weigh 5–7 kg, females 3.5–5 kg. The body is long and athletic yet not heavy, maintaining smooth proportions. This balance of power and agility creates the impression of a miniature tiger.
Faults
Faults include weak or blurred striping, insufficient contrast, dull coat lacking shine, cool or pale tone, narrow chest, short body, thin tail, overly large or pointed ears, light eyes, or loss of color intensity. Behavioral faults such as timidity or aggression also reduce show quality.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying defects include absence of tiger pattern, spotted or marble markings, white patches in unauthorized areas, tail deformities (kinks, breaks), strabismus, jaw misalignment, cranial or limb deformities, and blue eyes. Cats showing albino traits, dull coats without contrast, or unstable temperaments are excluded from breeding and competition.
Remarks
Only healthy Toygers fully meeting the standard and free from hereditary defects may be used in breeding. Emphasis is placed on the clarity of the tiger pattern, contrast, and coat texture. The aim of breeding is to preserve the typical miniature tiger look with a gentle and steady temperament.
Conclusion
The Toyger embodies the perfect harmony between wild majesty and domestic tranquility. Created to capture the essence of a tiger in a kind, balanced cat, the Toyger combines a powerful, muscular body, short shimmering coat, and striking striped pattern with a friendly and intelligent nature. Recognized within the ICCF system, the Toyger represents strength, elegance, and modern feline beauty.
