Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Japanese Bobtail is an ancient breed with a centuries-long history in Japanese culture. The first mentions of cats with short tails appear in Japanese chronicles of the 8th century, when they were brought from China and Korea. These cats quickly gained special significance — they were regarded as household guardians and symbols of good fortune. The image of the Japanese Bobtail often appeared in paintings, woodblock prints, and sculptures. By the 17th century, the breed was actively bred in monasteries and noble households, which helped solidify its unique traits. In the 20th century, the Japanese Bobtail gained international recognition and official breed standards. Today, it retains the status of a national symbol of Japan and is considered a rare but highly valued breed, appreciated by breeders worldwide.
General Appearance
The Japanese Bobtail is an elegant, well-balanced medium-sized cat with strong bone structure and well-developed musculature. Its distinctive feature is the short, pom-pom-shaped tail formed by kinks and curls, each unique to the individual. The body is slender and elongated, with a flexible back and graceful posture. The head forms an almost equilateral triangle with smooth lines and balanced proportions. Ears are large and set high; the eyes are large, expressive, and oval, giving the breed its characteristic oriental look. Limbs are long, fine, yet strong, with oval paws. The coat may be short or semi-long, silky and glossy. The overall impression should convey lightness, grace, and vitality, maintaining balance between elegance and strength.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Japanese Bobtail must be strictly balanced. The body is elongated but not extreme, with a smooth transition from shoulders to hips. The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, emphasizing the breed’s dynamic silhouette and characteristic gait. The head is harmonious with the body; its width at the base corresponds to its length. The ears must be proportional to the head size and set at a slight angle, creating an alert appearance. The eyes should match the width of the muzzle and be slightly slanted. The tail is short but covered with dense fur, creating the visual effect of a round pom-pom, and must always be proportional and unique. Symmetry, balance, and a combination of refinement and natural strength are fundamental requirements of the ICCF standard.
Behavior and Character
The Japanese Bobtail is known for its activity, curiosity, and friendliness. Extremely social, it enjoys attention and easily bonds with people. The breed is highly intelligent, trainable, and capable of learning simple commands. Bobtails are communicative and often “talk” in melodious tones, expressing a wide range of emotions. They adapt easily to new environments and get along well with children and other pets. The Japanese Bobtail is non-aggressive by nature and prefers to be at the center of family life, participating actively in household routines. Playful and energetic, it enjoys interactive games and mental challenges. Its balance of liveliness and calm temperament makes it an ideal breed for both experienced breeders and families.
Head
The head of the Japanese Bobtail forms an equilateral triangle with smooth, flowing lines and no abrupt transitions. The skull is gently rounded with a smooth contour—neither flat nor overly domed. Cheekbones are well-defined, giving the breed its oriental type. The forehead is moderately high, with a soft, harmonious slope to the nose. The profile is straight with a slight concavity at the bridge, producing an elegant outline. The muzzle is of medium length, neither pointed nor short, and proportionate to the head. The chin is firm yet not heavy, balancing the overall contour. The head should give an impression of refinement, lightness, and harmony among all features.
Facial Part
The face of the Japanese Bobtail has soft, gentle contours. Cheeks are slightly rounded without heaviness, emphasizing the breed’s graceful nature. The muzzle is neat and moderately long, proportionate to the head width. The nose is straight, of medium length, with a slight rise toward the bridge and no abrupt stop. The chin is well-developed and aligned with the nose tip. Lips are fine and well-defined, giving a neat expression. The facial structure should highlight the oriental character—alert, intelligent, and kind. Harsh lines or excessive roundness are undesirable, as harmony is a key ICCF requirement.
Eyes
The eyes of the Japanese Bobtail are among its most expressive features. They are large, oval, and slightly slanted toward the nose, creating the distinctive oriental expression. Eye color should be bright and clear, harmonizing with the coat. Yellow, copper, green, and blue are common, and odd-eyed individuals are prized in bicolor or tricolor patterns. The gaze is open, lively, intelligent, and attentive. The eyes should be moderately spaced—neither too close nor too wide apart—and convey a friendly and noble expression. Eyes play a central role in defining breed type and are a mandatory point of evaluation under ICCF standards.
Ears
The ears of the Japanese Bobtail are large, upright, and set high on the head with a broad base tapering to slightly pointed tips. They are positioned almost vertical, tilted slightly forward, creating an alert and lively expression. The inner surface is well furnished, with possible tufts at the tips, especially in semi-longhaired varieties. Ears must be proportional to the head and emphasize its triangular outline. The spacing between them should maintain harmony of the silhouette. Low-set or excessively large ears are considered faults. Correct shape and placement contribute to the breed’s oriental elegance, as defined by the ICCF standard.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, slender, graceful, yet muscular. It joins smoothly with the body, maintaining a continuous flow of lines. Seen in profile, the neck forms a gentle arch, adding to the breed’s elegance. In females it appears finer and more flexible; in males, slightly stronger but still refined. The neck should allow the head to be carried high, expressing confidence and poise. It must remain flexible in movement, complementing the body’s balance. A neck that is too short, thick, or overly long disrupts harmony and is penalized in ICCF evaluation.
Body
The body of the Japanese Bobtail is medium in size, elongated, slender, and muscular. It should give an impression of lightness and balance, yet retain strength. The chest is deep but not broad; the back is straight and firm with a smooth transition to the croup. The abdomen is tucked up, emphasizing the breed’s athletic build. The sides are slightly rounded, with resilient ribs. The overall body shape must combine elegance and functionality without heaviness. Males are generally larger and stronger; females, more delicate but equally well-proportioned.
Tail
The tail is the hallmark of the Japanese Bobtail. It is short, composed of curves and kinks forming the distinctive “pom-pom,” densely covered with fur. When straightened, its length ranges from 5 to 8 cm, though it appears shorter due to the kinks. Each tail is unique, adding individuality to each cat. The tail hair is longer and denser than on the body, enhancing the rounded tuft effect. The tail must be well-defined, noticeable, and in harmony with body proportions. The absence of a tail or a tail that is too long is considered a serious fault under ICCF standards.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are straight, slender, yet strong, of medium length. Bone structure is firm but not coarse; musculature is well developed, reflecting the breed’s agility. Shoulders are well-set, forming the correct angle with the body. Paws are oval, neat, with flexible toes and soft pads. Pads may vary in color according to coat pattern. Limbs should convey lightness and grace while maintaining stability and jumping power. Any curvature, coarseness, or disproportionality is a fault. Correct forelimb structure contributes to mobility and balance, essential in ICCF assessment.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are longer than the forelegs, creating the breed’s dynamic and springy silhouette. Thighs are muscular and strong, providing excellent jumping ability. Hock joints are well-defined and correctly angled. Paws are oval and neat, matching the forelegs. The structure of the hind limbs gives the Japanese Bobtail its distinctive light, elastic gait. Weak joints, poor musculature, or disproportions are penalized. The harmony between fore and hind limbs defines proper balance and motion, key evaluation points in the ICCF system.
Gait and Movement
The gait of the Japanese Bobtail is light, springy, and graceful. Movements are smooth, fluid, and energetic, with a constant impression of readiness to leap. The elongated body and long hind legs produce free, elastic motion with excellent coordination. The gait should be soft and silent, conveying elegance and vitality. During running, the steps are quick, flexible, and well-balanced. Any stiffness, limping, or hesitation is a serious fault. The fluidity and rhythm of movement are essential indicators of correct breed type under ICCF standards.
Coat
The coat of the Japanese Bobtail may be short or semi-long. In both types it is soft, silky, glossy, and lies close to the body, accentuating the cat’s graceful shape. Semi-longhaired varieties have more plume-like fur on the tail and hind legs, enhancing the pom-pom effect. The undercoat is minimal or absent, preventing matting and simplifying grooming. The coat should appear natural and light. Harsh or coarse texture is undesirable. Coat quality plays a vital role in the breed’s elegance and is carefully judged in ICCF exhibitions.
Acceptable Colors
The Japanese Bobtail is recognized in a wide variety of colors. The most prized are the traditional “mi-ke” (tricolor) patterns, especially white with black and red patches. All solid, tabby, bicolor, van, and harlequin patterns are allowed. White is often preferred as a background to highlight contrasting markings. Blue or odd-colored eyes are permitted and add special charm. Disallowed colors include chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, and colorpoint. ICCF standards emphasize harmony and clarity of pattern, ensuring that coloration enhances the breed’s balanced and traditional appearance.
Size
The Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized cat. Males typically weigh 3.5–5 kg, females 2.5–4 kg. The breed should never appear heavy or massive; its structure must remain slender and elegant. Males are slightly taller at the shoulders, especially due to longer hind legs. Size must remain balanced — extreme smallness or bulkiness is undesirable. Proper size highlights the breed’s balance of grace and strength, a fundamental requirement in the ICCF system.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from the established standard: tail too long, straight, or lacking kinks and pom-pom form; insufficient tail fur; incorrect head shape — coarse, overly round, or narrow; ears too small or low-set; eyes too small, round, or dull; improper body proportions — excessively short or long torso, weak muscles, or heaviness; short or thick neck; legs crooked, too heavy, or underdeveloped; restricted or uneven movement; harsh coat texture or lack of sheen; poor or uneven coloration. Any visible imbalance or loss of harmony is considered a serious fault under ICCF rules.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include total absence of a tail or a tail exceeding standard length without characteristic kinks; congenital spinal or tail deformities; strabismus, deafness, incorrect bite, or jaw deformities; signs of disease or malnutrition; disallowed coat colors such as chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, or colorpoint; lack of body harmony, excessive heaviness, or emaciation; aggressive or excessively fearful behavior preventing examination; evidence of surgical alteration or cosmetic tail modification. Any major deviation from the true Japanese Bobtail type results in disqualification under ICCF regulations.
Important Notes
Breeding of the Japanese Bobtail requires special attention to maintaining the unique tail structure. Each tail is individual and should appear natural, with no signs of injury or manipulation. Coat color harmony, particularly the traditional tricolor pattern, must be preserved. ICCF judges evaluate not only exterior features but also temperament: friendliness, activity, and sociability are mandatory traits. Breeders must exclude cats with congenital defects, weak immunity, or behavioral issues. The Japanese Bobtail is regarded as a cultural treasure of Japan, and preserving its genetic purity is a matter of great importance.
Conclusion
The Japanese Bobtail is a unique breed combining aesthetic harmony, expressive temperament, and deep cultural heritage. Its elegant body, distinctive tail, and traditional coloration make it one of the most recognizable and revered cats in the world. The ICCF standard sets strict rules for breeding and exhibition, ensuring the breed’s purity and authenticity. Only cats with official ICCF documentation confirming lineage and conformity to the standard are eligible for shows and breeding programs. This guarantees the preservation of the breed’s unique qualities and prevents undesirable crossbreeding. The Japanese Bobtail embodies the harmony of tradition and modernity and remains a true jewel of global feline culture.
