British shorthair

Breed: British Shorthair

Nationality: Great Britain

Breed standards:

Weight: 4-8 kg

Size: medium to large

Fur type: short, dense

Coat: All colours

Origins and History: In 1871, English breeder, amongst who figures H. Weir, selected and
presented the most dignified strays in England at the Crystal Palace in London. The name
“British Shorthair” was given as to distinguish them from both foreign and oriental cats, and
long haired cats, such as the Angora. They have counterparts such as the Short Hair European
from Continental Europe and the American Shorthair in the USA. The first British Shorthairs
closely resemble the Chartreux due to their blue-grey fur, which prompted the F.I.Fe to
recognize both as a single breed. In 1977, they were again recognized as two distinct breeds;
cross-breeding was forbidden. Post-WWII, the British Shorthair was crossed with Persians: the
result was a rounder body and a larger array of colours, such as the colourpoint. In the US, it
was cross-bred with the American counterpart and recognized by the CFA in 1980. The TICA’s
last standard for the British Shorthair was in 1933. It was accredited by the FFF in 1979.

Personality: It’s round body and dense fur is not the only thing that makes this cat reminiscent
of a teddy bear: they tend to be calm and tempered. They adapt well to their surroundings,
feeling comfortable both in the city and in the countryside, as they are surprisingly good
hunters.