American Bobtail

		American Bobtail
		Translation Francis Vandersteen
		Origin The American Bobtail is a new breed of cat from the United States.


This medium to large cat is characterized by its almost complete lack of tail.

A brief historical overview

The breed was discovered in 1965 by an American couple, the Sanders, in the state of Arizona. The kitten had a wild look and a short, curled tail. They immediately decided to adopt him and named him Yodie. We crossed him with a Siamese. One of the kittens born of this litter was crossed with a cream cat, and it is the kittens born of this union that are the first subjects of the breed.
At first, only shorthairs were available, but the breed was crossed with Persians to obtain a semi-longhair variety.
The breed has been recognized by TICA since 1989. It is also recognized by the LOOF, but remains rare in Europe.

General appearance

The American Bobtail must give the impression of an active, alert, athletic and well-proportioned cat, with a tail that is neither too long nor too short, which would affect its natural balance.
The absence of a tail is due to a natural genetic mutation. Generally speaking, the Bobtail is a medium to large-sized cat that grows slowly, up to two or three years.

Behavior / characteristics

Bobtails are reputed to be patient, active but gentle cats. They are said to be attached to their owners and dislike solitude. They generally get on well with dogs. They are also said to be good hunters.

Head
Cranial region
Head		The head is broad, with powerful jaws and no flat surface.

Facial region
Nose		Viewed from the side, the nose has a gentle curve between the eyes, but there may be a slight stop.
Muzzle		The muzzle is as broad as it is long, with well-defined blocks.
Cheeks		Full cheeks.
Eyes		Large and wide, oval-shaped, set at an angle to the base of the ear. Color should be as uniform as possible.
Ears		Medium-sized, broad at the base, wide open and set fairly low on the head. They are slightly rounded, with lynx tips at the tips. The inside is well furnished with abundant hair.

Neck

In proportion to the body, the neck appears short due to the strength of the musculature and density of the coat.

Body
Generality		Semi-cobby in shape, the athletic, powerful body is slightly longer than it is tall. Males should be more strongly built, with broad shoulders and a muscular appearance. Females should also be muscular, while maintaining a feminine elegance.
Back		Straight back.
Chest		Full chest and strong hips.
Side		Broad flanks.

Tail

Naturally short and supple, between 2.5 and 10 cm long (without hair), never reaching beyond the hock.

Limbs

Well proportioned to the body, the legs are heavily boned and muscular.
Forequarters

Hindquarters
Generality		Hindquarters are slightly longer than front legs.

Feet

Broad, round feet.

Coat
Coat and texture		Shorthair: Medium-short, slightly shaggy coat with slightly longer hair on ruff, breeches, belly and tail. Seasonal variations are noticeable. Semi-longhair: Semi-long, dense, shaggy coat with lots of undercoat. It is most abundant on the ruff, breeches, belly and tail. Tufts of hair between the toes are desirable. Seasonal variations are permissible. Texture is dense and resilient in all seasons.

Size and weight
Height at withers		Male height at withers: between 22 and 24 cm. Female height at withers: between 22 and 24 cm.
Weight		Average adult male weight: between 6 and 9 kg. Average adult female weight: between 5 and 8 kg.

Tolerances

A straight tail is ideal, but it can be slightly knotted, kinked, curved or hooked at the tip, as long as it remains flexible.

White medallions are tolerated.

Penalties

Tail too long (extending beyond the point of the hock) or too short (less than 2,5 cm).

Extremely short muzzle.

Nose with too pronounced a stop.

Thin bone structure.

Coat flat or too silky.

Refusal of any title

Absence of tail, tail of normal size, docked tail.

General faults and defects eliminatory in show.

Authorized marriages

American Bobtail Shorthair x American Bobtail Shorthair

American Bobtail Longhair x American Bobtail Longhair

American Bobtail shorthair x American Bobtail longhair

Details: Last Updated: 14 July 2024; Hits: 184

American Bobtail