 |
Nebelung |
|
TranslationFrancis Vandersteen |
||
OriginThe Nebelung is a cat breed originally from Russia. |
| This cat is the semi-long-haired variety of the Russian Blue, whose genetic characteristics it shares. |
A brief historical overview |
| The instability of the early 20th century was very difficult for many breeds, some of which almost disappeared. Such is the case of our Russian Blue cats. The American line of this breed was created by the cats Siegfried (1984) and Brunhilde (1985). Cora Cobb, owner of Siegfried and Brunhilde, was very impressed by the beauty of these blue-gray cats. Siegfried and Brunhilde have the physique of a Russian Blue, but with semi-long hair. To find out whether it was possible to start a new breed with these cats, Cora contacted the geneticist of the American cat association TICA, Dr. Solveig Pfleuger, who declared that the breed would be defined as Russian Blue Semi-longhair. Aided by Dr. Pfleuger, Cora Cobb described the breed standard on the basis of the Russian Blue, but with one difference: its coat length. The first description can be found in the breed standards of the TICA (the first association to identify the Nebelung). During a visit to Eastern Europe, Cora Cobb was introduced to a Russian Blue with a medium-length coat. A bond was established. The first Nebelung exchange between Russia and the United States didn't come much later. This is how "Georgin Winter Day" joined the "Nebelheim" kennel. In 1993/1994 the first Nebelung arrives in the Netherlands. Not from the USA, as the story suggests, but from Russia. In the Netherlands, a Russian Blue "Fokster Letty van den Broeck" unexpectedly turned out to carry the longhair gene. This kitten confirms the possibility of the longhair factor in the Russian Blue breed. The longhair gene is recessive, and cats can carry it without being known to do so. The first two Nebelung cats known from France are Ciastek The Grey from Poland and Ölrùn Azadeh from the Netherlands. His name is a word-valise referring to mist (in German "Nebel") and to the fantastic creatures of the Nibelungen (to which the names of the two cats from which he is descended refer). |
General appearance |
| The Nebelung's physical characteristics are the same as those of the Russian Blue (a variety of the breed along with the White and Black). The body is fine and elegant, the tail long, the ears almost as wide at the base as they are high, alert, slightly rounded tips, rather large size, spaced out, fairly vertical, sparse fur on the inside, outside covered with short, fine hair. A feathering behind the ears, wing angel, is appreciated. Eyes should be green, as dark as possible. Medium-sized, with a muscular body. The Nebelung is close to the English-type Russian Blue. |
Behavior / characteristics |
| The Nebelung is described as lively, mischievous, affectionate, intelligent and good company. It lives well indoors and is also very dexterous. Like its brother the Russian Blue, it prefers a quiet home. The Nebelung is also described as aloof with strangers, but an active participant in family life. However, these traits are entirely individual and depend above all on the history of each cat. |
Health |
| No special care is required for a Nebelung. The grooming typical of long-haired breeds is not necessary for the Nebelung. Its silky coat doesn't knot. As with all quality cats, its nails and ears should be trimmed every month. This is important for ear hygiene. A fine currycomb brush should be used routinely to remove dead hair. This is important during moulting to prevent hair ingestion. A metal comb can also be used. Bathing is possible from time to time. Bathing requires training. Minet needs to be wetted gradually. An initial degreasing shampoo is followed by a "Silver" shampoo. After towel-drying, we release him in a warm place. A hairdryer can be used with a little training. |
Head |
||
Cranial region |
||
Head |
The contours of the head are formed by seven flat faces: - from the top of the skull to the forehead ; - from the forehead to the tip of the nose, which forms a straight line in profile ; - from the tip of the nose to the point of the chin ; - two symmetrical faces on each side of the muzzle ; - two symmetrical faces formed by the broad, high cheekbones. Triangular when viewed from the front, the head is particularly wide at eye level. |
|
Facial region |
||
Muzzle |
With its rounded contours, on the other hand, the rather short, pinchless muzzle extends the triangle of the head. The slightly upturned corners of the mouth give it a gentle, smiling expression. | |
Eyes |
Walnut-shaped, the eyes are fairly large and set wide apart. The color is the deepest possible green in adults. | |
Ears |
As high as they are wide at the base, they are spaced the width of an ear. Covered with short, fine hairs on the outside, they are furnished with longer hairs on half the inner surface. | |
Neck |
| Long and fine, the neck appears heavier than it really is due to the density of the fur. |
Body |
||
Generality |
Foreign in shape, the body is long and elegant. Well muscled and without any heaviness, it can appear more robust than it really is, due to the density of the coat, especially in the Nebelung. Fine bones and powerful muscles. | |
Tail |
| Rather thick at the base, the tail is of medium length, reaching to the base of the shoulder blades. Well furnished. |
Limbs |
| Long and slender, the legs are in proportion to the body. | ||
Forequarters |
Hindquarters |
Feet |
| Small and relatively round. |
Coat |
||
Coat and texture |
Medium-length, with fairly fine undercoat covered by thicker guard hair. Males often have a beautiful ruff, which is more discreet on females. Pants are desirable, as are light "lynx tips" behind the ears. | |
Color and ticking |
Blue: uniform, luminous blue, with a preference for lighter shades. The tips of the guard hairs have a silver coloration that gives the coat a shiny, silver-sprinkled appearance. The nose is charcoal gray and the pads dark lilac. | |
Authorized marriages |
| Crosses between Russian Blue and Nebelung are permitted and even encouraged. It's good for the Nebelung gene pool and doesn't harm the Russian Blue. |
English (United Kingdom)