Introduction

The British is a medium to large sized cat, sturdy and powerful, round in every aspect. His round head, apple shaped, shows a sweet and open expression strengthened by his big eyes. His short and round muzzle, his strong neck, his powerful body with very wide shoulders and hips make him an impressive cat. It delivers a general impression of power and sweetness. There are two varieties of British: shorthair and longhair.

Head:

the head is broad with well-rounded contours when viewed from any angle. The cheeks are full. The top of the head is rounded, followed by a slightly concave curve. The nose is short and broad. A slight stop is allowed. Adult males have definite jowls.

Muzzle:

when viewed from the front or from the side, the muzzle is set in a well-defined circle with firm and full whisker pads. The nose and edge of nose are straight. The end of the nose is in line with the very firm chin.

Eyes:

round, big and well opened, the eyes are set well apart which strengthens the breadth of nose. The eye colour should be even and in relation to coat colour. The more intense and brilliant tones are preferred.

Ears:

wide at the base, the ears are medium to small, with rounded tip. They are set wide apart and should fit into the rounded contour of the head.

Neck:

stocky and muscled, the neck is very short, almost non-existent.

Body:

semi-cobby in type, the body is big, thick, muscled and round. It shows strong boning and powerful musculature. It is medium to large in size.

Legs:

medium, the legs are slightly shorter than the body length. Their boning is substantial and they are strongly muscled.

Feet:

round and firm.

Tail:

wide at base, the tail’s length is about two thirds of body length. It is almost as wide from the base to the end, which is round.
British Longhair: the tail is furnished and like a plume.

Coat and texture:

British shorthair:

short, dense and thick fur, straight to the point that it stands away from the neck when the cat moves its head. It looks like a woollen carpet. The coat has a thick undercoat and gives the impression of a good natural protection.

British longhair:

semi long, silky fur, with a thick undercoat. Ruff and britches are well furnished.

Allowances

Seasonal changes in hair texture are allowed.

British shorthair:

texture can be somewhat different in cats of non-dilute colours.

British longhair:

quality of texture can be different according to colours, but density must be the same.

Penalize

Coat too long in texture or lying down on the body in British Shorthair.
Lack of undercoat or density in general.
Flat forehead, stop too strong, nose too long.
Cow hocks.
Ghost tabby markings in solid coloured cats, except in red-coloured cats.

Withhold all awards

White lockets in non particolor cats.
Appearance too close to the Exotic or Persian.
Pinched nostrils.
Fine boning. Lack of muscle tone.
General show penalties and withholdings.