The British Shorthair - Breed Information

 

The British Shorthair, probably the oldest English breed of cat, traces its ancestry back to the domestic cat of Rome. This breed was first prized for its physical strength and hunting ability, but soon became equally recognized and valued for its calm demeanour, endurance and loyalty to man.

The British Shorthair is a comparatively rare cat in the United States. Around 1980 it was recognized for championship competition by CFA stimulating much needed interest in the breed. Recognized world-wide, many fine “Brits” are still imported today from England, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia to help widen the gene pool for breeders in the United States

The British Shorthair is gaining in popularity every year as it is bred and exhibited by an increasing number of enthusiastic fanciers. Because of its easy-going nature and intelligence, it has become a favourite of animal trainers, for use in Hollywood films and television commercials. The British Shorthair has a short plush coat with a luxurious feel which is very easy to groom. A British Shorthair is always in quiet control of his or her environment, supervising everyone and everything that happens in the family. A larger sized cat that prefers to be on the ground, Brits are not known for acrobatics or speed. However, they are steadfast companions to the entire family and definitely look before they leap. When gracelessness is observed, the British Shorthair is duly embarrassed; quickly recovering with a “Cheshire Cat smile.”

Although first known as the British Blue, due to the breed’s original color, its native country incorporated a wide variety of colors under the term British Shorthair in the 1950’s. CFA also now recognizes the British Shorthair in many different colors and patterns.

 

British Shorthair Temperament: 

British Shorthairs are good natured, amiable. As kittens, they are playful but adult British Shorthairs tend to be less active than other breeds. They are a fairly independent breed of cat & are happy to amuse themselves (often by snoozing). They are not a vocal cat.

 

Words used to describe the British Shorthair include: Calm, affable, intelligent, quiet, and independent. 

 

Special requirements: British Shorthairs are a very low maintenance breed. A weekly brush will remove any loose hairs from the coat. 

 

Suitable for: Due to their easygoing, laid back nature, British Shorthairs make ideal pets. They get along with children & other pets.

 

The British Shorthair (BKH) is one of the most popular breeds in Germany.

It is hard to the British Shorthair cat generally be described. The BSH is a beautiful, stately, healthy and consistent and harmonious dormant cat. It is precisely their balanced nature charmed many new and old cat fans.

However, it is cuddly without intrusive to be affectionate and loyal, but still a very independent nature. The lifestyle and the daily routine of their owners, adapt easily to the BKH, but are not enslaving it.