THE
EUROPEAN SHORTHAIR
It is
the purest of all breeds, replicating its characteristics
naturally without any help from breeders. Each color is
recognized as its own breed because of the different genes
that go into producing each.
With
such a natural, direct ancestry and with a large proportion
of all European Shorthairs being born outside of controlled
breeding situations, individual cats vary widely in
temperament. However, the breed is generally territorial and
combative toward other cats, but affectionate with owners
that show it respect and care. Females, particularly, attach
to the whole family. All individuals seem to genuinely enjoy
new people. It's an extremely active cat, with a definite
need to roam large, open spaces. It is also an able mouser,
with an almost manic desire for the activity. |
There are
many breeds of the European Shorthair: Black, which is
extremely widespread and has a glossy black coat with
yellow, orange, or copper eyes; White, with snow white coat
with yellow or copper eyes; Albino, with white coat with
light blue eyes and pupils that reflect red; Cream, which is
extremely rare and has a uniform cream coat with copper or
hazel eyes. Red, with red-brown coat with orange eyes; Gray,
with gray coat with orange or copper eyes; Tabby,
tiger-striped; Marbled, see Classic Tabby pattern under
American Shorthair; Tortie, with black, red, and cream coat
with copper, orange, or hazel eyes; Tortie-with-White, with
black, red, and cream coat with white on face and chest, and
orange, amber, or copper eyes; Blue-Cream, with blue and
cream coat with orange, yellow, or copper eyes;
Black-and-White Bicolor; White-and-Blue Bicolor;
Orange-and-White Bicolor; and Cream-and-White Bicolor. |
The
fur is short, thick, fine textured, and sometimes bristly.
The body is extremely muscular and sturdy, with similar legs
and medium, round paws. The head is round with a short nose,
fully developed cheeks, large, round eyes, and relatively
small, pointed ears.
Regular brushing and stroking with a gloved hand will
maintain the coat. It is a very long-lived cat.
These
breeds, if given the slightest opportunities, will reproduce
more frequently than any other breeds. They will also
produce much larger litters. |
