What breeds of British Shorthair cats are there? - briefly
The British Shorthair is a distinct breed known for its dense coat and round face, with the most recognized variety being the British Blue, though it comes in various colors and patterns such as white, black, cream, and tabby.
What breeds of British Shorthair cats are there? - in detail
The British Shorthair cat is a distinct breed known for its robust build, dense coat, and calm demeanor. While the breed itself is singular, variations exist primarily in coat color and pattern, rather than distinct sub-breeds. The classic British Shorthair is the British Blue, characterized by its solid blue-gray coat, which has become iconic for the breed. Beyond the blue variant, British Shorthairs come in a wide array of colors and patterns, including black, white, cream, red, silver, and golden. Patterns such as tabby, bi-color, colorpoint, and tortoiseshell are also recognized. The tabby pattern can be further divided into classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked variations. Additionally, the British Shorthair can exhibit shaded or smoke patterns, where the fur is lighter at the base and darker towards the tips. The breed’s coat is always short, dense, and plush, regardless of color or pattern. Eye colors vary and can include copper, gold, green, or blue, depending on the coat color. For instance, white British Shorthairs often have blue or odd-colored eyes. While these variations are not separate breeds, they contribute to the diversity within the British Shorthair population, making each cat uniquely beautiful while maintaining the breed’s hallmark characteristics of a round face, sturdy body, and gentle temperament.