European Shorthair

A cat with a whole continent to call home might easily be assumed to have wide popularity but the European Shorthair is less known than either its British Shorthair or American Shorthair counterparts. 

Over the years since the breed was established, it has become less cobby than the British type, with a slightly longer and less heavily jowled face, perhaps reflecting the typical feline type of warmer mainland European countries more than it did in the past. 

It has many of the same basic traits as the British cats, however, being strong and hardy with an all-weather coat. Its personality tends to be calm and affectionate, and it is a relatively quiet breed.

BREED HISTORY
Until 1982, European Shorthairs were classified with British Shorthairs. The European Shorthair does not seem to have caught the imagination of breeders, and remains rare. 

The breed is now being selectively bred, with no British Shorthair crosses permitted in the pedigree. It is not recognized by GCCF or major breed a registries outside Europe.

Head
Triangular to rounded, with well-defined muzzle

Neck
Muscular

Eyes
Large, round, and well-spaced, with colors to math coat

Ears
Medium-sized and upright, with rounded tips

Body
Medium to large, well-muscled, but cobby

Coat
Short and dense, standing away from body

Legs
Medium-length and well muscled

Tail
Medium-length, thick at base, tapering to rounded up

Silver Mackerel Tabby
The European Shorthair is bred in the three "'traditional" tabby patterns of classic, mackerel, and spotted. The silver tabby is popular because of the vibrantly contrasting colors in its coat. The markings should be symmetrical on both sides of the body.

Key Facts
DATE OF ORIGIN    1982
PLACE OF ORIGIN European mainland
ANCESTRY Household cats, British Shorthairs
WEIGHT RANGE   8-15 lb (3.5-7 kg)
TABBY COLORS (CLASSIC, MACKEREL, SPOTTED)
Brown, Blue, Red, Cream, Tortie, Blue Tortie

Temperament

This breed is very affectionate and loving, and likes to be around humans. They are also easygoing and very tolerant toward children, dogs and other animals. Because of their intelligence, alertness and agility, they are excellent hunters and also very independent.

Do you think you look like that? Maybe in previous life, you were a silver tabby cat? :-))))