History of occurrence
A breed from Central Europe, developed solemnly for aesthetic purposes. Modern european shorthair originate from common homepets. While making a new breed, fanciers were striving to concrete their utility, while cutting their strive towards wandering the streets and generally making them more emotionally stable. To achieve this, homecats were crossed with persian and, particularly in France, with Chartreuse. Contemporary british celtics were blue, and germans were mostly breeding silver and white. The breeding process begun in early 20th century, and the first standard is dated 1925. Even despite that, FIFe has given it's official acclaim as late as in 1982, and they were treating celts as british shorthair ever before. According to WCF standard, the “Celtic" in breed's name pinpoints their historical origin.
General form
Typically a large feline (males weight nearing 20 lbs), that resembles an elongated and somewhat more lean british shorthair.
Отличительная особенность породы Celtic shorthair (European shorthair)
Head is broad, head gives a rounded impression, it is slightly longer than broad.
Nose is straight, of medium length and equally broad in the entire length.
Profile is clearly curved. The neck is of medium length and muscular.
Ears are medium sized with slightly rounded tips, which may have tufts.
Ears are wide set and almost upright. The ears are as high as their width at the base
Eyes are rounded and open, set wide apart and set at a slight angle.
Eye colour shall be even and corresponds with the coat colour.
Neck: of medium length, muscular.
Torso: from medium to large size, robust, strong and muscular. Not cobby, very lithe. Rib cage is rounded and well developed.
Legs: strong, solid, of medium length. Evenly narrowing to paws.
Paws: compact, rounded, firm.
Tail: of medium length, rather broad at the base, tapering to a rounded tip.
Coat is short, dense, firm and glossy.
Colours: chocolate and cinnamon, as well as their dilution (lilac and fawn) are not recognized in any combinations (bicolour, tricolour, tabby). The pointed pattern is also not recognized. All other colours and patterns are recognized.
Nature of the movements are similar to dogs.
Character
Because the breed has been developed from ordinary domestic cats, which have very different temperaments, the character of the European Shorthair is impossible to summarise. Members of this breed may be very affectionate but there are others that prefer to be out mousing. Most European Shorthairs are strong and active, and as a rule they are friendly. They get on well with other cats and tolerate dogs well. European Shorthairs are intelligent and playful, and most of them are expert at keeping houses and gardens free of mice.
Maintenance care
These cats are a breeze to look after, as if their coat looks nice while being periodically brushed. During the heat season, however, their coat may require additional attention.
Because of the diverse nature of the gene pool there are no known genetically passed health concerns for the European Shorthair. However, genetically passed deafness has been associated with the blue-eyed white haired variety.
With its short, dense coat the European Shorthair is extremely easy to care for – weekly grooming is enough to keep your cat’s coat in top condition.
Many breeders do not recommend the European Shorthair for homes with young children as it is near impossible to determine a cat’s temperament while they are still kittens.
Lifespan — 15-22 years.
Dignity
They are known for their good health and resistance to infection.
Difficulty keeping
Very developed hunting instinct.
Diseases
All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit diseases. Any breeder who claims that her breed has no health or genetic problems is either lying or is not knowledgeable about the breed. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.
The British Shorthair is generally healthy, but he’s prone to hypertophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hemophilia B, a hereditary bleeding disorder. A DNA test has been developed that allows breeders to identify hemophilia B carriers or affected cats.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. An echocardiogram can confirm whether a cat has HCM. Avoid breeders who claim to have HCM-free lines. No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM. British Shorthairs that will be bred should be screened for HCM, and cats identified with HCM should be removed from breeding programs. Do not buy a kitten whose parents have not been tested for this disease.
Do not buy from a breeder who does not provide a written health guarantee. Remember that after you’ve taken a new kitten into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity.
Keeping a British Shorthair at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to protect his overall health. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier cat for life.
