About the American Shorthair
Breed. About the American Shorthair
Breed.
---------- The American Shorthair had it's beginnings as the domestic shorthair. Around the turn of the century, a Red shorthaired tabby came to America with a pedigree. Several others followed, and within several years, the first American called Buster Brown, was registered in the U.S.A. They were still called Domestic Shorthairs.
---------- During the 1930's & '40's the breed became diluted and lost many of it's great attributes. During the 1950's a courageous group of breeders started to bring the breed back to it's original glory. Some Federations made allowances for non-pedigree cats to be registered to help the gene pool. Interest was re-kindled in the breed.
---------The Breed was named in the mid '60's as the American Shorthair, and won over many hearts in the Fancy ever since. About this time, an American was awarded Cat of the year by the Cat Fancier's Federation and it happened again in 1971 when CFA did the same! The most recent is CFF's award to Settler Music Major of Pilgrim Paws for the 1998-1999 Show Season as Cat of the Year!
---------- THEY COME IN COLORS: The present day American comes in a variety of colors and pattern. The main patterns are the Mackeral Tabby with tiger stripes on the sides and the Classic or Blotched Tabby with the bullseye pattern. They can be solid and shaded as well.
---------- Probably the most recognized color is the Silver Classic Tabby, like Major, but there are also Browns, Blues, Reds, Cameo, Cream, Patched, and a host of dilute colors as well. There are Smokes, Solids, Shaded, & bi-colors (usually a tabby & white) pattern.
---------- Most breed standards class the American as a working breed with strong features and bold features. They are generally a curious and extremely friendly breed. While they have their moments, they are usually investigating visitors, looking over their domain, and most often checking out the nearest lap for a snoooze and fluffing. They also like a good meal. They generally make friends easily and have a gentle disposition as well as wanting to play, much to the enjoyment of their owners.
