Much rarer than the corresponding shorthaired breed, the Tabby Longhair is nonetheless an old-timer, making its first appearance in Europe by the end of the seventeenth century.
History
The Modern Tabby Longhair emerged during the latter half of the nineteenth century.
Temperament
Some owners consider that the Tabby is more independent than is typical for a Longhair, but it still has the same equable nature.
Varieties
The Classic should have a butterfly shape on the shoulders, three stripes running down the spine to the base of the tail, an oyster-shaped spiral on each flank, and narrow "necklaces" across the chest. Both the tail and the legs should be evenly ringed, the abdomen spotted, and a characteristic "M" should decorate the forehead. The mackerel pattern is less blotchy, more striped and lacks the spirals on the flanks. A "Torbie", or Patched Tabby, is also recognized in the US. The original tabby color of brown, red, and silver are recognized by all associations, but the newer varieties (see chart) have still to gain universal acceptance.
History
The Modern Tabby Longhair emerged during the latter half of the nineteenth century.
Temperament
Some owners consider that the Tabby is more independent than is typical for a Longhair, but it still has the same equable nature.
Varieties
The Classic should have a butterfly shape on the shoulders, three stripes running down the spine to the base of the tail, an oyster-shaped spiral on each flank, and narrow "necklaces" across the chest. Both the tail and the legs should be evenly ringed, the abdomen spotted, and a characteristic "M" should decorate the forehead. The mackerel pattern is less blotchy, more striped and lacks the spirals on the flanks. A "Torbie", or Patched Tabby, is also recognized in the US. The original tabby color of brown, red, and silver are recognized by all associations, but the newer varieties (see chart) have still to gain universal acceptance.
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Picture: Brown Classic Tabby LonghairBrown Classic Tabby Longhair
"Brownies" may be the oldest variety of the tabby Longhair, but they are still the most rare.
Body
A solid, cobby, type.
Coat
The fur is dense and silky. The Classic tabby markings should be slate-blue over a bluish-ivory base color.
Tail
Short and bushy.
Legs
Short and thick.
Feet
The paws are large and round, with pads that should be rose-pink in color.
HeadRound and broad, with a shirt nose. Deep rose-pink nose pad.
Eyes
Large, round, and orange or copper in color.
Ears
Small and round-tipped with ear tufts.
Facial Characteristics
Blue Classic Tabby Longhair.
Picture: Blue Classic Tabby LonghairBlue Classic Tabby Longhair
The deep, slate-blue markings of this variety may, to the uninitiated, make it hard to distinguish from a brown Tabby - until the fur parted to reveal the bluish-grey base color. Side markings should be symmetrical.
Silver Classic Tabby Longhair
Considered by many to be the most difficult cat to breed to the required standard, the Silver Tabby is also one of the most stunning.
