The magical, “now you see it, now you don’t” quality of the British Smoke comes from its unusual fur. This is composed of a one-colored topcoat over a white undercoat. When the cat is in repose it looks solid-colored, but when it moves the white can be seen flickering through to beautiful effect.
History
The British Smoke can count Silver Tabbies and solid-colored British Shorthairs in its ancestry, which extends back to the late nineteenth century. These days, Smoke are usually either mated to other Smokes or, to improve the breed type, to Blue Shorthairs.
Temperament
This is a peasant-natured, affectionate and intelligent cat.
Varieties
Only two varieties of British Smoke are recognized in both Great Britain and the US: the Black Smoke and the Blue Smoke.
British Black Smoke Shorthair
The appearance of the Smoke’s coat is determined by two genes: one inhibits pigmentation of the undercoat and the other enhances the tipping of the cat’s topcoat.
Picture: British Black Smoke Shorthair
Body
Strong and muscular.
Coat
The fur should be short and dense. The undercoat is white, or pale silver, covered by a topcoat that is tipped with black.
- Deep tipping is almost indistinguishable from a solid color.
Tail
Short and thick.
Legs
Short, but well-proportioned.
Feet
The paws are large and round, with black pads.
Head
Round and broad, with a short, straight nose and black nose pad.
Ears
Medium in size and round-tipped.
Eyes
Large and round, should be copper, orange or deep gold in color.
Facial Characteristics
British Black Smoke Shorthair.
British Tortoiseshell Smoke Shorthair
A variety that is not yet recognized in the US, the Tortie Smoke’s coat markings produce a wonderful, hazy, effect.
Picture: British Tortoiseshell Smoke Shorthair
History
The British Smoke can count Silver Tabbies and solid-colored British Shorthairs in its ancestry, which extends back to the late nineteenth century. These days, Smoke are usually either mated to other Smokes or, to improve the breed type, to Blue Shorthairs.
Temperament
This is a peasant-natured, affectionate and intelligent cat.
Varieties
Only two varieties of British Smoke are recognized in both Great Britain and the US: the Black Smoke and the Blue Smoke.
British Black Smoke Shorthair
The appearance of the Smoke’s coat is determined by two genes: one inhibits pigmentation of the undercoat and the other enhances the tipping of the cat’s topcoat.
Picture: British Black Smoke ShorthairBody
Strong and muscular.
Coat
The fur should be short and dense. The undercoat is white, or pale silver, covered by a topcoat that is tipped with black.
- Deep tipping is almost indistinguishable from a solid color.
Tail
Short and thick.
Legs
Short, but well-proportioned.
Feet
The paws are large and round, with black pads.
HeadRound and broad, with a short, straight nose and black nose pad.
Ears
Medium in size and round-tipped.
Eyes
Large and round, should be copper, orange or deep gold in color.
Facial Characteristics
British Black Smoke Shorthair.
British Tortoiseshell Smoke Shorthair
A variety that is not yet recognized in the US, the Tortie Smoke’s coat markings produce a wonderful, hazy, effect.
Picture: British Tortoiseshell Smoke Shorthair