Like the Longhaired Chinchilla and Cameo, this breed has a white undercoat and a tipped topcoat, a beguiling combination that produces a distinct sparkle when the cat moves. The tipping should be evenly distributed and largely confined to the upper part of the body.
History
A complex breeding program that incorporated cats with silver genes, Blues, and Smokes produced the cat that we know today. Known originally as a Chinchilla Shorthair, it was recognized under its present name in 1978.
Temperament
Good-humoured and intelligent, the British Tipped makes an affectionate companion.
Varieties
The tips of this much-admired breed can be any British color, with the addition of chocolate and lilac.
Black-tipped British Shorthair
Green eyes, outlined in black, make this variety stand out from the crowd; all other varieties have orange or copper-colored eyes.
Picture: Black-tipped British Shorthair
Body
A strong, muscular, stocky type.
Coat
The fur is short and dense. Color should be white with black tipping on the back, flanks, head, ears, and top of the tail.
- The white of the undercoat should be as pure as possible.
- Legs may be marked with faint “ghost” rings.
Tail
Short and thick.
Legs
Short, but well-proportioned.
Feet
The paws are large and round with pads that are pink or that match the color of the tipping.
Head
Round and broad with a straight nose and pink nose pad. Well-developed chin.
Ears
Medium in size and round-tipped.
Eyes
Large and round; color should be bright green.
Facial Characteristics
Black-tipped British Shorthair.
Cream-tipped British Shorthair
“Cream on white” – the tipping is barely noticeable, but still visible enough to give this variety a soft, refined appearance.
Picture: Cream-tipped British Shorthair kitten
History
A complex breeding program that incorporated cats with silver genes, Blues, and Smokes produced the cat that we know today. Known originally as a Chinchilla Shorthair, it was recognized under its present name in 1978.
Temperament
Good-humoured and intelligent, the British Tipped makes an affectionate companion.
Varieties
The tips of this much-admired breed can be any British color, with the addition of chocolate and lilac.
Black-tipped British Shorthair
Green eyes, outlined in black, make this variety stand out from the crowd; all other varieties have orange or copper-colored eyes.
Picture: Black-tipped British ShorthairBody
A strong, muscular, stocky type.
Coat
The fur is short and dense. Color should be white with black tipping on the back, flanks, head, ears, and top of the tail.
- The white of the undercoat should be as pure as possible.
- Legs may be marked with faint “ghost” rings.
Tail
Short and thick.
Legs
Short, but well-proportioned.
Feet
The paws are large and round with pads that are pink or that match the color of the tipping.
HeadRound and broad with a straight nose and pink nose pad. Well-developed chin.
Ears
Medium in size and round-tipped.
Eyes
Large and round; color should be bright green.
Facial Characteristics
Black-tipped British Shorthair.
Cream-tipped British Shorthair
“Cream on white” – the tipping is barely noticeable, but still visible enough to give this variety a soft, refined appearance.
Picture: Cream-tipped British Shorthair kitten