Although the coat of the British Tortoiseshell, with its distinctive patches of black, cream, and red, makes it one of the most familiar of all the domestic cats, it is surprisingly difficult to breed. To produce the desired patterning, queens are best mated to a solid-colored black, red, or cream stud, but even then the resultant litter may contain only one kitten true to type. Because of the way the genes that determine color are inherited, almost all Tortoiseshell are female.
History
Like most British Shorthairs, the Tortoiseshell was developed from the best street cats. It was one of the first to make an appearance on the show benches.
Temperament
The British Tortoiseshell is a sharp-witted, affectionate and charming cat that has long been highly popular as a pet.
Varieties
There are two varieties. The Tortoiseshell-and-White is the same as the Tortoiseshell but for the addition of white patches. In the Blue Tortoiseshell-and-White, known as a Dulite Calico in the US, the black is replaced by blue and the red is replaced by cream.
British Tortoiseshell Shorthair
Affectionately known as the “Tortie”, this breed has made a faithful fireside companion since the late nineteenth century.
Picture: British Tortoiseshell Shorthair
Body
Strong, muscular, and stocky.
Coat
Short, dense fur. Must be evenly patched with black, red, and cream; a cream or red blaze on the head is particularly sought after.
Tail
Short and thick.
Legs
Short, but well-proportioned.
Feet
The paws are large and round. The pads need to be pink or black or mixture of the two.
Head
Round and broad, with a straight nose. The nose pad should be pink or black or a mixture of the two.
Ears
Medium-sized and round-tipped.
Eyes
Large and round; color should be either deep orange or burnished copper.
Facial Characteristics
British Tortoiseshell Shorthair.
Picture: British Tortoiseshell-and-White Shorthair
British Tortoiseshell-and-White Shorthair
Formerly known as a Chintz or Spanish Cat, this variety is exactly the same as the Tortie, but with the addition of white patches. Bicolors usually make the best sires.
- Bold, clearly defined patches of black, cream, red, and white.
Picture: British Blue Tortoiseshell-and-White Shorthair
British Blue Tortoiseshell-and-White Shorthair
The black and red in the coat of the Tortoiseshell-and-White are replaced by blue and cream in this recently developed variety. The nose and paw pads are pink or blue or mixture of the two color.
History
Like most British Shorthairs, the Tortoiseshell was developed from the best street cats. It was one of the first to make an appearance on the show benches.
Temperament
The British Tortoiseshell is a sharp-witted, affectionate and charming cat that has long been highly popular as a pet.
Varieties
There are two varieties. The Tortoiseshell-and-White is the same as the Tortoiseshell but for the addition of white patches. In the Blue Tortoiseshell-and-White, known as a Dulite Calico in the US, the black is replaced by blue and the red is replaced by cream.
British Tortoiseshell Shorthair
Affectionately known as the “Tortie”, this breed has made a faithful fireside companion since the late nineteenth century.
Picture: British Tortoiseshell ShorthairBody
Strong, muscular, and stocky.
Coat
Short, dense fur. Must be evenly patched with black, red, and cream; a cream or red blaze on the head is particularly sought after.
Tail
Short and thick.
Legs
Short, but well-proportioned.
Feet
The paws are large and round. The pads need to be pink or black or mixture of the two.
HeadRound and broad, with a straight nose. The nose pad should be pink or black or a mixture of the two.
Ears
Medium-sized and round-tipped.
Eyes
Large and round; color should be either deep orange or burnished copper.
Facial Characteristics
British Tortoiseshell Shorthair.
Picture: British Tortoiseshell-and-White ShorthairBritish Tortoiseshell-and-White Shorthair
Formerly known as a Chintz or Spanish Cat, this variety is exactly the same as the Tortie, but with the addition of white patches. Bicolors usually make the best sires.
- Bold, clearly defined patches of black, cream, red, and white.
Picture: British Blue Tortoiseshell-and-White ShorthairBritish Blue Tortoiseshell-and-White Shorthair
The black and red in the coat of the Tortoiseshell-and-White are replaced by blue and cream in this recently developed variety. The nose and paw pads are pink or blue or mixture of the two color.
