Idiosyncratic unlike other shorthaired breeds, and with a decided Oriental expression, the Japanese Bobtail was so named both for its country of origin and its “powder-puff”, bunny-rabbit-type tail.
History
Although the breed has roots in the Far East that can be traced back to the seventh century, the Japanese showed little interest in its show qualities until fairly recently. It was left to the Americans in the late 1960s to bring the cat into the limelight and set the pedigree standard.
Temperament
The friendly Japanese Bobtail is a cat brim-full of personality.
Varieties
Traditional varieties in Japan are the tricoloured cats (black, red, and white, and tortoiseshell and white) which are known as Mi-ke, meaning “lucky”. All other colours and patterns, apart from Abyssinian-and-Siamese-types are also recognized.
Black-and-White Japanese Bobtails
When sitting, Bobtails often raise one paw, a gesture that is believed to bring good luck. Called Maneki- neko, or “beckoning cats” they are often represented in prints and models and displayed in Japanese homes and shop doorways to welcome visitors. One temple in Tokyo, the Gotokuji, has a façade decorated with these cats, all with one paw lifted to greet supplicants.
Picture: Black-and-White Japanese Bobtail
Body
Medium-sized, lean and elegant.
Coat
The fur should be soft, silky and medium in length. Colour should be red and white or black and white. Fur is longer and thicker on the tail, disguising its true size.
- Coat is not prone to shedding.
Tail
Very short and curled.
Legs
Long and slender. Hind legs are longer than the forelegs.
Feet
The paws are medium in size and oval. The pads match the coat color.
Head
Should form almost a perfect triangle. The nose is long with a pad that should match the coat colour.
Eyes
The eyes are large and oval, with a less rounded cornea than other breeds. The color should harmonize with that of the coat. Eyes appear slanted when they are seen from the side.
Ears
Large, round-tipped, set well apart and at right angles to the head, giving the impression that they tilt forward.
Facial Characteristics
Black-and-White Japanese Bobtail.
Picture: Red-and-White Japanese Bobtail
Red-and-White Japanese Bobtail
A variety popular with all.
History
Although the breed has roots in the Far East that can be traced back to the seventh century, the Japanese showed little interest in its show qualities until fairly recently. It was left to the Americans in the late 1960s to bring the cat into the limelight and set the pedigree standard.
Temperament
The friendly Japanese Bobtail is a cat brim-full of personality.
Varieties
Traditional varieties in Japan are the tricoloured cats (black, red, and white, and tortoiseshell and white) which are known as Mi-ke, meaning “lucky”. All other colours and patterns, apart from Abyssinian-and-Siamese-types are also recognized.
Black-and-White Japanese Bobtails
When sitting, Bobtails often raise one paw, a gesture that is believed to bring good luck. Called Maneki- neko, or “beckoning cats” they are often represented in prints and models and displayed in Japanese homes and shop doorways to welcome visitors. One temple in Tokyo, the Gotokuji, has a façade decorated with these cats, all with one paw lifted to greet supplicants.
Picture: Black-and-White Japanese BobtailBody
Medium-sized, lean and elegant.
Coat
The fur should be soft, silky and medium in length. Colour should be red and white or black and white. Fur is longer and thicker on the tail, disguising its true size.
- Coat is not prone to shedding.
Tail
Very short and curled.
Legs
Long and slender. Hind legs are longer than the forelegs.
Feet
The paws are medium in size and oval. The pads match the coat color.
HeadShould form almost a perfect triangle. The nose is long with a pad that should match the coat colour.
Eyes
The eyes are large and oval, with a less rounded cornea than other breeds. The color should harmonize with that of the coat. Eyes appear slanted when they are seen from the side.
Ears
Large, round-tipped, set well apart and at right angles to the head, giving the impression that they tilt forward.
Facial Characteristics
Black-and-White Japanese Bobtail.
Picture: Red-and-White Japanese BobtailRed-and-White Japanese Bobtail
A variety popular with all.
