American Curl
American Curl
The distinctive feature of the American Curl is their attractive, uniquely curled-back ears. Elegant, well balanced, moderately muscled, slender rather than massive in build. They often appear well proportioned and balanced and can vary in size.
Personality of American Curl
American Curls have qualities other than the whimsical ears that make them attractive pets. They are people cats who are rarely aloof and are affectionate without harassing their families for attention. They enjoy perching on laps and love to pat and nuzzle their family members. American Curls are oftentimes easily taught to play fetch and rarely lose their love of play. They often do very well with children. While not as active as the Abyssinian or Siamese, American Curls are plenty frisky and energetic. They also display the typical cat curiosity and want to be right there to investigate any changes in their home.
History of American Curl
The American Curl originated in June 1981 as a spontaneous genetic mutation in the domestic cat population. They became popular in 1983, and by 1986 they were recognized by three of the largest North American cat registries.
In June 1981 two cats with ears that curled backwards arrived on the doorstep of a couple in Lakewood, California. One of the cats died shortly afterward, but the other, a friendly longhaired female, remained a member of the family and was named Shulamith. At first, little attention was paid to Shulamith’s unique curled ears, her new family was more taken with her devotion and sweet trusting temperament. They assumed Shulamith was one of many curly-eared cats, even after visits to local libraries and book stores provided no mention of Shulamith’s supposed breed.
Physical Attributes of American Curl
Body
Semi-foreign rectangle; their length is one and one half times their height, at the shoulder. They are typically medium sized, but can be seen in a variety of sizes. They body appears to be moderate in strength and tone.
Head
Modified wedge without flat planes, moderately longer than wide, smooth transitions. Nose straight and moderate in length; slight rise from bottom of eyes to forehead; gentle curve to top of head, flowing into neck, without a break. Size medium in proportion to body. Muzzle rounded with gentle transition; no pronounced whisker break. Chin firm, in line with nose and upper lip.
Ears
90 degree arc of ear curl. Firm cartilage from ear base to one third of height. Shape wide at base and open, curving back in smooth arc when viewed from front and rear. Tips rounded and flexible. Size moderately large. Erect, set equally on top and sides of head.
Eyes
Walnut shape, oval on top and round on bottom. Set on slight angle between base of ear and tip of nose, one eye width apart. Moderately large. Clear, brilliant, color no relation to coat color.
Legs & Paws
Length medium in proportion to body, set straight when viewed from front or rear. Medium boning, neither fine nor heavy. Paws medium and rounded.
Tail
Flexible, wide at base, tapering; equal to body length.
Color
All colors and patterns, including pointed pattern, pointed with white, ticked tabby, shaded, smoke, chinchilla, van, and bicolor.
Coat: Long Hair
Texture fine, silky, laying flat. Undercoat minimal. Coat length semi-long. Tail full and plumed.
Coat: Short Hair
Texture soft, silky, laying flat; resilient without a plush dense feel. Undercoat minimal. Coat length short. Tail coat same length as body coat.
Related products
-
Pomeranian dogs
Read morePomeranian dogs Pomeranian dogs are of European origin, specifically from Pomerania, a place located in northwest Poland and northeast Germany. These dogs are classified as small dog breeds because of their small size. What is special about Pomeranian dog breeds is that they are descendants of German Spitz dogs. These adorable dogs are known for …
-
Maltese Dog Breed
Read moreMaltese Dog Breed The Maltese dog breed is categorized as toy breeds because of their small sizes. These dogs are also known as lapdogs as they love sitting on your lap and will never let go of a chance to snuggle with you! Maltese are adorable dogs that are perfect for first-time pet owners …
-
Siberian Husky Dog Breed
Read moreSiberian Husky Dog Breed Siberian Husky: At the basin of the Kolyma River at the foothills of the Cherski mountains, one of the tribes, the Chukchi people, went on to develop the Siberian Husky. These dogs were developed to meet the requirements of their specific needs. The required specific confirmation of this dog was to …
