Chartreux
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a sturdy, shorthaired French breed coveted in antiquity for its hunting prowess and its dense, water repellent fur. This breeds husky, robust type is sometimes termed primitive, neither cobby nor classic. Though amply built, Chartreux are extremely supple and agile cats; refined, never coarse nor clumsy.
Personality
Chartreux cats may have been invited in by monks to protect the monastery from rodents . Today, however, Chartreux cats are popular because they make terrific companions. Who can resist a cat that greets you with a mighty purr and an enigmatic smile? They are amiable, loyal, loving, and adaptable, and when you sit down next to your Chartreux, you invariably end up with an exquisitely soft lapful of adoring blue feline.
Chartreux are the strong silent types of the cat fancy; they keep their comments to themselves, even when standing beside empty food dishes. Chartreux may open their mouths as if to meow, but no sound comes out.
History
The Chartreux (pronounced shär-TRUE), a true blue cat with a Mona Lisa smile and an amiable temperament, is Frances contribution to the cat fancy. Since the Chartreux has been around for so many centuries, its hard to say with certainty just where and when it first developed. Like most breeds with long histories, the Chartreux tale is the stuff of legends.
Physical Attributes
Body
The Chartreux has a robust physique, with medium-long with broad shoulders and a deep chest. This breed has strong boning and muscle mass is solid and dense.
Head
The Chartreux has a rounded and broad head with a powerful jaw and full cheeks. The breed has a high, softly contoured forehead and a straight nose of medium length/width with a slight stop at eye level. The muzzle is comparatively small, narrow. This cat has a sweet, smiling expression.
Ears
Medium in height and width; set high on the head; very erect posture.
Eyes
Rounded and open; alert and expressive. Color range is copper to gold; a clear, deep, brilliant orange is preferred.
Legs & Paws
Legs comparatively short and fine-boned; straight and sturdy. Feet are round and medium in size; may appear almost dainty compared to body mass.
Tail
Tail of moderate length; heavy at base; tapering to oval tip. Lively and flexible.
Coat
Medium-short and slightly woolly in texture; should break like a sheepskin at neck and flanks. Resilient undercoat; longer, protective topcoat. Note: degree of woolliness depends on age, sex and habitat, mature males exhibiting heaviest coats. Silkier, thinner coat permitted on females and cats under two years.
Color
Any shade of blue-gray from ash to slate; tips lightly brushed with silver. Emphasis on color clarity and uniformity rather than shade. Preferred tone is a bright, unblemished blue with an overall iridescent sheen.
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