The Birman cat, a breed shrouded in mystery and legend, is instantly recognizable by its striking color points, silky long coat, and distinctive pure white feet, known as “gloves.” For those dedicated to Breeding Birman Cats, a deep understanding of the breed standard is not just beneficial, it’s essential. This standard serves as the blueprint for the ideal Birman, guiding breeders in their efforts to produce healthy, beautiful cats that embody the breed’s unique characteristics. This article delves into the specifics of the Birman breed standard, providing a comprehensive guide for breeders and enthusiasts alike, aiming to offer a superior understanding compared to basic descriptions and optimized for those in the English-speaking world passionate about Birman breeding.
General Appearance and Type
The Birman is a medium to large-sized cat, characterized by an elongated and stocky build. They are neither slender and svelte nor compact and cobby, striking a harmonious balance. This breed exudes strength and substance without appearing bulky. A key feature is their long, silky coat, which, remarkably, resists matting. The combination of their build, coat, and distinctive markings contributes to the Birman’s overall allure and gentle, dignified presence.
Head Structure
The head of a Birman is a defining feature, contributing significantly to their unique expression. Breeders should aim for a head that is:
Skull and Shape
The skull should be strong, broad, and rounded. A subtle feature is the presence of slight flat spots – one just in front of each ear and another on the forehead between the ears. These subtle planes contribute to the distinct shape of the Birman head.
Nose and Profile
The nose is described as Roman, meaning it has a slightly convex shape in profile. The forehead slopes back gently and is also slightly convex, blending smoothly into the nose. The length and width of the nose should be medium and proportionate to the overall head size. Importantly, the nostrils are set low due to the Roman shape of the nose.
Cheeks, Muzzle, Jaws, and Chin
The cheeks should be full, leading to a somewhat rounded muzzle that is neither sharply pointed nor blunt and short. While the fur appears shorter on the face itself, it becomes longer towards the outer edges of the cheeks, adding to the soft contours. The jaws are heavy, indicating strength, and the chin is strong and well-developed. Ideally, the lower jaw should form a perpendicular line with the upper lip, creating a firm and balanced profile.
Ears and Eye Shape & Set
The ears are medium in length, with a base almost as wide as their height. They should taper to a rounded point at the tip. The ear set is unique, positioned as much to the side of the head as on top. The eyes are perhaps the most captivating feature of the Birman. They are almost round, set well apart, and the outer corners are tilted very slightly upwards, contributing to their sweet and gentle expression. The eye color is always blue, and the deeper and more vivid the blue, the more desirable it is in the breed standard.
Body, Legs, Paws, and Tail
The Birman’s body is elongated and stocky, conveying a sense of muscularity and substance when handled. Females may be proportionally smaller than males, but the overall build should remain consistent with the breed standard.
Legs and Paws
Legs are medium in length and heavy, supporting their sturdy body. The paws are large, round, and firm. They have five toes on the front paws and four on the hind paws, a standard feline trait.
Tail
The tail is medium in length, proportionate to the body, and contributes to the overall balanced appearance of the Birman.
Coat Characteristics
The Birman coat is one of its most celebrated features. It is medium-long to long, possessing a luxurious silken texture. A prominent ruff around the neck adds to their regal appearance. Interestingly, the coat can be slightly curly on the stomach. A key benefit for owners and breeders is that this type of fur is specifically textured to resist matting, making grooming manageable despite its length.
Color and Gloves
Color is paramount in the Birman breed standard, and includes both the body color, point color, and crucially, the “gloves”—the pure white feet that are a hallmark of the breed.
Body and Point Color
The body color should be even, with subtle shading permissible in mature cats across all recognized colors and patterns. A strong contrast between the body color and the points (mask, ears, legs, and tail) is desired. The points, excluding the gloves, should be dense, clearly defined, and of a uniform shade. The mask should cover the entire face, including whisker pads, and connect to the ears with tracings. Ticking or white hairs within the points are not accepted. A unique characteristic known as the “golden mist,” a faint golden beige cast on the back and sides, is desirable in all point colors, being more pronounced in seal points and potentially less visible in kittens.
Gloves: The Defining White Feet
The gloves are the most distinctive marking of the Birman and are rigorously judged.
Front Gloves
On the front paws, the white gloves should end in an even line across the paw, ideally at or between the second or third joints (where the paw bends when standing). The white should not extend beyond the metacarpal pad (dew pad), the highest pad on the back of the front paw. Symmetry of the front gloves is highly desirable.
Rear Gloves and Laces
The white gloves on the back paws cover all toes and may extend slightly higher than the front gloves. Extending up the back of the hock from the rear gloves are “laces.” Ideally, these laces end in a point or inverted “V” shape and reach halfway to three-quarters of the way up the hock. Lace height variations are acceptable as long as they don’t go beyond the hock, and symmetry between the two laces is also desirable.
Paw Pads
Paw pads can be pink, or a combination of pink and another color that complements the point color.
It’s important to note that perfectly gloved Birmans are rare, and judging considers the entire cat, not just the gloves.
Birman Color Variations
The Birman breed comes in a range of stunning colors, each with specific body and point color descriptions:
- Seal Point: Pale fawn to cream body, warm-toned, shading to lighter on the stomach and chest. Deep seal brown points.
- Blue Point: Bluish white to pale ivory body, shading to almost white on the stomach and chest. Slate blue points.
- Chocolate Point: Ivory body. Milk chocolate points, warm-toned.
- Lilac Point: Almost white body. Frosty grey points with a pinkish tone.
- Tabby Point: These variations exhibit tabby markings within the points, with specific descriptions for Seal Tabby, Blue Tabby, Chocolate Tabby, Lilac Tabby, Red Tabby, and Cream Tabby Points. Tabby points feature a defined “M” marking on the forehead, spectacle markings around the eyes, and striped legs and tails.
- Tortie Point (Parti-Color): Seal-Tortie, Blue-Cream, Chocolate-Tortie, and Lilac-Cream Points display mottled points with intermingled shades of red or cream, respectively, over the base point color.
- Solid Point (Other): Red Point and Cream Point offer solid red or cream points with corresponding body and nose leather descriptions.
Penalties and Disqualifications in Breed Standard
Breeders should be aware of faults that are penalized and those that lead to disqualification in cat shows, as these directly impact breeding goals.
Penalties
- Uneven white line across the front paws.
- Lack of white on all front toes.
- Persian or Siamese head type (deviating from the Birman standard).
- Delicate bone structure.
- White shading on the stomach and chest.
- Lack of laces on one or both back gloves.
- White extending beyond the metacarpal (dew) pad on front paws.
Disqualifications
- Lack of white gloves on any paw.
- Kinked or abnormal tail.
- Structural defects or abnormalities.
- Crossed eyes.
- Incorrect number of toes.
- Pure white areas in the points not connected to the gloves.
- White areas connected by paw pads to other white areas (paw pads are considered part of the gloves and can connect white areas without penalty, but connection beyond this is a disqualification).
- Discrete areas of point color within the gloves if not connected to leg point color (except paw pads).
- White extending beyond the hock on back legs.
- Eye color other than blue.
- White tail tips or chin spots.
Conclusion: Breeding Towards the Birman Ideal
Breeding Birman cats is a pursuit that requires dedication, knowledge, and a keen eye for detail. Understanding and adhering to the breed standard is paramount for breeders aiming to produce exceptional Birmans. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the key characteristics, color variations, and considerations within the Birman breed standard. By focusing on these guidelines, breeders can work towards preserving and enhancing the unique beauty and gentle temperament that define this enchanting breed, contributing to the health and quality of Birman cats for generations to come. Continued study of the standard and engagement with Birman breed clubs and experienced breeders are invaluable resources for anyone serious about breeding Birman cats.
