AMERICAN CURL
Longhair & Shorthair
Standard of Excellence

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The American Curl is the result of a spontaneous ear mutation in the domestic cat population of the United States. The first such cat was found in Southern California in 1981 and was named “Shulamith”. Selective breeding began in 1983. The distinctive feature of the American Curl breed is their unique, attractive curled-back ears. American Curls are a well balanced, moderately muscled, medium built cat. They are alert and active with gentle, even dispositions.

Head

Modified wedge without flat planes, moderately longer than wide with smooth transitions. Size: Medium, in proportion to the body.

Eyes

Walnut in shape, oval on top and rounded on bottom. Moderately large in proportion to the head. Set on a slight angle between the base of the ear and the tip of the nose, one eye-width apart. Colour clear and brilliant with no relation to coat colour, except that blue eyes are required on all Himalayan Point-restricted patterned cats.

Nose

In profile, nose moderate in length and straight, with gentle rise from bridge of nose to forehead which then flows into the arch of the neck without a break.

Chin & Muzzle

Firm chin, in line with the nose and upper lip. Muzzle rounded with gentle transition, no whisker break.

Ears

The overall appearance of the American Curl ear should be one that os aesthetically pleasing to view. Minimum 90 degree arc of curl, not to exceed 180 degrees.
Firm cartilage from ear base to at least one-third of height of ear.
Wide at the base and open, curving back in a smooth arc when viewed from the front., side or rear. Size: moderately large.
Placement: Erect, set equally on top and side of head.
The surface of the curved portion of the ear should be smooth.
Tips rounded and flexible. Furnishings desirable.
Note: When American Curls are alert with their ears swivelled toward the front, lines following through the curve of the ears should point to the centre of the base of the skull.

Body, Boning & Musculature Rectangular, length to be approximately one and a half times the height at the shoulders. Medium depth of chest and flank.
Size: Intermediate, with allowances for larger males.
Body should be medium and well balanced and proportioned. Musculature: Moderate strength and tone. Neither fine or heavy boned. Neck medium.
Tail Flexible, wide at the base, tapering; equal to body length.
Legs & Feet Length medium in proportion to body, set straight when viewed from front or rear. Feet medium and rounded.


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AMERICAN CURL
Standard of Excellence

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Coat Longhairs: Texture fine and silky, laying flat. Undercoat minimal. Coat length, semi-long. Tail: full and plumed.
Shorthairs: Soft and silky, laying flat. Resilient without a plush dense feel. Undercoat minimal. Coat length, short. Tail: same length as body coat.
Condition & Balance Must exhibit a healthy condition. Balance and proper proportion is more important than size.
Temperament Unchallenging. Any sign of definite challenge shall disqualify.

Penalise
  • Ears, low set.
  • Ears, abrupt change in direction rather than a smooth curve.
  • Ears, pinch, horizontal or vertical crimp.
  • Ears, interior surface which appears corrugated.
  • Body tubular or cobby.
  • Excessice size.
  • Decided nose break.
  • In Longhairs, a heavy undercoat, heavy ruff, coarse or cottony texture.
  • In Shorthairs, heavy undercoat, coarse texture, dense or plush coats.
Withhold All Awards
  • Extreme curl in adult where tip of ear touches back of ear or head.
  • Ears that are straight, severely mismatched, thick or having inflexible tips.
  • Lack of firm cartilage in base of ear.
  • Ears in which the lower portion of the ear is abnormally flattened, has compressed ridges of cartilage and does not have a normal, visible ear cavity.
  • Tail faults.

SCALE OF POINTS
TOTAL   100 points
Ears   20
Head
Shape
Eyes
Chin
Muzzle
Profile 		6
5
2
2
5
20
Body
Torso
Legs/Feet
Tail
Boning/Musculature 		10
5
5
10
30
Coat
Length
Texture
Pattern/Colour 		5
10
5
20
Balance   10


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AMERICAN CURL
Standard of Excellence

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RECOGNISED COLOURS

All Traditional Solids, Tabbies, Smokes, Silvers, Silver Tabbies and associated Parti-colours.
All Traditional Himalayan Pointed.
No Cinnamon/Fawn series allowed.


Allowable Outcrosses:

New Zealand Shorthair or Longhair.




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