The American Shorthair is a well-established and popular breed known for its robust health, adaptable nature, and affectionate temperament. Here's a detailed breed standard for the American Shorthair:
Breed Standard: American Shorthair
Head: The American Shorthair has a slightly rounded, modified wedge-shaped head with gentle contours. The muzzle is well-developed but not overly pronounced.
Eyes: Large, expressive, and wide-set eyes in various colors. Eye color harmonizes with coat color and can range from gold to green to copper.
Ears: Medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips, and set apart on the head. The ears contribute to the breed's alert and friendly expression.
Muzzle and Profile: The muzzle is moderately tapered, creating a balanced look from the nose to the forehead. The profile displays a gentle convex curve from the brow to the tip of the nose.
Body: The American Shorthair boasts a medium to large-sized, muscular body with a broad chest and strong bone structure. The body is well-proportioned, displaying strength and agility.
Legs and Paws: Legs are of medium length, proportionate to the body, ending in firm, rounded paws. The toes are compact and well-knuckled.
Tail: The tail is of medium length, neither too thick nor too thin, and tapers slightly to a rounded tip.
Coat: The American Shorthair's coat is dense, short, and resilient, providing protection without excessive matting. It comes in various colors and patterns, including tabby, solid, and bi-color.
Color and Pattern: American Shorthairs exhibit a wide array of colors and patterns, with tabby being one of the most prevalent. The coat can come in silver, red, cream, blue, and more, with patterns ranging from classic to mackerel to ticked.
Temperament: American Shorthairs are known for their friendly, easygoing, and adaptable nature. They are intelligent, affectionate, and get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions.
Grooming: Minimal grooming is required due to the short coat. Regular brushing helps maintain coat health and removes loose hairs.
Health: The American Shorthair is generally a healthy breed with a robust constitution. They are known for their longevity and have fewer breed-specific health issues.
