American Curl Breeders and other related Links
History
The original American Curl, a longhaired black stray female named Shulamith (in hebrew means “black but comely”) with unusual ears, was first mentioned in Southern California in 1981 and adopted Joe and Grace Ruga in Lakewood. Selective breeding began in 1983. A geneticist consulted by the Rugas proclaimed this curled ear trait as a dominant gene, with no consequent genetic defects. For breeding purposes, Curls are bred only to other Curls or domestic cats which closely align to the breed standard. In December of 1981, however, Shulamith gave birth, and two of the four kittens also had curled ears.
Like the Scottish Folds, Curls are born with straight ears. Curls' ears begin to curl very tightly at three to five days, until at about six weeks they start gradually unfurling. At twelve to sixteen weeks, their ears have more-or-less reached their permanent state of "curl."
The American Curl was the first breed admitted by CFA to Championship category as one breed with two coat lengths. They first exhibited the American Curl at the October 1983 CFA show in Palm Springs, California. Cat fanciers immediately recognized recognized that the Curl's unparalleled ears were unique and acceptance quickly followed. In a comparatively short time, the American Curl gained recognition that has taken other new breeds decades longer.
Accepted by all North American cat Associations except TICA Championships. (The International Cat Association (TICA) was founded by a group of former ACFA members in 1979 and is based in Harlingen, Texas. TICA is the largest genetic registry of pedigreed and household pet cats and the second-largest association.)
Type and characteristics
Body, legs and feet
American Curls are slender, well balanced and moderately muscled.. Females weigh 5 to 8 pounds, male cats weigh 7 to 10 pounds.
Legs are medium in length and proportion to the body, set straight when viewed from front or rear. Medium sized bones. The feet are medium and rounded.
Head
Head shape is a modified wedge without flat planes with smooth transitions. Nose is moderate in length, straight with a rise from bottom of eyes to forehead. Size is medium in proportion to body. Muzzle is rounded with a gentle transition, no whisker break.
Eyes
Eyes are moderately large, walnut shaped, oval on top and round on bottom. The are set on a slight angle between the base of ear and the tip of nose. The eye color is clear, brilliant. Colopoint cats should have blue eyes.
Ears
A distinctive feature of American Curls is attractive and uniquely curled ears.Ears should have a 90 degree arc of curl. The tips should be rounded and flexible.. Size: moderately large.
Tail
Tail coat: full and plumed. Tail coat: same length as body coat. Tail: flexible, wide at base, tapering; equal to body length
Coat
Longhair American Curls should hava a semi-long fine, silky, laying flat texture and a minimal undercoat.
Shorthair American Curls should have a short, soft, silky, flat laying, resilient coat.
Color
Color most colors are accepted.
Temperament
The American Curl is alert, active, with a gentle, even dispositions.
Associations
The American Curl is accepted for championship status in AACE, ACA, CFA, CFF, and TICA.
If you feel that you have a better description for this category we would love to hear from you chendel@calwisp.com
American Curl Breeders and other related Links
CFA Breed Profile: American Curl
http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/american-curl.html
American Curl Longhair - TICA Standard
http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/STANDARD.htm
American Curl Shorthair - TICA Standard
http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/STANDARD.htm
CFA Breed Standards
http://www.cfa.org/breeds.html
TICA
www.tica.org/
http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/STANDARD.htm
ACF Breed Standard - (The Australian Cat Federation)
http://www.acf.asn.au/Standards/Contents.htm
ACFA Breed Standard - The American Cat Fancier Association
http://www.acfacats.com/breed_standard.htm
CCAFC Breed Standards - Canadian Cat Association Feline Registry
http://www.cca-afc.com/en/show_info/standards.html
FIFe Breed Standards - Federation Internationale Feline
http://www.fifeweb.org/
GCCFBreed Standards - Governing Council Cat Fancy
http://www.gccfcats.org/breed.html
LOOF Breed Standards- Livre Officiel des Origines Felines
http://loof.asso.fr/loof/racine/default.asp?id=212
WCF Breed Standards - World Cat Federation
http://www.wcf-online.de/english/ES/standard.htm
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