With gorgeous Persian looks and the characters of British shorthairs, these fluffy lovelies are hugely popular.
Their tendency to independence means that they are never overly demanding, and they are incredibly laid back, verging on lazy.
They are affectionate but are perfectly happy with their own company and so are a good choice working owners.
British longhair breed history
British longhairs are the result of breeding British shorthairs with Persians. There are references to these cats dating back to the late 19th century but breeding began in earnest around 1914. Known as the lowlander in the United States, these attractive cats are now recognised as a breed by TICA but not by the GCCF.
British longhair breed characteristics
Boasting wonderfully fluffy coats but the temperaments of British longhairs, these appealing cats are extremely popular pets. Their expressive round eyes draw you in and they possess a nicely balanced appearance.
Their full cheeks enhance their endearing look and their small, rounded ears are set widely apart. Also notable for their strong backs, deep chests and powerful yet short legs, British longhairs have nice ruffs around their necks and can be a variety of colours.
Affectionate and yet happy to keep themselves to themselves, British longhairs have independent natures. They are so laid back that they could be described as lazy and this means they can easily become obese.
- Lifespan: 14-20 years
- Weight: up to 7kg
- Semi-longhair
- Variety of coat colours
- Full cheeks
- Stocky bodies
- Short, powerful legs
- Small ears
- Ruff around the neck
- Affectionate
- Independent
- Can be lazy
Health issues with the British longhair
British longhairs may be more prone than other breeds to the following conditions:
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
What sort of owners does the British longhair suit?
Being so laid back and possessing an independent streak, the British shorthair will settle happily into most households. They don't require a huge territory to explore and they don't need constant stimulation when indoors.
They are good choices for working people who are out all day and generally get on well with other pets, as long as they are afforded their own space to retreat to. These cats do require regular grooming and so owners must be able to devote a reasonable amount of time to their care.