Bobtail: a decisive character in a charming appearance

Introducing the Bobtail, a breed that combines a daring appearance with a confident demeanor. These dogs have a distinct charm that’s difficult to resist, especially with their characteristic bobbed tails and shaggy coats. They stand out for reasons other than just their appearance, though. The Bobtail has a similarly alluring personality that exudes self-assurance and tenacity.

Bobtails are recognized for their gregarious and assertive personality since they were first bred as working dogs. When necessary, they don’t hesitate to assume leadership roles and possess a strong sense of purpose. They may have a serious manner, but they are also very loving and devoted to their families. Their harmonious blend of warmth and assertiveness makes them excellent companions.

The Bobtail is a breed that makes an impression, regardless of whether you are drawn to them for their quirky appearance or their lively personality. They are an excellent option for anyone searching for a dog that combines substance and style because of their unique combination of charm and decisiveness.

The Bobtail is a captivating combination of charm and brash personality that has a remarkable appearance and a unique personality. This breed, which is well-known for being bold and playful, has a distinctive bobbed tail and a strong, loving personality. It is a wonderful companion for people who value beauty and a lively, captivating presence.

History of the bobtail breed

In 1968, the American public first heard the name "bobtail" for the cat breed. Next, a number of short-tailed cats were brought from the Land of the Rising Sun to this location. They were well-known in the Japanese Islands and the Far East for a very long time. Additionally, the short-tailed cats of the Kuril Islands became natives following the 1945 transfer of four islands to Russia.

The breed is now divided into several varieties, each of which has some characteristics that emerged from their time spent in different environments. Among them are the bobtails listed below:

• Japanese;
• Kurilian;
• Thai;
• Karelian;
• American.

Every one of these varieties has a unique origin story.

How the Japanese bobtail appeared

These felines are from a historic natural breed. The Japanese Emperor Ichijo’s court had a cat known as the "Senior Maid of Honor of the Inner Palace," and that is when the first official records of them date back to the end of the first millennium.

One theory states that short-tailed cats traveled from China and Korea to Japan. And so, in the state of natural isolation, came to be this extraordinary breed. However, precise details are unknown at this time. Cats are very loved in Japan, where they are referred to as "mi-ke." Tailless cats can be seen in antique paintings and engravings that depict the lives of various imperial dynasties. Similar illustrations can be found on Tokyo’s Gotokuju Temple.

One characteristic of the Japanese bobtail is that it raises its front paw in a greeting manner when it is seated. These days, a cat figurine with its front paw raised is a common sight on store shelves and storefront windows, representing Japan.

Although a Japanese bobtail breed association was established in 1970 and the Canadian Agricultural Federation recognized it in 1976, the Japanese bobtail is still regarded as an extremely rare breed. In 1990, the breed was registered with FIFe.

The bobtail breed’s short tail is its defining characteristic.

History of the Kurilian Bobtail

The Kuril Islands are home to the long-lived short-tailed cats; it’s possible that they migrated there from Japan, though this isn’t supported by any records. They hunted and fished for their own food while they were living in the wild. After domesticating the animal, the locals were rewarded with a useful rat catcher and a fishing partner.

The odd cats with short tails caught the attention of the few tourists that came to the Kuril Islands. A few people desired to bring such a pet home. That was the appearance of the Kuril Bobtail in the vastness of Russia. Not too long ago, in the late eighties of the twentieth century, felinologists started to take an interest in this unusual breed. Liliya Ivanova and Tatyana Bocharova were among the first Russian breeders. Using the cats they had brought from the Kuril Islands themselves as the foundation for the nursery, they started breeding to enhance the breed. The Kurilian Bobtail received official recognition from the WCF in 1995, and FIFe followed suit in 2003.

Kurilian bobtails continue to have a strong hunting instinct and have no fear of the water.

Origin of the Thai bobtail

Mekong is the second name for the Thai bobtail. This particular breed of short-haired cats originated in what is now Thailand (formerly known as Siam) ages ago.

Even today, there are legends that explain why these cats have short, broken tails: while taking a bath, the princesses of Siamese temples gave their four-legged attendants exclusive custody of their jewelry, which included bracelets and rings hanging from their tails. They became short and tangled for this reason.

Thai cats could only be given as gifts from a member of the royal dynasty as a token of the utmost favor; exporting them outside the nation was outright prohibited. The Thai bobtail made its way to Russia when it was given to Nicholas II, the last Russian emperor.

The breed of cats with broken tails was forgotten in the 20th century, and when such kittens showed up in a Siamese cat litter, they were immediately rejected. The only people who could bring this breed back to life and make it famous worldwide were Russian breeders. It was first classified as a Thai cat subspecies. This took place in 1994. Additionally, the breed received a second name, Mekong bobtail, in 2003 when it was acknowledged as independent.

These cats were fiercely guarded from outsiders by the Thai people, who saw them as national treasures.

How and when the breed "Karelian bobtail" arose

Unfortunately, the Russian breed of cats known as the Karelian bobtail (also known as the Karelo-Finnish cat) was never recognized or widely distributed. It emerged as a result of a naturally occurring mutation in the Karelia region. Its origins are thought to have stemmed from the Norwegian forest cat breed. In 1987, the Karelian bobtail was thoroughly described for the first time by the KLC "Kotofey" breeding commission, with the active assistance of Russian breeder Liliya Dvoryanovich. Lilia displayed one of these cats at the Leningrad exhibition, but the felinological community did not back her efforts.

It wasn’t until 1994 that the breed standard gained international recognition. These cats are currently bred in a number of catteries in Russia.

Massivity is what sets Karelian Bobtail cats apart.

The emergence of the American Bobtail

While the American Bobtail breed is a member of the natural origin breeds, its history of emergence is very different from other varieties. While traveling through an Indian reservation in Arizona, a young married couple picked up a small cat with a short tail. It turned out his progeny shared the same feature when he grew up and became a big cat. After getting in touch with the felinological society, the spouses suggested developing a brand-new breed of short-tailed cats that they later dubbed the "American Bobtail." The TICA association registered the breed standard in 1989.

Tabby hues in a variety of shades are more common in American bobtails.

Description of bobtails

There are similarities in the description of appearance even though all varieties of bobtails—aside from the Japanese and Kurilian—arose from natural mutation and are unrelated to one another.

Table: characteristics of the appearance of different bobtails

Japanese	Kurilian	Thai	Karelian	American
Head	Has the shape of an equilateral triangle, the sides of which are slightly curved, softly outlining a wide muzzle with high cheekbones	In shape resembles a wedge with rounded sides. At the level of the cheekbones it has the greatest width. Whisker pads are clearly defined. The chin is strong, not elongated.	Almost round in shape and smoothly transitions to a small, slightly pointed chin. Cheekbones are sharply outlined, the whisker pad is well defined.	In shape it is close to an isosceles triangle, has a narrow and strong chin, high and rounded cheekbones. The whisker pad is slightly pronounced, the muzzle is narrow.	Has a wedge shape with slightly rounded outlines. Muzzle slightly wider than long. Prominent cheeks and whisker pads. Full chin.
Nose	Long, wide, with a slight indentation at the transition to the forehead, gently curves downwards from eye level	Straight and wide, medium length	Straight and wide with a slight indentation on the bridge of the nose, slightly elongated	Straight	Wide, slightly arched at the bridge of the nose
Ears	Medium in size, set high and vertical	Medium in size, triangular in shape, slightly tilted forward. The distance between them is the same as the width of the ear at the base. The tips may be slightly rounded and have a small tassel.	Triangular in shape, wide at the base, have a rounded end and are slightly set back	Large, set high, a straight line can be drawn along the outside of the ear and the contour of the cheek. Animals with long hair often have tassels on ears.	Large, large at the base, but not very wide apart. The outer side of the ear continues the wedge-shaped outline of the head. The tips are rounded and may have a tassel.
Eyes	Large, oval-shaped, slightly slanted and wide-set, with an attentive, alert expression. The color can be any, but its combination with the coat color is desirable. Golden eyes are very common, and often multi-colored: one eye is golden and the other is blue.	Clear, expressive, wide-set, with a slight slope to the nose, have an almost round shape, only slightly flattened at the bottom. The color can be any, regardless of the coat color, and two-colored eyes are also found.	Almond-shaped, slightly slanted. The outer corners are slightly raised. Color – deep blue.	Oval-shaped, the outer corner is slightly raised. The color can be any, but must match the color of the coat.	Clear, set wide apart and slightly obliquely, almond-shaped. The color of the iris can be any, regardless of the coat color.
Body type	The body is of moderate size, elongated, but not squat, strong and fairly muscular; not fragile, but not stocky. Back and loin somewhat convex.	Body strong and muscular, medium or large in size. Back slightly arched, pelvic line somewhat raised.	Females have a graceful build, males are more muscular and strong. Back straight and even.	Build muscular, square in format, but not large in size. Back straight, chest powerful and wide.	Body short, has rectangular proportions. Chest and hips well developed, wide. Back even.
Legs	Long and slender, not large, but not giving the impression of being overly refined. The hind limbs are longer than the front, in the hock joints slightly bent in a calm state. Paws are oval, often one of the front paws is involuntarily raised.	Well developed, medium in size, the back paws are slightly longer than the front. Paws are rounded, strong.	Medium in size, the front and back paws are the same length, the paws are round. On the hind limbs, the claws are not hidden in the paw pads, so these bobtails have a “clicking” gait.	Strong, muscular, the back paws are slightly longer. Paws are rounded.	Powerful, muscular, the back paws are slightly longer than the front paws, the length is proportional to the size of the body. Paws are rounded, for the long-haired variety, tufts of hair on the pads are desirable.
Tail	The tail vertebrae are located at an angle to each other, so the tail is curved and has the shape of a pompom. When folded, it can have a length of 2 to 7 cm, and when unfolded, it should not exceed 15 cm.	Has one or more fractures that are determined by palpation, looks like a pompom or brush. The direction of the tail does not matter, the visible length together with the fur can reach:

• 8 cm for the short-haired variety;
• 13 cm — for the long-haired variety.

Potential varieties of tails are referred to as:

• "stump";
• "spiral";
• "broom".

• tail length greater than 7.5 cm;
• absence of tail vertebrae;
• tail not fluffy enough or does not look like a pompom.

• absence of tailbone;
• deformation of spinal vertebrae;
• tail without a kink or curve;
• tail longer than 15 cm.

• thick undercoat;
• protruding cheekbones;
• round eyes;
• straight tail.

• motionless tail;
• hind legs not longer than front legs;
• tail longer than 14 cm.

• motionless tail;
• tail longer than 7.5 cm.

Character of bobtails and their attitude towards humans

Like dogs, all bobtails are intelligent, curious, and happy animals that are easily trained. incredibly friendly and devoted to their owner. They catch rats and hunt quite well. Bobtails feel fantastic indoors and out and can adapt to any setting.

Japanese Bobtail

Any commands or tricks can be taught to a Japanese Bobtail. These are intelligent cats that will gladly participate in any game. Although they are pleasant with kids, their behavior is more condescending than partnering with them. It is advisable to limit the play activity of your pet by taking leash walks and providing an abundance of toys, particularly those that wind up. The Japanese Bobtail is known for being extremely talkative, but this trait can be seen as a benefit of the breed because of their lovely voice.

Video: features of Japanese Bobtails

Kurilian Bobtail

The courageous Kurilian Bobtail will stop at nothing to defend its owner. They are even employed as watchmen and home guards in the Kuril Islands. Furthermore, these cats hunt rats without fear, even climbing into their burrows to kill the entire rat brood.

Kuril Bobtails, in contrast to many other cats, adore swimming and will gladly go fishing with their owner.

Video: Kurilian Bobtail breed

Thai (Mekong) Bobtail

Thai (Mekong) Bobtail cats are gentle, patient, and never aggressive toward kids. They are also able to sense their owner’s emotions. You should converse with them more, give them more strokings, call the cat by name, and spend less time alone with them.

Another characteristic of this breed is matriarchy. Males raise kittens, so if you have a pair of Mekongs in your home, one of them will be the dominant cat.

Video: charming Mekong bobtails

Karelian bobtail

The meowing of the Karelian bobtail is distinct from other meowing sounds; it sounds more like a bird chirping. The cat will approach the owner and gently touch him with her paw without making a loud noise. Karels are quiet and inconspicuous, but they can become enraged by unfair punishment and retreat into a quiet corner. But the cat’s loveable and amiable nature will prevent her from holding off on retaliating for very long; instead, she will happily run to greet the owner at the apartment door.

Video: Karelian Bobtail at an exhibition

American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a mellow cat with a friendly disposition. And while she has nothing against big businesses, her sole devotion is to her owner. The cat will not push herself, but she will gladly sit on your hands and enjoy scratching. This cat does not, however, enjoy certain situations, such as a change of scenery within the home, an extended absence from the owner, or closed doors. She can also handle the last issue on her own, picking up the skill of turning doorknobs fast.

Video: everything about the American Bobtail

Purchasing a pet

Is it better to get a small kitten or an adult cat as a pet if you decide to purchase one? The baby adjusts to his new home and owner more quickly and easily, but he will play a lot and behave very energetically until he is older, so it is advised that older people get an adult pet. A kitten makes a wonderful addition to the family, and your kids will love playing with it.

A baby must be taken when it is at least two months old (many nurseries take older kittens). The baby still doesn’t eat well on its own and feeds on its mother’s milk for up to two months. A lot of breeders vaccinate their kittens for the first time between 7 and 8 weeks of life, so it’s best not to make any drastic changes to their living situation during this time.

Additionally, you must choose your pet’s gender in advance. Men often look brighter and more impressive, which gives them an advantage at exhibitions. However, female cats are more tidiness, more conscientious about their hygiene, more amiable, calmer, and affectionate.

Buying a purebred kitten is a challenging endeavor. Even though there are a ton of ads for pets for sale on the Internet these days, it is still preferable to purchase a pet through a felinological club or at an exhibition. Experts at the show can provide guidance on your baby’s likelihood of participating in breeding projects. Locating a breeder via a specialized club ensures that the pedigree and breed are authentically pure. You get a contract, a passport with a pedigree, the kitten’s name and birthdate, and a certificate of vaccinations when you make a deal for it.

Don’t forget to find out which international organization and club the cat is registered with when buying it from a cattery.

Buying Thai and Kurilian bobtail cats is not difficult because there are catteries in Russia that breed these cats. Breeds other than American bobtails are bred outside of the USA. Additionally, there are no Japanese bobtail catteries here; instead, the breed is only bred by individual breeders. Despite coming from Russia, Karelian bobtails are quite hard to find because there aren’t enough breeders who specialize in producing them.

One possible purchase price is as follows:

1. Japanese bobtails cost from $500 and up abroad.
2. A pet-class Kurilian Bobtail (a cat without a pedigree) can be purchased for $50, while individuals for breeding the breed are much more expensive.
3. The price of a pet-class Thai Bobtail is between 15 and 25 thousand rubles, while a kitten for breeding costs twice as much.
4. Due to its small numbers, the Karelian Bobtail is quite expensive: from 35 to 70 thousand rubles.
5. An American pet-class Bobtail costs an average of $500, while an exhibition animal will cost several times more.

To avoid being tricked, you should consider the primary characteristics that set the Bobtail breed apart:

1. A very distinctive tail: it always has knots. It is enough to run your hand along the tail to make sure that you have a Bobtail in front of you, and not an ordinary cat with a docked tail.
2. Wool: it is silky to the touch and does not roll.
3. Build: almost all bobtails have longer hind legs than front legs (Manx cats have a similar build, but this is an expensive breed, and it is unlikely that they will try to sell you such a kitten instead of a bobtail).

Taking care of a bobtail is not hard. This breed’s cats are tidy, fast to become used to the litter box (though they have high standards for its hygiene), and they stop marking their territory even after they reach puberty. Pets with short hair or long hair do not require weekly brushing because their fur does not become tangled. Bobtails don’t leave much fur behind, but some people might be allergic to it. Performing a sensitivity test prior to kitten purchase is the best course of action.

These cats don’t need to be bathed very often because they are clean, but they do not mind getting wet and they handle the washing process well.

Water is adored by Kurilian bobtails.

Bobtails enjoy taking walks outside, but if you don’t live in a private home, you’ll need to walk your dog on a leash, which they quickly grow accustomed to. In order for your pet to play and sleep soundly, it also needs its own space in the apartment. You can purchase a pre-made one or construct one yourself for your feline friend.

It’s important to regularly check on the condition of the eyes, ears, and claws and to trim them on time (if there’s not a scratching post in the house, furniture will be used instead). The state of the pet’s teeth is something we shouldn’t overlook. You can get away with giving them more solid food in their diet, but special brushes and cat toothpastes are used to clean them.

The absence of dental issues is ensured by a veterinary preventive examination performed annually.

Pet health

Bobtail cats are known for their excellent health and lack genetic diseases, in contrast to tailless breeds. They can live up to 23 years if given the right care. To ensure that your pet lives for an extended amount of time with you, keep in mind these key preventive measures:

• Provide proper and balanced nutrition.
• Vaccinate on time: the first vaccination is given to a kitten at the age of three to four months by the breeder; the second vaccination (if necessary) is given approximately three weeks later, then an annual revaccination is performed (against rabies – once every three years).
• Treat the fur from ectoparasites: fleas, ticks, lice. There are many different means for their destruction: shampoos, sprays, drops on the withers, collars. They are used at the first signs of infection: the cat often scratches itself, especially its ears, scratches and bald spots are found on the fur.
• Fight internal parasites. If there are no external signs of the disease, deworming is carried out before significant events in the pet"s life: exhibitions, vaccinations, mating. Preventive treatment is also necessary approximately once every six months, regardless of whether your pet is outside or is constantly in the apartment. This is especially important, since worm infestation can be transmitted from an animal to a person.

Problems with puberty in cats and cats

Sterilization surgery is one more way to create the conditions necessary for a peaceful and healthy life.

A cat marks its territory when it enters the sexual maturation stage. Simultaneously, the apartment starts to smell bad all the time. The animal will make loud meows or attempt to go outside in an attempt to find a mate. Castration is the preferable option if you want to avoid owning a stud cat.

Castration is a straightforward procedure carried out under general anesthesia to remove a man’s testicles. After that, your pet won’t mark its territory, behave calmly, and even its urine odor will become less overpowering. In order to prevent any detrimental effects on the animal’s development, the procedure is performed no earlier than seven months of age.

After puberty, girls will also cause trouble in the apartment. Like male cats, females can mark their territory, scream loudly, and become aggressive during the heat period if they don’t have a partner.

Veterinarian offices currently provide a number of cat sterilization options, including:

• ovariohysterectomy – involves removing the uterus and ovaries;
• ovariectomy – only the ovaries are removed, this is a simpler operation, but it can subsequently lead to uterine disease.

The procedure is carried out while under general anesthesia. The cat requires cautious care for a few days following it. Sterilized female cats live longer, so this is a small price to pay for peace of mind in the home.

Nutrition

Using premium ready-made food is the simplest way to give your pet a healthy diet. They are easily portioned, store well, and have the right amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients. The expensive price is the only downside.

Feeding plans involving natural products must consider the prevalence of protein-rich foods. As part of such a diet, you can have:

• low -fat meat;
• a small amount of fish;
• low -fat dairy products;
• Porridge.

Minerals and vitamins must be added.

A cat should always have access to clean water, preferably filtered, regardless of their diet.

The advantages and disadvantages of bobtails

This trait cannot be linked to the benefits or drawbacks of any particular breed because the conditions of kitten acquisition and cost vary greatly amongst breeds. The following table lists the remaining benefits and drawbacks of owning a boatwood pet.

Table: Dignits and weaknesses of the breed

Advantages	Flaws
Simple care, intake in food	The pet is very attached to the owner and needs his attention
Good health	He does not like loneliness
Sweet character, friendly attitude towards children and other family members	The cat is active and smart, can be the cause of disorder in the apartment
Easily accustomed to order in the house, can be trained	Wool can cause allergies
Excellent rodent hunter
The breed is valued in the felinological society

Aspect	Description
Appearance	The Bobtail is known for its unique, distinctive look with a naturally short tail and a sturdy, compact body. Their coat is dense and can come in various colors and patterns.
Character	Despite their charming appearance, Bobtails have a decisive and strong-willed personality. They are confident and can be quite determined in their actions.
Temperament	Bobtails are known for being loyal and affectionate towards their family. They are generally good with children and other pets, but their strong character means they can be quite independent.
Exercise Needs	Bobtails are active and enjoy playtime. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, but they can adapt to both active and more relaxed lifestyles.
Grooming	Their dense coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They don’t shed excessively but will need a brush several times a week.

The Bobtail is a very special friend because of its unique charm and personality. Bobtails effortlessly win people over and leave a lasting impression thanks to their unique appearance and endearing personalities. They are a pleasure to have around any house because of their loving and energetic disposition.

Living with a Bobtail entails having a fun-loving, loyal friend who is constantly eager for new experiences. Their sharp minds and powerful personalities frequently result in charming antics and a close relationship with their owners. The Bobtail is distinguished by its endearing characteristics and exuberant mannerisms.

In conclusion, the Bobtail is a breed with a rich personality and an enduring charm that goes beyond just having a beautiful face. The unique personality and attractive appearance of the Bobtail make it an excellent choice for anyone searching for a devoted friend or an active pet.

Video on the topic

Kurilian Bobtail

Character of the Kurilian Bobtail

When will the redomiciliation of Rusagro be completed, why are shareholders against it, what will happen to the shares? Business analysis

7 unusual facts about the Kurilian Bobtail

Breed of short-tailed cats Kurilian Bobtail. Grace of a lynx, character of a dog. ❤️❤️❤️

Bobtail – Interesting facts about a dog