Witchfyre & Witchstorm

GCCF Standard

The GCCF Standard was agreed in 2002 from a committee formed from the original importers of the Siberian Cat. The standard includes all colours except Chocolate, Cinnamon, Caramel and the according dilute colours. Burmese or Tonkinese colour restriction are also not accepted. The colourpointed variety can be called Neva Masquerade.

INFORMATION

GCCF Standard of Points

"GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Siberian Cat is a medium to large semi-longhaired cat, solid with “heft” rather than rangy. The most important features are head type and coat quality. The overall impression should be of a cat with substance and rounded contours. Larger animals are preferred, though females will be somewhat smaller than males, but overall type is the overriding factor. The Siberian has a very distinctive weatherproof coat unique to the breed, and, as the breed originated as a natural outdoor cat in Russia, the overall appearance of the Siberian Cat should reflect this natural heritage. The Siberian matures slowly, full development of the cat can take four to five years. The cat should have an alert expression, be in good general condition and well presented. A cat should not be penalised if apparently wrongly colour registered, as there are no points for colour.

Head: The head should be in good proportion to the body. It should form a short, broad wedge with rounded contours, with a slightly rounded muzzle and chin. The lower forehead should be slightly domed. The profile line should show a slight concave curve at the bridge with a nose of a harmonious length. The nose should be of uniform width when viewed from the front. The whisker pads should be moderately well developed and form a gentle, rounded line with the chin. The muzzle should be broad and rounded. The chin should be slightly rounded, neither receding nor prominent when viewed in profile.

Cheekbones: The cheekbones are the determining factor in the head type of a Siberian. The direction of the cheekbone arch extends to the outer ear base. The cheekbones should be low set, very broad and connected by a gentle, rounded line to the whisker pads and chin, which produces the desired impression.

Ears: Ears of medium size, rounded at the tip, set wide apart, the width of an ear or more between the ears. A cat with higher ear set but a broad rounded head is to be preferred to a cat with wide set ears but a narrow head. Ears should be well furnished.

Eyes: Large, slightly oval shaped, but with a rounded lower line, set slightly oblique and wide apart. Any shade is allowed except that blue and odd eyed colours are allowed in white and van patterned Siberians and only blue allowed in Colourpointed Siberians. The colour should be clear and bright as an indication of good health.

Body: The body is rectangular in format but not too long. The cat should be medium to large, well muscled and heavily built with a broad chest. The neck should be short and substantial.

Legs & Feet: The legs should be in proportion to the body, of medium length with substantial bone structure and strength. The legs should be felt to estimate bone structure. Paws large, with toes carried close, rounded and with well-developed tufts. A medium sized female with balanced bone structure and proportions should be preferred to a giant male whose legs are too long.

Tail: It should be broad at the base, of proportionate length and slightly tapering towards the tip. It should reach the shoulder blade. The tail should be well furnished.

Coat: The texture and structure of the coat are important features of the breed. However, allowance should be made for kittens that may have softer fur, and for the seasonal moult. The coat is of medium length, with a very dense undercoat that is soft, fine and somewhat “springy”, covered by a coarser, more substantial topcoat. The fur over the shoulders is shorter. The hair is firm to the touch and waterproof. The smoothly flowing guard hairs should cover the back, flanks and upper side of the tail. The underside of the body and the breeches have only undercoat. The undercoat is shorter than the covering topcoat, it should be dense and plentiful. It may be lighter in the summer but should still be present. One should feel the definite resilience of the dense undercoat when a hand is placed on the coat. A longer, plentiful ruff is preferred.

Coat Colour & Pattern: The Siberian is recognised in a wide variety of colours and patterns including colourpointed. Chocolate, Cinnamon, Caramel and the according dilute colours (Lilac, Fawn, and Apricot) are not accepted in any pattern combinations (solid, bi-colour, tri-colour, tabby or colourpointed.) Burmese or Tonkinese colour restriction are also not accepted. Any amount of white is allowed, (i.e. white on paws, chest, belly, blaze, locket etc.) on all patterns and colours including the colourpointed variety. The colourpointed variety can be called Neva Masquerade. Allowance should be made for belly spots and shading on colourpoints.

SCALE OF POINTS Head: Including general shape and balance; profile; muzzle and chin 15 Cheeks: Cheekbones are the determining factor in head type 10 Eyes: 5 Ears: 5 Body: Including overall shape; size; substance; boning; legs; paws and tail length 35 Coat: Including undercoat; topcoat; ruff; breeches and coat texture and quality 25 Overall Condition: 5 Total: 100

Withhold Certificates or First Prizes in Kitten Open Classes for: 1. Narrow, high cheekbones 2. Slight or delicate build, with fine legs and/or oval paws 3. Straight profile, definite stop or tapering nose 4. Long, triangular or narrow, oval head* 5. Tail not in proportion to the body 6. Soft, silky or Persian type coat* 7. Protruding, round or small eyes Any defect as listed in the preface to the SOP booklet * - Judges to exercise their discretion with kittens in respect of (4) and (6)

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