More Cat Breed Help

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Subject: Cat Breed Help
Date: 4/4/05 5:44 PM
From: JGoldman10@yahoo.com

Hello Mr. Auspitz:

Welcome back. I apologize if it seemed like I came across a being a pest-that was not my intention. I was having some problems with the posts at these forums, so I was not intentionally re-sending you multiple posts. I have some more cat breed questions for you:

What are the most current, most comprehensive books on
cat breeds available, and which ones do you suggest
reading?
Do you know of any other sites on the web I should go
to where I can request cat breed info, besides
AllExperts.com?
Who else at CFA.org can I pose cat breed questions?
Do you know if the European Shorthair is found all
over Europe, including Eastern, Central and Southern Europe?
Please let me know. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Mr. Jason Goldman
JGoldman10@yahoo.com

Answer -
Jason,

There are a number of popular books that talk about breeds.  The best book on the subject is the Cat Fanciers' Association's "Complete Cat Book", edited by Mordecai Siegal.  This book is available through the CFA.org web site.  The only drawback to this book is it only covers the breeds CFA recognizes, which does not include any hybrid breeds like the Bengal or the Chausie.

I still feel the best overall resource for all breeds is the messybeast web site.

In CFA, each individual breed has a breed council secretary who would have access to the most knowlege about that breed.  I am the Abyssinian breed council secretary.  In addition, most breeds have at least one yahoo groups email list for breed discussions.  

This is what the messybeast site says about the European Shorthair:

"First recognized in Sweden, similar to, but less cobby than British Shorthair. 58 color varieties are approved, classic tabby being favourite. Derived from cats brought to Europe by Roman settlers, possibly with admixture of genes from native European Wildcat (F silvestris) with which it can interbreed. Coat type reflects the harsher northern European climate. Has given rise to other breeds e.g. Chartreux, Norwegian Forest Cat."

I can inquire as to whether the European Shorthair is still found in all European countries.

Best regards... Norm.

Date: 4/6/05 2:30 PM

Hello:

Thank you for responding. You've said you could can inquire as to whether the European Shorthair is still found in all European countries.
Please do-I'd appreciate your input. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jason Goldman
JGoldman10@yahoo.com


Answer -
Jason,

Here is what I have found out about how one can research the European Shorthair (all messages have been sanitized as to the speaker and email addresses):

      
  Date: Tue, 05 Apr 2005 15:37:21 +0200
  
Subject: RE: European Shorthairs

Hi there,

Can't find any sites but if you want to know more then email Swedish judge, Louise Guezennec in Uppsala on guezennec@brevet.nu   Louise has bred Europeans for many years (and of an excellent conformation!) and will
know where to look.

I have known Louise for many years and have judged for her club on numerous occasions.  I have seen her cats and last year saw an excellent litter of six Brown Tabbies.  She has now acquired a British Shorthair.

Alan




Message: 3         
  Date: Tue, 05 Apr 2005 13:38:11 -0000
  From:
Subject: Re: European Shorthairs


Dear Norm;

Take a look at:

http://www.europeringen.se/

You have a lot of pictures under the link "Foto Album"

Best;

/Martti


Message: 5         
  Date: Tue, 05 Apr 2005 18:42:59 -0000
  From:
  Subject: Re: European Shorthairs


One more link - please don't miss to see these gorgeous Swedish European Shorthairs:

http://hem.bredband.net/b131599/

/Martti

Date: 4/8/05 4:30 PM

Hello:

Thank you for responding. I contacted Ms. Hartwell at messyboards.com. She told me that the European shorthair is found in Western Europe, but she doesn't know about Eastern Europe, if I'm not mistaken, but I can back to you on that-I'll have to double check the notes she sent me. I asked her about Central Europe, but she didn't answer my question. I did I little research-the breed originated in Central Europe and Scandinavia. Since the breed originated in these areas the breed is found in these areas-correct?
Please let me know. Thank you.


Sincerely,
Jason Goldman
JGoldman10@yahoo.com


Answer
Jason,

I just received this which should answer the question you are asking.  The framer of the email seems to really know his stuff, so you might want to email him for more information about this breed.  BTW, I have followed all the links from my previous answer to you and find the European Shorthair an intriguing and unique looking breed.


       
 "Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2005 12:56:14 +0200
 "From: <steven.l.jones@akerkvaerner.com>
"Subject: European Shorthairs


"Fellow Colleagues,

"The European Shorthair has had rather a checkered history within FIFe as it was mixed up with the British and Chartreux until the early 80s when the 3 breeds were separated. The mother of Lone's and my first cat had
been variously registered as Chartreux, European and British during the late 70s/early 80s.

"Today the European, although not a large breed within FIFe is registered as far north as Finland and as far south as Italy. The type seen in Scandinavia is perhaps a little heavier in build than those seen down in Europe. This is not surprising as the breed has derived from the housecat and this variation in type is seen in housecats as well.

"The European is the only breed within FIFe where Novice approval is allowed (this is a little generalisation as other breeds can be novice approved with supervision/acceptance of national breeding committees). Novice approval is basically taking a cat off the street and getting it breed approved by two FIFe judges.

"The "classic" European is tabby/spotted and it is definitely the shorthair breed where you will find the best pattern. (If we discount the more recent manufactured breeds of course). The breeders of European have obviously done the correct thing in their breeding programs to get
the clearest makings.

"My show experience with the European is that it has a more or less regal demeanour. I must admit I have a major soft spot for this breed. (must be my regal demeanour ;-))"


I hope the above is helpful in answering your questions.

Best regards... Norm.