Brazilian shortair

Overall description of the breed

The Brazilian Shorthair, also known as the Pelo Curto Brasileiro, has its origins in the domestic cats brought to Brazil by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. These small felines accompanied the colonists on their ships to hunt rodents and protect foodstuffs. Its development as a breed began in the mid-1980s. Paulo Samuel Raschi, breeder and president of the Brazilian Cat Association, observed a homogeneity in the appearance of Brazilian cats that differed from cats in the rest of the world. In 1985, with the help of three other breeders, he decided to create a breed of Brazilian cats and drew up the Brazilian Shorthair standard. After selecting around forty street cats with the desired physical characteristics, they started breeding.

The Brazilian Shorthair was officially recognised in Brazil in 1994, then accepted by the WCF (World Cat Federation) as a Celtic Shorthair or European Shorthair because of its strong resemblance to the European. This was not in line with the wishes of Paulo Samuel Raschi, who wanted to create a separate breed. Finally, in 1998, the cat authority agreed to recognise the Brazilian Shorthair as a breed in its own right. However, other cat associations refused to recognise it, considering it simply to be an alley cat.

Although breeders continue to work on this breed in the hope that it will be recognised worldwide, the Brazilian Shorthair remains extremely rare and is not yet known or recognised by many organisations.

The Brazilian Shorthair is a medium-sized cat with a slightly round, muscular and robust body, often described as "semi-cobby". Its strong legs are of medium length and end in round paws. Its rather small head is longer than it is wide, topped by medium-sized ears with rounded tips and a bushy base. Its large, round, expressive eyes, set wide apart, contribute to its distinctive charm. It has a strong chin and a curved nose, giving it a distinctive profile. The coat is dense and silky, with no undercoat.

The current standard published by the WCF is currently being revised. The Brazilian Shorthair is generally described as a medium-sized cat with a muscular body, but finer than an American Shorthair. It is characterised by elegant legs of medium length, round paws and a tail of medium to long length, tapering slightly to a rounded tip. It is mainly the head and ears that define the breed. The head is small to medium-sized, longer than it is wide, with a slightly curved profile and a strong chin and lower jaw. The ears are large and high, with a well furnished interior. The eyes are large and rounded, slightly curved and set wide apart. They are very expressive and their colour must match that of the coat. The coat is short, without undercoat, silky and glossy. All colours and patterns are accepted, with the exception of colourpoint.

The Brazilian Shorthair is generally described as affectionate, intelligent and active, although it can also be quite sensitive. However, character traits remain individual and depend on each cat's history. Despite its rare status and lack of recognition by all cat associations, the Brazilian Shorthair attracts passionate breeders who hope one day to see this unique cat breed officially recognised worldwide. In the meantime, these cats continue to fascinate with their charming appearance and personality.