The American Bobtail is a completely domestic cat that should look wild as it visually resembles a wild Bobtailed cat. The rounding of the brow, combined with an almost almond eye shape, combine to create a wild hunting look. Lynx tipping on ears and longer "muttonchops" on the cheeks complete the American Bobtail's wild look. The American Bobtail is noted for its loving, loyal and tractable nature.

If one word was to be used to describe this cat it would be "Rugged". This breed is a large cat with semi-long coat that occurs in all colors and patterns with very little emphasis placed on coat and eye color as TYPE is the main concern. This cat is a result of natural breedings and therefore is not extreme in any aspect.

Head:

SHAPE: Broad, modified wedge with slightly curved contours. Slightly longer than wide. In proportion to the body. In profile there is gentle concave curve with a rounding into the skull and great depth to the nose/

muzzle/chin. There is a good space between brow and ears.  Cheekbones are prominent.
MUZZLE: Muzzle is broad and full, never pinched. Slightly wider than long. Slight whisker break at well defined cheeks with full whisker pads.
NOSE: Nose is wide and broad, almost the same width to the nose leather as the spacing between the eyes. Nose leather is large.
CHIN: Chin is very strong and full; in line with nose when viewed in profile. Jaws are full and strong.

EYES: Eyes are a wide almost almond shape; deeply set under brow; on a bias to the bottom inside corner of the ear. May look flat over top because of brow.
EARS: Ears are medium to large in size, wide at base and have slightly rounded tips; placement is as much on top of head as to the side. Good space in between. Furnishings and tipping are preferred. In adult males, ears may set lower due to jowling.
MISC.: Females may be substantially smaller than the males and shall not be penalized. This is a slow maturing breed and may not fill out until two or more years of age.

Body:
SHAPE: Broad. Wide shoulders and hips. Moderate length. Well muscled. Cat should have a rectangular stance. Straight back, giving rise to a higher rear-end. Prominent shoulder blades.
NECK: Broad and strong, may look short due to musculature.
LEGS & FEET: Substantial boning; legs are in proportion to length of body. Hind legs longer than front legs. Feet are large, round; toe tufting is desirable.
 

Tail:
Short, half-length or less than that of a normal cat. Length should be sufficient to be visible above back if held erect, but should not exceed the hock if held down cat's hind leg when leg is stretched. Tail may have bumps or be slightly curved, should be articulate. There may be extra flesh, hooks or kinks at end of tail. Straight tails preferred over knotted or kinked tails that change direction. Tail should be flexible at the base, never fragile. Tail must be minimum 1” inch of bone (approx. thumb width).

 

Coat:
Texture is slightly course, natural, evolving from being outdoors in all weather. Semi-long hair, longer on ruff, britches and tail. Should be double coated. There is seasonal variation. Summer coats might not exhibit the undercoat.

Color / Pattern:
Accepted in all recognized colors and patterns registered by ACFA. Eye color does not have to correlate with coat color. The following colors having traits unique to the breed:

Smokes may exhibit pattern.

Lynx points should have body pattern visible. Body pattern should correlate to point pattern and become more dramatic with age.

High rufusing is desirable on all tabby colors.

Silvers may exhibit tarnishing or rufusing.
Eye color on Minks is light icy blue to deep green.

Condition/Balance:
Condition and balance are most important to the American Bobtail.  Overall type will be the most important feature for this breed, not color, pattern or tail.  The cat should feel powerful, well fleshed and muscular, without being fat.  This cat should be a cat with a wild look, not a wild temperament.

PENALIZE:     Tail too long or too short affecting the balance and appearance of the cat.  Tail visibly knotted out of shape.  Tail that is fragile.       Coat that lies flat on the body or is soft or cottony (mattable texture).       Too fine boned or cobby type.          Legs that are not set straight, cow hocking. WITHHOLD:     No tail, full length tail or docked tail. Tail that is too fined boned or fragile. Fused tail at the base.        Bad hips or rear.       Poor physical condition.       Incorrect number of toes.