American Cat Fanciers Association        

Balinese Breed Synopsis

 

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  Balinese Breed Standard

 

 

 

The Balinese is a Siamese with longer coat and plumey tail. Their conformation and colors are the same. The hair is moderately long, silky and lies closely to the body so the elegant, long, refined body of the Siamese can still be seen.
 
When you share your life with a Balinese, you always have a best friend. They adore their people and want to be involved with everything their person does. They are loving, playful, curious and intelligent. Both sexes make good parents. Unlike the Siamese, they are less vocal and the voice is softer. Balinese are easy to care for. Because of the single coat, they do not mat. All they need is an occasional brush or comb and a bath, with a routine nail clipping and oral hygiene. Of course, more bathing and grooming is necessary for the show cats.

 

 

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In the 1950's, a few Siamese breeders, who noticed they sometimes had kittens with longer hair than the ideal, decided to get together and develop a longhaired Siamese breed. They agreed to avoid any outcrossing to other breeds, and this is still the rule. Some of the pioneers are: Sylvia Holland (Holland's Farm); Ruby Green (Verde); and Elcy Crouch (ELC Cats)
 
The Balinese head forms a long, tapering wedge with a straight profile, the same as it's Siamese ancestry. The ears are large and continue the wedge. The eyes are deep, vivid blue and almond-shaped, set at a slant. Balinese have a dramatic look: alert, curious and regal.

The Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF) had a Longhaired Siamese registered in 1928, but it wasn't until the 1950's when true breeding programs were established. Marian Dorsey (Rai-Mar) and Helen Smith (MerryMews) were the first pioneers of this breed. Helen Smith named it Balinese, feeling it resembled the grace and elegance of the Balinese dancer. Marian Dorsey sold her cattery to Sylvia Holland (Holland's Farm) in 1965. Sylvia Holland became the catalyst that brought all the Balinese breeders together to work on improving the breed and having it recognized in all associations. She worked extensively in helping other breeders establish and expand their lines. 
 In 1967, ACFA accepted the Balinese for championship exhibition in 1968. In the 1969 Parade of Royalty, Balinese and Birman first appeared, the 11th and 12th breeds to be included in the Houses of Breeds section. In the 1970's, there were many Balinese showing in ACFA shows, especially in the north central region. One would see as many as 15 at a show.   In 1975, the first Balinese cats achieved the title of grand champion in ACFA;   three seal point males.

 

There has been much controversy about banning any breeding to the Siamese. However, this would create a smaller gene pool. Balinese breeders are on the decline in all American cat associations, which is probably due to the continual addition of more breeds.


 

 

 

 

breed chair
 Shirley Filipello

564 Bemes Rd.
Crete, IL. 60417

708-672-6563

shirwoodacres@msn.com