Head:
Shape: The head should be slightly longer than it is broad, with
prominent cheeks, [also stud jowls in the male] which make it appear
rather round. There should be a break at the whiskers with large, round
whisker pads. Well developed muzzle, moderate in length and width, with
a strong chin and short, thick neck. Profile: There is a gentle
nose dip. Ears: Medium in size, rather wide at the base and
tapering gradually to a rounded tip, with heavy furnishings inside. The
Cymric may have ear tufts at the tip which make the ears appear pointed;
this is permissible. Ears are rather widely spaced and are set slightly
outward so that, when viewed from behind, they resemble the rocker of a
cradle. Eyes: Eyes should be round and full, set at a slight
angle [outer corner a little above inner corner]. The ideal eye color
conforms with the requirements for color of coat, but should only be
considered if all other points are equal.
Body:
Shape: Medium to large in size, compact, with a short back that
arches up from the shoulders to haunches. Sturdy bone structure. Stout
in appearance, with broad chest; surprisingly heavy when lifted. Legs:
The hindlegs should be longer than the forelegs, making the rump
higher than the shoulders. The hindlegs should have substantial bone and
should be straight, when viewed from behind. The cat should have
muscular thighs. The soundness of the legs should be judged by watching
the cat's movement when stepping back into the cage. Feet: Round
and firm, with 5 toes in front and 4 in back.
Depth of Flank:
The flank should have greater depth than in any other breed, adding much
to the short, cobby appearance. Depth of flank should be measured
vertically in the fleshy area between the rib cage and the thigh. The
depth of flank, height in the hindquarters, shortness of forelegs,
shortness of back, and roundness of rump produce the characteristic gait
of the Cymric.
Taillessness and Roundness of Rump:
Absolute in the perfect specimen. The Cymric should appear tailless.
There is no penalty for a rise of bone or cartilage which does not stop
the judge's hand when the palm is stroked down the back and over the
rump. No probing of the dimple or rise by the judge is allowed. The rump
of the Cymric may be felt with the palm of the hand only. The ideal rump
will be as round as an orange.
Coat:
The double coat should be medium length [1/2 – 2 ½ inches] over the
main body. The frontal ruff begins behind the ears and moves downward
along the jawline and backward into the body. Ruff length should be in
keeping with overall coat length, but may be slightly longer and heavier
in the adult male. Coat length below the elbow on the front legs and the
hocks on the back should be shorter than on the body but full in
appearance and of the same texture. Britches are full and thick to the
hocks giving the appearance from the rear [in the mature cat] of
pantaloons. Toes and ear tufts are desirable. Coat length on the face,
ahead of the ears and jawline, should be in keeping with the shorter
coat of the lower leg areas. The double coat of the Cymric is dense and
full. Texture is silky and dense lending a non-matting quality to the
coat. The coat should fall smoothly around the body yet being a
"double coat" it will be thick and plush and appear padded.
Season and age variations in the coat should be recognized.
Color/Markings:
Color allowances may be made for some patterns given the longer coat
length. Buttons and lockets are not considered faults; do not penalize.
Faded color is undesirable.
Accepted Colors:
Accepted in the same patterns/colors as the Manx.
Condition/Balance
The overall appearance should be that of a medium to large sized,
compact, muscular cat. The head, neck, body and legs should blend
smoothly to form a well balanced Cymric. Roundness should result from
muscle, not fat. Gentle and amenable to handling.
NOTE: Cymrics are slow maturing and allowance should be made for
young cats
in judging depth of flank, etc.
