FAQ pictures Interpreting the SOP Standard of points index links

more patterns coat pattern photos

Frequently Asked Questions

1)Has the traditional coat pattern for the BI and Tri-colour disappeared?

A) No, this is now the middle range for coat pattern expression. If breeders use Self' Persians in their breeding programme this is also the most likely range of coat patterns but again the White spotting gene may decide to go on "holiday" and the breeder can find themselves with a litter of Self kittens, unless they use a Minimum coloured cat, then it's anyone's guess as to pattern.

2)How much white do you have to have on a limb to conform to standard?

A) So long as white is visible that is OK but it is up to the judge to state that the amount of white showing, in there opinion, looks right on the cat on the day, which as BI and Tri breeders are aware can be affected by coat length altering the overall appearance of the exhibit.

3)If you have a wonderful exhibit with no white either to face or limbs etc. or no colour to the face can it still have a P.C. C.C. or First in a kitten class?

A) No, the SOP states in the with-holding "incorrect proportion of white to colour or colour to white". Since it states clearly in the SOP that white is to be seen on all limbs, underbelly,chest and the face to have colour and white. Then the judge will withhold the award.

4)Which Tabby patterns are allowed in the Tabby and White series?

A) All tabby patterns are acceptable in the BI and Tri series

Q5)When is white to the tail not acceptable?

A) This only occurs in the minimum colour description. This is a cat showing the maximum white permitted by the standard. It requires the exhibit to have a fully coloured tail and colour to the head. If this pattern of cat has some colour elsewhere on its body and / or limbs, then white to the tail is acceptable.

Q6) In Minimum colour, where it states colour to the "head area" Is colour only to the back of the head acceptable?

A) The standard is worded this way to allow for colour on the top of the head, as judges in the past have had some trouble with the definition of face i.e: does it include the chin or between the ears. A BI or Tri-colour on the bench with no colour viable to the head area, or when you look at the exhibit full face on and it could be mistaken for a White (2a), then the judge has every right to feel that it is not representative of the breed and with- hold the award. There is enough scope within the standard for excellent exhibits and breeders/ exhibitors have no need to put on the show bench BI or Tri-colours, which can be considered poor representatives of the breed group in pattern, or conformation etc.

Q7) Do we still have the Van?

A) No this description is now obsolete and was replaced by the maximum white description. No kittens should be registered with the W affix which represented that pattern when shown at Merit level.

Q8) In the Tir-colour series is it acceptable to have one of these colours dominate the other in coat pattern?

A Basically the Tortoiseshell pattern (S.O.P.)Of these cats states that the "base colour should be broken into patches of colour" Genetically the Tortoiseshell is a black cat with patches of red (dilute series, cream ) plus the SS or Ss gene which provides the white. The red in this pattern is epistatic in action, it masks black ( Choc or dilute series blue,lilac ) For a Tortie and White to represent its coat pattern, especially in the minimum white coat pattern, the red should look as if it is sitting on the black. The amounts of white in the coat pattern are dealt with in the minimum white, minimum colour descriptions. The exhibit should be representative of the breed even if it is only a two coloured tail and face and the rest of the coat white as in the minimum colour or conversely in the minimum white, good expression of black with red is expected throughout the coat.

Q9 Are Maximum white and Minimum colour interchangeable terms?

Yes, both describe the upper limits of coat pattern combinations

Q10 Are Minimum white and maximum colour interchangeable terms?

Yes, again both describe the least acceptable in coat pattern combinations

Q11 Does the S.O.P require an exhibit to have a full collar or a white patch on the back?

A NO, contrary to opinion this is not a requirement of the standard or even the previous standard. Collars and back patches etc. was part of the 1960's "Dutch rabbit" standard which was replaced by the 35% to 50% colour to white standard, which was then superseded by toady's standard.

Q12) Are breeders still using the same mating formats as they were doing before the Standard altered in 1996.

A Breeders are still using the matings that I described in the article I wrote for the Tortoiseshell and White & Bi-colour Article (Cats Sept. 1995). All that has happened is that breeders are able to place on the show bench their best exhibits which previously may have been outside the standard that dictated a 35%-50% ration between colour and white prior to 1996. The Minimum Colour (Vans) that were a rare sight, are now seen in abundance.

The club has many articles available to members on the White spotting gene, mating charts etc For the basic cost of photocopying. . Contact the secretary, Sally, who's e-mail is available on the clubs index page for details.