Burmese standard

GENERAL

Appearance

The Burmese distinguishes itself as an independent breed by its unique genetics of color (cb cb). Striking characteristics of this lively breed are its silky coat texture as well as their expressive eyes. It is a meium-sized, elegant cat of oriental origin. Any suggestion of either Siamese tpe or the cobbiness of British Shorthair must be regarded as a fault.

Size

Medium

HEAD

Shape

Viewed from the front: short wedge, wide at the cheek bones, tapering to a blunt finish at the muzzle. Top of the head prode and with height, wide between the ears and slightly rounded. In profile: brow slightly rounded; tip of the nose and chin form a vertical line.

NOSE

Distinct nose break at the base.

Jaws

Wide at the hinge.

Chin

Strong; in profile the chin shows a strong lower jaw.

EARS

Shape

Medium in size (exeption: kitten), board at the base with slightly rounded tops

Placement

Set well apart; the outer line of the ears continues the upper art of the face (exeption: mature males - fullness of cheeks). In profile the ears have a slight forward tilt.

EYES

Shape

Large and set wide apart; the top line of the eyes is straight with a slight oriental slant towards the nose, the lower line being rounded.

Color

Lusstruous, particularly alert and bright. All shades of yellow from charteude to amber; golden yellow preferred. Shape, size and set are more important for the expression of the Burmese than the color. Allowances should be made for color dilution in an older cat.

BODY

Size

Of medium length.

Structure

Muscular and compact, heavier than its appearance indicates. Chest strong and rounded in profile, back straight.

LEGS

Rather slender and in propotion to the body.

Paws

Oval, small, in propotion to the body.

TAIL

Of medim length, straight; medium thickness at base, tapering to rounded tip.

COAT

Structure

Fine, glossy, silky, lying close to the body, almost without undercoat, very short.

Color

In all colors the underparts of the body paler tham back and legs, but shading should be gradual. Hair should shade gradually to a paler color at the roots. Face and ears may show a little contrast. All varieties without any bars or spotting. For color varieties refer to tables below.

REMARKS

In kittens (3-6 months) allowance should be made for faint ghostmarkings and an overall paler body color than in adults.

FAULTS

Eyes

-Oriental eye shape
-Round eyes

Head

-jaw pinch
-prominent nose bump

FAULTS
precluding the certificate

Type

-Oriental or British type

Eyes

-more blue than yellow pigmentation

Coat

-too many white hairs
-distinct barring and ghostmarkings

Color

Code

Coat color

Nose leather

Paw pads

Remarks

Brown

BUR n

Rich warm seal brown

Rich brown

Seal brown

1

Blue

BUR a

blue-grey, with a clear pewter colored sheen

blue-grey

pinkish blue-grey

Chocolate

BUR b

milk coffee (café au lait)

chocolate-brown

cinnamon to chocolate

2

Lilac

BUR c

pale, delicate dove-grey with a light pink cast

Lavender

Lavender

Red

BUR d

tangerine

pink

pink

Cream

BUR e

light apricot showing a distict powdery bloom on ears, head and back.

Pink

Pink

Brown-tortie

BUR f

seal brown and tangerine (dark and/or pale) patched and/or mingled

pink and/or seal brown

pink and/or seal brown

3

Blue-tortie

BUR g

blue-grey and light aprico (dark and/or pale) patched and/or mingled

pink and/or blue grey

pink and/or blue grey

3

Chocolate-tortie

BUR h

milk coffee and tangerine (dark and/or pale) patched and/or mingled

pale red/pink and/or chocolate

pale red/pink and/or chocolate

3

Lilac-tortie

BUR j

dove-grey and light apricot (dark and/or pale) patched and/or mingled

pink and/or lavender

pink and/or lavender

3

Total

100 points

Head

general shape, nose, jaws and teeth, forehead, chin, placement and shape of the ears

25 points

Eyes

shape and placement, color

20 points

Body

shape and placement, color

20 points

Coat

Color

15 points

quality and texture

15 points

Condition

5 points