Tiffanie
Also known as: Asian Semi-longhair, Asian Longhair, Burmilla Longhair
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Other names
- Asian Semi-longhair, Asian Longhair, Burmilla Longhair
About the Tiffanie
The Tiffanie is a British cat breed developed from the Chartreux and British Shorthair. It has a distinctive grey-blue coat and a sturdy build.
Overview
The Tiffanie is a cat breed similar to the Asian Shorthair except it has semi-long fur length. The breed belongs to the Asian Group and is generally recognised in any of the Asian Shorthair or Burmese colours and patterns. Like the other cats in the Asian Group, the breed was developed during the 1980s in the United Kingdom by crossbreeding a Persian Chinchilla and a Burmese . In cat registries that recognise the breed, it is officially registered under the name Tiffanie or within the Asian Group as Tiffanie or Asian Longhair . In some registries the colouration is restricted to silver or golden tipped or shaded , and the breed is registered as Burmilla Longhair or Australian Tiffanie . Among the cat fancy the breed is also known as the Asian Semi-longhair . The Tiffanie is often confused with the now extinct and unrelated Chantilly-Tiffany , or Foreign Longhair, a longhaired North American breed originating from chocolate-brown cats of unknown origin. Similarly, the Tiffany in the NZCF (New Zealand) refers to a Burmese longhair .
Origin
The Tiffanie was developed in the 1980s in the United Kingdom as a longhaired version of the Asian Shorthair. The breed origins can be traced back to matings between a Persian Chinchilla and a Burmese .
Recognition
It has full recognition in the GCCF , LOOF , SACC , preliminary status with the WCF , and has registration only status with The International Cat Association . The Australian Tiffanie is recognised by ANCATS and the Burmilla longhair by ACF , which are distinctly different in colour to the Asian Semi-longhair Tiffanie as these only come in silver or golden tipped or shaded .
Australian Tiffanie
One governing body in Australia ( Waratah National Cat Alliance , WNCA, now the Australian National Cats Inc. , ANCATS) uses the name Australian Tiffanie ; however, international acceptance and standardisation did not follow. It is different from the European Tiffanie and the North-American Chantilly-Tiffany . The Tiffanie from the UK is also originating from crossbreeding chinchilla Persian and Burmese cats. However, Australian Tiffanies are essentially longhair Burmillas , as they only come in silver or golden tipped or shaded. The breed is separately developed in the late-1990s in Australia from European Tiffanie cats by breeding them back to the chinchilla Persian. Therefore, many Australian Tiffanies contain more than three-quarters chinchilla Persian and retain the appearance and temperament of the Old-Fashioned chinchilla Persian. To summarise, the Australian Tiffanie and Tiffanie from the UK are both developed from crossbreeding chinchilla Persians and Burmeses, but the Australian version contains more chinchilla Persian. Consequently, only silver and golden tipped and shaded is allowed in the Australian Tiffanie. The name''s use is declining in favour, due to the lax standards for the breed name, the lack of unique identity and the varied genetic makeup.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Tiffanie?
The Tiffanie is a medium-sized cat breed with semi-long fur. They have a muscular build and a broad face with a short, rounded muzzle. Their eyes are almond-shaped and can be blue, gold, or copper in colour. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them a popular choice as a family pet.
Is the Tiffanie a good family cat?
Tiffanies are generally suitable for families with children, as they are playful and affectionate. However, they can be sensitive to noise and stress, so it's essential to socialise them well and provide a stable environment. Regular grooming is also recommended to prevent matting and tangling of their semi-long fur.
What health problems do Tiffanies have?
As a crossbreed, Tiffanies can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease) and patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation). Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health problems early on. Responsible breeding practices can also help reduce the incidence of these conditions.
How much does a Tiffanie kitten cost?
The cost of a Tiffanie kitten can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Tiffanie kitten can cost between £600 to £1,200 (approximately $800-$1,600 USD). It's essential to research reputable breeders and ask about the kitten's health guarantees, registration, and microchipping.