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  • An Important Note on Feline Structure
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    Turkish Angora
    Turkish Van

  •  

    Breed Standard: Manx


    Black line denotes updated section.
    Updated: 4/30/2006
    Printer friendly version

    POINT SCORE

    25 .. HEAD and EARS 
     5 .. EYES 
    25 .. BODY  
     5 .. TAILLESSNESS 
    15 .. LEGS and FEET 
    COAT (20)
         10 .. LENGTH	
         10 .. Texture	
     5 .. COLOR and MARKINGS	
    

    GENERAL: the overall impression of the Manx cat is that of roundness; round head with firm, round muzzle and prominent cheeks; broad chest; substantial short front legs; short back which arches from shoulders to a round rump; great depth of flank and rounded, muscular thighs. The Manx should be alert, clear of eye, with a glistening, clean, well-groomed coat. They should be surprisingly heavy when lifted. Manx may be slow to mature and allowance should be made in young cats.

    HEAD and EARS: round head with prominent cheeks and a jowly appearance (more evident in adult males) that enhances the round appearance of the breed. In profile, head is medium in length with a gentle dip from forehead to nose. Well developed muzzle, very slightly longer than it is broad, with a strong chin. Definite whisker break with large, round whisker pads. Short, thick neck. Ears wide at the base, tapering gradually to a rounded tip. Medium in size in proportion to the head, widely spaced and set slightly outward. When viewed from behind, the ear set resembles the rocker on a cradle. The furnishings of the ears are sparse in Shorthair Manx and full furnishings for Longhair Manx.

    EYES: large, round and full. Set at a slight angle toward the nose (outer corners slightly higher than inner corners). Ideal eye color conforms to requirements of coat color.

    BODY: solidly muscled, compact and well-balanced, medium in size with sturdy bone structure. The Manx is stout in appearance with broad chest and well-sprung ribs. The constant repetition of curves and circles give the Manx the appearance of great substance and durability, a cat that is powerful without the slightest hint of coarseness. Males may be slightly larger than females.

    Flank (fleshy area of the side between the ribs and hip) has greater depth than in other breeds, causing considerable depth to the body when viewed from the side.

    The short back forms a smooth, continuous arch from shoulders to rump, curving at the rump to form the desirable round look. Length of back is in proportion to the entire cat, height of hindquarters equal to length of body. Males may be somewhat longer. Because the Longhair Manx has longer coat over the rump area and breeches, the body may appear longer.

    TAILLESSNESS: appearing to be absolute in the perfect specimen. A rise of bone at the end of the spine is allowed and should not be penalized unless it is such that it stops the judge's hand, thereby spoiling the tailless appearance of the cat. The rump is extremely broad and round.

    LEGS and FEET: heavily boned, forelegs short and set well apart to emphasize the broad, deep chest. Hind legs much longer than forelegs, with heavy, muscular thighs and substantial lower legs. Longer hind legs cause the rump to be considerably higher than the shoulders. Hind legs are straight when viewed from behind. Paws are neat and round with five toes in front and four behind.

    COAT LENGTH - Shorthair: double coat is short and dense with a well-padded quality due to the longer, open outer coat and the close cottony undercoat. Coat may be thinner during the summer months.

    COAT TEXTURE - Shorthair: texture of outer guard hairs is somewhat hard, appearance is glossy. A softer coat may occur in whites and dilutes due to color/texture gene link but should not be confused with the silky texture found in the Longhair Manx.

    COAT LENGTH - Longhair: the double coat is of medium length, dense and well padded over the main body, gradually lengthening from the shoulders to the rump. Breeches, abdomen and neck-ruff is usually longer than the coat on the main body. Cheek coat is thick and full. The collar like neck-ruff extends from the shoulders, being bib-like around the chest. Breeches should be full and thick to the hocks in the mature cat. Lower leg and head coat (except for cheeks) should be shorter than on the main body and neck-ruff, but dense and full in appearance. Toe tufts and ear tufts are desirable. All things being equal in type, preference should be given to the cat showing full coating.

    COAT TEXTURE - LONGHAIR: coat is soft and silky, falling smoothly on the body yet being full and plush due to the double coat. Coat should have a healthy glossy appearance. Allowance to be made for seasonal and age variations.

    COLOR and MARKINGS: Manx colors and tabby patterns are recognized as described under colors. Color/patterns showing evidence of hybridization (chocolate/lavender/ ticked tabby/pointed or these combinations with white) are not allowed. Cats with no more white than a locket and/or button(s) do not qualify for the bi-color or OMC Class. Such cats shall be judged in the color class of their basic color with no penalty for such locket or button(s).

    TRANSFER TO AOV: definite, visible tail joint.

    PENALIZE: on the Longhair Manx, coat that lacks density, has a cottony texture or is of one overall length.

    DISQUALIFY: evidence of poor physical condition; incorrect number of toes; evidence of hybridization; evidence of weakness in the hindquarters; in profile, pronounced stop or nose break.

    MANX COLORS

    WHITE: pure glistening white. Nose leather and paw pads: pink. Eye color: deep blue or brilliant copper. Odd-eyed whites shall have one blue and one copper eye with equal color depth.

    BLACK: dense coal black, sound from roots to tip of fur. Free from any tinge of rust on tips. Nose leather: black. Paw pads: black or brown. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    BLUE: blue, lighter shade preferred, one level tone. Sound to the roots. A sound darker shade is more acceptable than an unsound lighter shade. Nose leather and paw pads: blue. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    RED: deep, rich, clear, brilliant red; without shading, markings, or ticking. Lips and chin the same color as coat. Nose leather and paw pads: brick red. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    CREAM: one level shade of buff cream without markings. Sound to the roots. Lighter shades preferred. Nose leather and paw pads: pink. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    CHINCHILLA SILVER: undercoat pure white. Coat on back, flanks, and head sufficiently tipped with black to give the characteristic sparkling silver appearance. Legs may be slightly shaded with tipping. Chin, stomach, and chest, pure white. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with black. Nose leather: brick red. Paw pads: black. Eye color: green or blue-green.

    SHADED SILVER: undercoat white with a mantle of black tipping shading down from sides and face from dark on the ridge to white on the chin, chest, and stomach. Legs to be of the same tone as the face. The general effect to be much darker than a chinchilla. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with black. Nose leather: brick red. Paw pads: black. Eye color: green or blue-green.

    BLACK SMOKE: white undercoat, deeply tipped with black. Cat in repose appears black. In motion the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Points and mask black with narrow band of white at base of hairs next to skin which may be seen only when fur is parted. Nose leather and paw pads: black. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    BLUE SMOKE: white undercoat, deeply tipped with blue. Cat in repose appears blue. In motion the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Points and mask blue with narrow band of white at base of hairs next to skin which may be seen only when fur is parted. Nose leather and paw pads: blue. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    CLASSIC TABBY PATTERN: markings dense, clearly defined, and broad. Legs evenly barred with bracelets coming up to meet the body markings. Several unbroken necklaces on neck and upper chest, the more the better. Frown marks on forehead form an intricate letter "M." Unbroken line runs back from outer corner of eye. Swirls on cheeks. Vertical lines over back of head extend to shoulder markings which are in the shape of a butterfly with both upper and lower wings distinctly outlined and marked with dots inside outline. Back markings consist of a vertical line from butterfly down the entire spine with a vertical stripe paralleling it on each side, the three stripes well separated by stripes of the ground color. Large solid blotch on each side to be encircled by one or more unbroken rings. Side markings should be the same on both sides. Double vertical rows of buttons on chest and stomach.

    MACKEREL TABBY PATTERN: markings dense, clearly defined, and all narrow pencillings. Legs evenly barred with narrow bracelets coming up to meet the body markings. Necklaces on neck and chest distinct, like so many chains. Head barred with an "M" on the forehead. Unbroken lines running back from the eyes. Lines running down the head to meet the shoulders. Spine lines run together to form a narrow saddle. Narrow pencillings run around body.

    PATCHED TABBY PATTERN: a patched tabby (torbie) is an established silver, brown, or blue tabby with patches of red and/or cream.

    BROWN PATCHED TABBY: ground color brilliant coppery brown with classic or mackerel tabby markings of dense black with patches of red and/or cream clearly defined on both body and extremities. A blaze of red and/or cream on the face is desirable. Lips and chin the same shade as the rings around the eyes. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    BLUE PATCHED TABBY: ground color, including lips and chin, pale bluish ivory with classic or mackerel tabby markings of very deep blue affording a good contrast with ground color. Patches of cream clearly defined on both body and extremities. A blaze of cream on the face is desirable. Warm fawn overtones or patina over the whole. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    SILVER PATCHED TABBY: ground color, including lips and chin, pale silver with classic or mackerel tabby markings of dense black with patches of red and/or cream clearly defined on both body and extremities. A blaze of red and/or cream on the face is desirable. Eye color: brilliant copper or hazel.

    BLUE-SILVER TABBY (classic, mackerel): undercoat white, ground color, including lips and chin, pale clear bluish silver. Markings sound blue. Nose leather: blue or old rose trimmed with blue. Paw pads: blue or old rose. Eye color: green or hazel.

    BLUE-SILVER PATCHED TABBY (classic, mackerel): undercoat white, ground color, including lips and chin, pale clear bluish silver. Markings sound blue with patches of cream clearly defined on both body & extremities. A blaze of cream on the face is desirable. Nose leather: blue or old rose trimmed with blue. Paw pads: blue or old rose. Eye color: green, hazel, or brilliant copper.

    SILVER TABBY (classic, mackerel): ground color, including lips and chin, pale clear silver. Markings dense black. Nose leather: brick red. Paw pads: black. Eye color: green or hazel.

    RED TABBY (classic, mackerel): ground color red. Markings deep, rich red. Lips and chin red. Nose leather and paw pads: brick red. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    BROWN TABBY (classic, mackerel): ground color brilliant coppery brown. Markings dense black. Lips and chin the same shade as the rims around the eyes. Back of leg black from paw to heel. Nose leather: brick red. Paw pads: black or brown. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    BLUE TABBY (classic, mackerel): ground color, including lips and chin, pale bluish ivory. Markings a very deep blue affording a good contrast with ground color. Warm fawn overtones or patina over the whole. Nose leather: old rose. Paw pads: rose. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    CREAM TABBY (classic, mackerel): ground color, including lips and chin, very pale cream. Markings buff or cream sufficiently darker than the ground color to afford good contrast but remaining within the dilute color range. Nose leather and paw pads: pink. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    TORTOISESHELL: black brindled with red and/or shades of red. Brindling with minimal patching acceptable. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    CALICO: white with primarily unbrindled patches (minimal brindled color acceptable) of black and red. White predominant on underparts. Includes all expressions of the white spotting gene including the van pattern. Eye color: brilliant copper, odd-eyed, or blue-eyed.

    DILUTE CALICO: white with primarily unbrindled patches (minimal brindled color acceptable) of blue and cream. White predominant on underparts. Includes all expressions of the white spotting gene including the van pattern. Eye color: brilliant copper, odd-eyed, or blue-eyed.

    BLUE-CREAM: blue brindled with cream. Brindling with minimal patching acceptable. Eye color: brilliant copper.

    BI-COLOR: white with unbrindled patches of solid color - black, blue, red or cream; white with mackerel or classic tabby patterns - brown, blue, red, or cream; white with either classic or mackerel brown patched or blue patched tabbies. Includes all expressions of the white spotting gene from low-white to van patterns. All other recognized Manx colors with white to be shown in OMC class. Cats with no more than a locket and/or button do not qualify for this color class. Such cats shall be judged in the color class of their basic color with no penalty for such locket and/or button. Eye color: brilliant copper, odd-eyed or blue-eyed.

    TORTOISESHELL & WHITE: black and red and/or shades of red brindled with minimal white present (white limited to one or more feet, belly, chest, face and/or small spot of white on back, flank or neck). Cats with no more than a locket and/or button do not qualify for this color class. Such cats shall be judged in the tortoiseshell color class with no penalty for such locket and/or button. Eye color: brilliant copper, odd-eyed, or blue-eyed.

    BLUE-CREAM & WHITE: blue and cream brindled with minimal white present (white limited to one or more feet, belly, chest, face and/or small spot of white on back, flank or neck). Cats with no more than a locket and/or button do not qualify for this color class. Such cats shall be judged in the blue-cream color class with no penalty for such locket and/or button.

    OMC (Other Manx Colors): any other color or pattern with the exception of those showing hybridization resulting in the colors chocolate, lavender, the Himalayan pattern, or these combinations with white. Eye color: brilliant copper, odd-eyed or blue-eyed.

    The following information is for reference purposes only and not an official part of the CFA Show Standard.

    Manx Color Class Numbers
    
    Longhair Division
    Blue-Eyed White		1600	1601
    Copper-Eyed White		1602	1603
    Odd-Eyed White		1604	1605
    Blue		1606	1607
    Black		1608	1609
    Red		1610	1611
    Cream		1614	1615
    Chinchilla Silver		1630	1631
    Shaded Silver		1632	1633
    Black Smoke		1634	1635
    Blue Smoke		1638	1639
    Silver Tabby		1636	1637
    Silver Mackerel Tabby		1636	M	1637	M
    Red Tabby		1640		1641
    Red Mackerel Tabby		1640	M	1641	M
    Brown Tabby		1644		1645
    Brown Mackerel Tabby		1644	M	1645	M
    Blue Tabby		1652		1653
    Blue Mackerel Tabby		1652	M	1653	M
    Cream Tabby		1654		1655
    Cream Mackerel Tabby		1654	M	1655	M
    Tortoiseshell		- -		1647
    Calico/Tortoiseshell & White ........................... – – 1649
    (Calico, Tortoiseshell & White [White with
    Black & Red], Dilute Calico, Blue-Cream &
    White [White with Blue & Cream])Blue-Cream		- -		1651
    Bi-Color		1660	1661
    [Red & White, Blue & White, Cream & White, 
    Black & White; Blue Tabby & White, Brown 
    Tabby & White (classic, mackerel, patched 
    & van); Red Tabby & White, Cream Tabby 
    & White (classic, mackerel & van)]
    OMC (Other Manx Colors)		1690		1691
    (Any other color or pattern with the exception of 
    those showing evidence of hybridization resulting 
    in the colors chocolate, lavender, the himalayan 
    pattern, or these combinations with white, etc. Cats 
    with no more white than a locket and/or button do not 
    qualify for these color classes. Such cats shall be 
    judged in the color class of their basic color with no 
    penalty for such locket and/or button.
    AOV		1698	1699
    
    Shorthair Division
    Blue-Eyed White		0600		0601
    Copper-Eyed White		0602		0603
    Odd-Eyed White		0604		0605
    Blue		0606		0607
    Black		0608		0609
    Red		0610		0611
    Cream		0614		0615
    Chinchilla Silver		0630		0631
    Shaded Silver		0632		0633
    Black Smoke		0634		0635
    Blue Smoke		0638		0639
    Silver Tabby		0636		0637
    Silver Mackerel Tabby		0636	M	0637	M
    Red Tabby		0640		0641
    Red Mackerel Tabby		0640	M	0641	M
    Brown Tabby		0644		0645
    Brown Mackerel Tabby		0644	M	0645	M
    Blue Tabby		0652		0653
    Blue Mackerel Tabby		0652	M	0653	M
    Cream Tabby		0654		0655
    Cream Mackerel Tabby		0654	M	0655	M
    Tortoiseshell		- -		0647
    Calico/Tortoiseshell & White ........................... – – 0649
    (Calico, Tortoiseshell & White [White with
    Black & Red], Dilute Calico, Blue-Cream &
    White [White with Blue & Cream])
    Blue-Cream		- -		0651
    Bi-Color		0660		0661
    [Red & White, Blue & White, Cream & White, 
    Black & White; Blue Tabby & White,& Brown Tabby 
    & White (classic, mackerel, patched & van); Red 
    Tabby & White, Cream Tabby & White (classic, 
    mackerel & van)]
    OMC (Other Manx Colors)		0690		0691
    (Any other color or pattern with the exception of
     those showing evidence of hybridization resulting in the 
    colors chocolate, lavender, the himalayan pattern, or 
    these combinations with white, etc. Cats with no more 
    white than a locket and/or button do not qualify for 
    these color classes. Such cats shall be judged in the 
    color class of their basic color with no penalty for 
    such locket and/or button.
    AOV		0698	0699
    

    Manx allowable outcross breeds: none.


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