

Photo by © Sigga Vala
Bengal - Breed profile:
Origin: United States
Colors: Many color variations with differently shaped spots
Size: Medium to large
Coat Type(s): Shorthair
Grooming: Little
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: Very high
Attention Requirement: High
Overall: Can be a handful
Bengals are lively, active, extremely intelligent and smart. Unlike other cats, they adore water!
Breed videos:
Bengal - very intelligent and adaptable
Perfoming Bengal
Physical characteristics
It is believed that Bengals are large, but in fact they are not larger than a typical domestic feline. They are medium sized. Females weigh from 7 to 10 pounds while weight of a male Bengal ranges from 9 to 12 pounds. Bengals are large-boned and well-muscled. Males are extremely muscular. These cats usually have long, lean bodies striking in length. When they are trying to reach something or stretch, they look much like a mini-cheetah. Males often keep putting on muscle mass up to two year old age.Bengals have large eyes, widely set round ears, wide nose with a slight arch, and widely set whisker pads. The latter resembles the Asian Leopard Cat, from which Bengals were breeded. Purebred Bengals, however, have narrower triangular faces and triangular ears that set slightly higher.
Bengals' eyes are usually golden green, gooseberry green or hazel colored. They may also be blue - it is most typical for so called "snow" Bengals. These cats' nose is brick red; it may have a black rim. The ears are rimmed in black or dark brown with a light spot (which is called "ocelli") on the back of the ear. Feet pads are basically black although alternative coloring is acceptable for some Bengal coat colors. A very good Bengal has all feet pads matching in color. Bengals usually have a thick tail contrasting in lightness and darkness near the end. Its end has a very dark rounded tip.
Temperament
Bengals are considered doglike rather than catlike because they may perform many dog tricks and have a good training ability. They are lively, active, extremely intelligent and smart. They love to play and have a keen sense of smell. A well socialized Bengal loves people.
Bengals come in all colours but always with markings such as circles, arrow-heads, marble-like spots, rosettes. Photo by © Gribb0
Coat and grooming
The coat of these cats comes in many color variations but, as it has already been said, it is always marked with spots. Most markings look like circle, arrow-headed, or marble spots. Some scarab-like markings near the shoulders are also possible. The most expensive specimens are bi-colored with very contrast rosette-like markings that will remind you of the jaguar. The snout of a typical Bengal has a number of distinct horizontal stripes generally known as "spectacles" or "mascara". These stripes usually extend from alongside the eye to the back of the neck.
Photo by © Sigga Vala