Pixie-Bob

Pixie-bob - Breed Profile:

Origin: United States
Colors: Bobcat-like
Size: Medium to large
Coat Type(s): Shorthair and longhair
Grooming: Little (shorthair); weekly (longhair)
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: High
Attention Requirement: Average
Overall: Moderately obedient

Pixie-bobs can be both shorthair and longhair. Pixie-bobs are loving, trustworthy and tractable

Physical characteristics

Pixie-bobs resemble the American Bobtail cat in a way, but the latest DNA testing did not detect any Bobcat genes. The size of Pixie-bobs varies from medium to large. They have a well-muscled and well-boned body with a broad, well-developed chest. The hips have a medium width; they are prominent and slightly higher than the shoulders. The brows look heavy, and the eyes have a triangular shape. The tail can be of any length - from short (about 2 inches) to long (equal to the wholly extended hind leg). The legs are usually long and well-muscled. Both males and females have a belly pouch. Males can weigh 12 to 18 lb (up to 8kg), and females 8 to 15 lb (up to 7kg). Note that an average domestic cat weighs about 10lb (4,5kg).

Temperament

Pixie-bobs are loving, trustworthy and tractable. Even though these cats' temperament can vary depending on their bloodlines and outcrosses, most Pixie-bobs are known as intelligent social, people-oriented and active (but not hyper-active like, for example, the Bengal and Abyssinian cat). Fanciers are sure that Pixiebobs quickly learn the meaning of useful words and phrases such as, "Would you like a kitty treat?"
Pixie-bobs become attached to all family members and can get along well with anyone. While some as much sociable with people outside the family, others will hide under the bed when a visitor comes. It is very likely that your Pixie-bob will follow you everywhere around the house. They also enjoy children provided that the little family members play nice. In fact, Pixies will get on well with any cat-friendly animal if proper introductions have been made. Most cats of this breed are quiet, but some will not mind talking with you.

Coat and grooming

Pixie-bobs come in both shorthair and longhair coats, although the first one is more common. The shorthair coat stands up off the body; it feels soft, wooly, and resilient to the touch. The belly hair is dense and always a bit longer. Shorthair Pixie-bobs require little grooming (less than once a week). The longhair coat lies closer to the body. It is usually less than two inches long. Both coat types are weather-resistant. Longhair Pixie-bobs need grooming at least once a week.

A Pixie-bob's kitten by Jenny Jens

Most Pixie-Bobs have black fur and skin on the bottom of their paws and the tipped ears. Also, they have black lips, but the black-skinned eyes are surrounded with white fur. The fur pattern is Bobcat-like, but it often has reddish tones mixed in. For example, it is common that the stomach coat has a reddish-gold hue and some ticking (broken stripes).

Health

Breeders claim that these cats have no known breed-related inherited diseases or health problems. However, it is worth mentioning that Pixie-bobs should not receive feline leukemia or FIP vaccines, for some specialists say that these vaccinations have proved fatal to Bobs. Make sure to consult your vet and breeder before making such a vaccination.

Other interesting facts

The Pixie-bob is the only breed which standards allow polydactyly - more than the usual five toes on the front paws and four on the back ones. Polydactyly in any other breed is considered a fault, and such cats are disqualified. The Pixie-bob cats can have up to seven toes on each paw. Usually, the front paws are more susceptible to polydactyly, albeit the back paws can occasionally have some extra toes, too.