The British Shorthair's origin is as stated in the name, English (possibly brought to the British Isles by invading Romans). The first British Shorthairs were shown in England in 1898. The British cat breeders worked very hard to develop these cats to the perfection that we now see. All original stock in North America has been imported from the English top lines.
The British Shorthair is a cobby, well balanced, powerful cat with a medium to large body, thick neck, and massive head. Males are more massive in all characteristics than the females. It's charming face has full cheeks, a medium broad nose, and large wide-set eyes usually of a copper or orange colour.
Although this breed comes in a variety of colours and patterns, the most popular throughout the years has been the solid blue. So much so, that it was sometimes given solitary breed status as the British Blue.
The coat should be short, firm and dense, without woolliness making this breed very easy to groom.
This breed is a delight to own, being intelligent, affectionate and not temperamental. They have quiet voices and although not "lap cats" they will sit contentedly beside humans. They tolerate children, dogs, and other breeds of cats.