Representing GCCF Registered Cat Breeders
Where to see British Shorthair cat shows in the South?
Look for specialist/variety shows on the GCCF show calendar Events from 26 September 2026 – 20 February 2027 – The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
Most British Shorthair shows in the UK are run under the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) umbrella, so starting with their show/event listings is the best route.
Our own Annual Show will be next be held on 27th March 2027 - Southern British Shorthair Cat Club - The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in Ware Hertfordshire at Wodson Park just off the A10.
"Type & health" by Dr Fran Hensen MA VetMB PhD Cert ES Cert EM Dip ECVSMR
As a responsible Breed Club we are passionate about the health of the cats we represent. Within both the 'cat world' and the general public, there is increasing awareness of the health consequences of breeding cats of extreme type. Examples of extreme type include folded ears, flat faces, shortened legs or hairless bodies. We are fortunately in the BSH in that it does not tend to extremes within the breed standard. However, it has been noted in recent years, on both the showing benches and within the wider BSH community, that there appears to be a trend towards cats with flatter faces, small nose leathers and small nostrils.
BSH should have 'open faces' - balanced 'round' head shapes with good fullness of the cheeks and muzzles and moderate short length noses.
Cats with flatter faces, small nose leathers and nostrils can also have hidden defects such as an elongated soft palate, changes in the throat (enlarged saccules) and a narrow windpipe. These flatter faced cats often have visible defects such as overflowing tear ducts, skin infections in skin folds beneath the eyes and dental malalignment. Additionally, and more seriously, they may develop 'BOAS' (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome), such as is seen in Pugs and French Bulldogs in the dog world. BOAS leads to breathing difficulties, noise when breathing, breathing through the mouth and can cause lung damage and early death. We do not want to see the BSH move away from the Breed Standard of an 'open face' and have produced this guide for breeders, show owners and people picking kittens to add to their family so that they are informed and know how a BSH should look."
In line with Frans article, here are some examples to help you understand what is correct and what isn't. In addition to this page, our VC & Secretary, Sue Dalton-Hobbs is leading a BSH BAC working group to produce a new "guide" to understanding the breed type better ..watch this space.
Balanced "open" type.
An example of how "open type" is achieved.
The head is broad and very full at the cheeks from having a very round underlying bone structure. The eyes are able to be spaced well apart, the nose can be broad and of correct length in balance with the head. The nose leather is therefore broad and nostrils well opened.
Unbalanced Overtyped
This close up shows the deep nose break, narrowing nose so the leather is not as wide and the nostrils are smaller. The muzzle appears too narrow and the chin appears to be rather prominent.
Overtyped
You can see in this image the cats head is not totally rounded, the ears are wide at their bases. She is slightly heavier browed with a much too short a nose. You can see the break is far too pronounced and the nose narrows so the leather isnt sufficient to maintain open nostrils.
Correct Profile
This is a mature BSH showing a moderately short nose with a profile that is correct.
Incorrect Profile
This is a BSH showing a very deep stop to the nose in profile. You can see how deep the break is and how it is placed almost in the middle of the eyes and this cat face on has very small nose leather and nostrils.
