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It all begins in the early sixties in the US. In a litter of four kittens of a Siamese-breeder, Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty found three kittens with white feet. She is so impressed, that she uses the kittens to set up a new breed. She also uses some American-Shorthaircats to achieve the white inverted V on the nose. In 1974 the breed gets recognition of the A.C.A.(American Cat Association) and is registrated there. In the early eighties there were no more then four cats registrated! The only breeder left was a Jim Hoffman, and together with Vikki Olander they promoted the breed and slowly the breed got under the attention of a broader public. The C.F.F. accepted in 1982 the Snowshoe for a Championstatus. The largest organisation in the U.S.A, the T.I.C.A, accepted the Snowshoe on the first of may 1994. one of the early Snowshoes When Mollie Southall began some ten years ago, there were some Snowshoebreeders in the U.K, But when she started promoting the breed ,all things are going up. Now on this moment there are more breeders in the U.K. then in the U.S.A.!! In 1997 the first Snowshoe was born at R. Nötzig in Germany , when even now there are just a couple of breeders. Out of the last litter there is one in Holland(with us) and one is going to the Tjech Republic. In 2004 the Snowshoe is accepted by the FIFé!! This will hopefully be the best start for the breed here in Western Europe... General: the Snowshoe combines the hefty body-shape of the Ameican Shorthair ancestors with the lenght of the Siamese. It must be a well balanced cat, with a rectangular look. They should be a muscular cat, heavier than they look and are described as athletes rather than weight lifters. De unique combination of the point-colours, the white spots on the feet and nose, and the moderate body-shape puts the Snowshoe at a totally unique place amongst the Catbreeds. Head: The head is a broad modified wedge with the angular appearance of the Siamese, but softened by rounded contours. In profile there should be a slight stop at the bridge of the nose creating two distinct planes. The muzzle should be of good length, neither extremely broad nor pointed or square, with a gentle contour. No muzzle pinch! A firm chin. Ears: the ears are broad at the base with slightly rounded tips, and are medium to medium/large in proportion to the body, with the set alert and a continuation of the modified wedge. Eyes: big, oval with greater length than width, sometimes described as 'walnut shaped'. Of course a brilliant blue and expressive. No other colours allowed. Body: rectangular and strongly build , the females are smaller without being frail. Legs: moderate length, feet fitting into a rectangle. Tail: Thick at the base, tapering slightly and gradually to the end. Length should be medium to long, appearing to be at least as long as the body and should be measured along the back leg. Should be in proportion with the overall size of the cat. Coat: the ideal coat is sleek, soft to the touch, and without any undercoating. Colours: all the point colours, as in the Siamese, are accepted: seal, chocolate or blue are very impressive with the white patterns. There are lilac and tabby points in the breeding programme too. I've heard of one tortie.. Health: these cats are hardy. The blending of the genes (called the hybrid factor) makes for very healthy, strong cats. Character:The temperament is described as ‘bombproof' and indeed little seems to faze them. They are great extroverts at shows, revelling in the attention they receive. They love interactive play with their owners, quickly learning how to play 'fetch‘ (they may even teach you how to do this). Fishing rod toys are a great favourite, as are climbing frames, especially those that include a tunnel or hammock. They are quick, light, intelligent and love human company. They also readily accept other breeds of cats, dogs and of course children! The ideal all-round cat.
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