 The
Tiffanie is the longhaired version of the Burmilla which itself,
initially was the result of a chance mating between Chinchilla and
Burmese stock. Tiffanies are an endearing blend of the two original
breeds.
The
Semi-Longhaired variety first made an appearance in the mid-1980s,
as a consequence of the experimental breeding programme for the
Burmilla in the UK. Since the Burmilla carries a recessive long
haired gene from the Chinchilla Persian ancestry, some of the
resulting kittens from time to time were semi-longhaired with silky
medium length coats.
At
first, these kittens were not taken seriously as they did not
characterise the main aim of breeding silver shaded Shorthairs.
However, a small group of breeders were determined to achieve
recognition for these attractive cats, and the Tiffanies slowly
gained more admirers despite a much slower progress in comparison
with the Burmilla and other Asian Shorthairs.
The
Tiffanie was finally given Preliminary GCCF recognition in 1991, and
has moved to Provisional status in June 1999. Championship status is
expected for this relatively young breed within the next two to
three years.
The
Tiffanie is a medium-sized cat with a fine and a silky coat, longer
at the ruff and with a flowing plume-like tail. The general body
type should be that of the Burmese but carry some of the Chinchilla
facial markings particularly the mascara type eye outline.
The
silky medium length coat does not tangle and has none of the
potential grooming problems of their parent breed, the Chinchilla.
The coat is of an easy care nature with only the very occasional
need to groom it.
The
most outstanding feature of this breed is its wonderful temperament.
Tiffanies are outgoing, gentle, loving, beautiful cats that make
excellent pets. They are extremely devoted to their humans and most
are real lapcats. Tiffanies are also extremely playful and
intelligent. They easily learn to fetch and play other games and
quickly take over the hearts and homes of their besotted humans.
This breed also adapts very well to other pet animals. This
delightfully pretty cat with an amazing personality quickly becomes
a favourite with all who come to know them.
Tiffanies
may be bred in any of the recognised Asian or Burmese colours and
patterns. Eyes are clear and luminous mainly found in any shade of
green with variations depending on coat colour.
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