Norwegian Forest Cat - NFO
This is a preliminary standard.
Final version is to be approved by the Standard Commission, and will soon be published.
General | The Norwegian Forest cat, a natural breed known as Skogkat in its native country, has a rugged appearance matching its name. | Points |
Head: |
| 25 |
Shape of head | Triangular, where all sides are equally long when measured from the outer base of the ears to the chin and between the outer base of the ears; good height when seen in profile; forehead is sloped back | 10 |
Muzzle and chin | The muzzle follows the line of the triangular head, with no evidence of a pinch or snippiness. The chin is firm and gently rounded. | 5 |
Profile | Long, straight profile without break in line or slightly convex. The forehead is sloped back and has a good height. | 10 |
Eyes | Large, almond shaped, well-opened and expressive, set at a slight angle with the outer corner higher than the inner corner | 5 |
Ears | Large, wide at the base, arched forward as if listening with slightly rounded tips that appear pointed when lynx tips are present. The outer edge of the ear should follow the line of the head down to the chin. | 10 |
Body: |
| 20 |
Size and boning | Medium in length and well-balanced, with substantial bone structure and very strong musculature. | 5 |
Torso | Solidly muscled. Broad chest and great depth of flank |
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Neck | Strongly built and sturdy. | 10 |
Legs and paws | The legs are long and muscular, the hind legs are higher than the front legs, the paws are broad and round, with tufts between the toes. | 5 |
Tail | Long, bushy, well furnished with visible guard hairs, should reach at least to the shoulder blades and be in balance with the body. | 10 |
Coat: |
| 25 |
Length | The coat is semi-long. | 5 |
Texture | The woolly undercoat is covered by long, glossy, firm and water repellent hair. The top coat covers the back, the flanks and the top of the tail completely. The underside of the body and the back of the hind legs have only undercoat. A long frill, a triangular-shaped beard hanging down from the cheeks and britches on the hind legs complete the appearance. | 15 |
Colour | The colours not belonging to the original gene pool (chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, caramel, colourpointed, sepia and mink colours as well as their combinations with white) are not recognized. All other colours and patterns are recognized. Any amount of white is permitted. | 5 |
Condition | See General part | 5 |
Total |
| 100 |
Special breed faults | Profile with a break or strong transition to the nose. Prominent cheek bones and/or whisker pads. Round eyes. Ears too small or narrow at the base. Weak chin. Cobby or long rectangular body. Short tail. Dry or silky texture on coat. | · |
Without certificates | Round or square head. Whisker pinch. Fine boning Cow-hocked legs. Lack of any undercoat | · |
Disqualify |
| · |
Remarks | Males are significantly larger than females. The breed is slow maturing, attaining full growth at approximately five years of age. Length of coat and density of undercoat vary with the seasons. |
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Outcross | Cross-breeding with any other breed is prohibited. |
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