American Bobtail vs. Pixie Bob?

[cat-tastrophe]

What's the difference between the American Bobtail and the Pixie Bob? They look exactly alike, and many breeders seem to have both. I was doing a web search on the American Bobtail, and noticed this. Are they same breed, the Pixie Bobs just being a smaller size, or are they completely different? Also, can you breed a Pixie with an American Bobtail? Just curious.

 

[cat-tastrophe]

Does anyone have any answers?

 

[goldenkitty45]

American Bobtail

http://www.cfa.org/breeds/profiles/a...n-bobtail.html

Pixie-bob

http://www.breedlist.com/pixie-bob-breeders.html


I think that the Pixie-Bob only comes in tabby. But the American Bobtail comes in other colors.

 

[kittieshasme]

Ok, I'll give this a shot. Keep in mind I don't breed or show cats so I'm going by the CFA, TICA and breed club websites.

The American Bobtail is recognized by CFA and TICA. It derives from a natural mutation in domestic cats. DNA tests have found no wild (ie Bobcat) markers. Feet have the normal number of toes front and back.

Pixie Bob is recognized by TICA. Another natural mutation in domestic cats. Again DNA tests have found no wild markers. Pixie Bobs can have polydactyl feet.

Outcrosses are not allowed in either breed. So no breeding the two together.

Reading the two standards there are differences in head shape, feet, colors allowed, etc. So these are two separate breeds.

Hope this answers some of your questions. I sure learned something new.

By the way The Messybeast Cat Resource Archive has a page on bobtail, tailless and kinky tail mutations in domestic cats if you want to read more.