American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a rare domestic cat breed that was established in the late 1960s. It is most known for its stubby "bobbed" tail, which is one-third to one-half the length of a typical cat's tail. This is the outcome of a genetic mutation in a cat body type that affects tail development, comparable to that of a Manx cat. Despite the similar name and physical appearance, the breed is not related to the Japanese Bobtail—the breeding programs are completely unrelated, and the genetic mutation causing the bobbed tail is known to be different because the mutation causing the American Bobtail's tail is dominant, whereas the mutation causing the Japanese Bobtail's tail is recessive. American Bobtails are a tough breed with both short and long hair.

Instead of being thick or fluffy, their coat is scruffy. In show animals, they can have any color of eyes and coat, with a great focus on the "wild" tabby appearance. Its body is stocky and somewhat long, with significant boning. The posture is clearly rectangular. The torso is large and full. The hips are huge, almost as wide as the chest, and the hind legs are longer than the forelegs, with large spherical feet that may have toe tufts. The head is a wide wedge with no flat planes and a comparable size to the body. A concave curve from the nose to the brow, or a rise to a large brow, a broad unpinched snout, prominent whisker pads, a gently sloping wide nose, and robust, powerful jaws characterize this breed.

The ears are medium in size, wide in base, and evenly situated on top and side of the head, with rounded tips. The eyes are virtually almond-shaped and proportional to the size of the skull. The aperture is oriented toward the base of the ear, with medium broad spacing and deep sockets. The color of the eyes vary with the color of the coat. While the animal is in repose, the end of the tail is visible over the back but not beyond the hock. The tail might be straight or curled, somewhat knotted, or bumpy.