DRAFT GCCF BENGAL STANDARD OF POINTS
With effect from (date)
Breed Number 76
General Type Standard
The Bengal should be alert, friendly and affectionate and in excellent physical condition
with a dependable temperament. The Bengal's wild appearance is enhanced by its distinctive
spotted or marbled tabby coat which should be thick and luxurious. The Bengal is
a large to medium cat, sleek and muscular with a thick tail which is carried low.
The females may be smaller than the males.
Head and Neck-Broad medium wedge with rounded contours, slightly longer than it is
wide with high cheek bones. The head should be rather small in proportion to the
body but not taken to extremes. The profile has a gentle curve from the forehead
to the bridge of the nose. The line of the bridge of the nose extends to the nose
leather making a very slight concave curve. The nose is large and broad with a slightly
puffed nose leather. The muzzle should be full and broad with a rounded, strong
chin and pronounced whisker pads created by the widely set canine teeth. The neck
should be thick, muscular and in proportion to the body. Allowance should be made
for jowls in adult males.
Ears-Medium to small, rather short with a wide base and rounded tips. Set as much
on the side as on the top of the head, following the contour of the face in the front
view and pointing forward in profile. Light horizontal furnishings are acceptable
but ear tufts are undesirable.
Eyes-Almost round, oval preferred, large but not bold. Set on a slight slant toward
the base of the ear.
Body-Long, sleek and muscular. Large to medium and robust with the hindquarters slightly
higher than the shoulders, showing depth of flank.
Legs and Paws-Legs of medium length, strong and muscular. The hind legs should be
a little longer than the front and be more robust. The paws should be large and rounded.
Tail-Medium length, thick and even, with a rounded tip; may be tapered towards the
end.
Coat-Short to medium in length, very dense, luxurious and unusually soft to the touch.
Allowance should be made for a slightly longer coat in kittens.
Bengal Tabby Pattern Descriptions
Spotted Pattern-The spectacles which encircle the eyes should preferably extend into
vertical streaks which may be outlined by an "M" marking on the forehead. Broken
streaks or spots run over the head on either side of a complex scarab marking, down
the neck and onto the shoulders where they may break up into rosettes. Rosettes are
formed by a part circle of spots around a distinctly lighter centre. Strong, bold
chin strap, mascara markings, distinct broken or unbroken necklet(s) and blotchy
horizontal shoulder streaks or spots are desirable. Spots may vary in size and shape
but should be generally large, well formed and distributed at random, or in horizontal
alignment. Contrast with the ground colour must be extreme giving a distinct pattern
and a sharp outline to the spots. Arrowhead-shaped spots are desirable. Larger spots
may be rosetted. This is preferred to single spotting but is not essential. The stomach
must be spotted (except in Blue-Eyed Snow kittens). The legs may show broken horizontal
lines and/or spots. The tail should have rings, streaks and/or spots along its length,
with a solid dark-coloured tip. Spots should not run together vertically forming
a mackerel tabby pattern.
Marbled Pattern-The spectacles which encircle the eyes should preferably extend into
vertical streaks which may be outlined by an "M" marking on the forehead. Broken
streaks run over the head on either side of a complex scarab marking, down the neck
and onto the shoulders. Strong, bold chinstrap, mascaras markings, distinct broken
or unbroken necklet(s) and blotchy horizontal shoulder streaks are desirable. There
should be a distinct pattern with swirled patches or streaks, clearly defined but
not symmetrical, giving the impression of marble, preferably with a horizontal flow.
Contrast must be extreme with distinct shapes and sharp outlines. The stomach must
be spotted (except in Blue-Eyed Snow kittens). The legs may show broken horizontal
lines and/or spots. The tail may be ringed, marbled and/or spotted along its length,
with a solid dark-coloured tip. The marbled markings should have as little similarity
to the classic tabby as possible. A vertical striped mackerel tabby tendency is also
undesirable.
Colour Descriptions for Spotted and Marbled Bengals
Brown Tabby-All variations are allowed but a high degree of rufous colour yielding
a yellow, buff, golden or orange ground colour is preferred. Markings may be black
or various shades of brown. There may be a light coloured “thumb print” on the back
of each ear. A very pale colour, preferably white, is highly desirable on the whisker
pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside and inner legs. Alternatively,
the chest, underside and inner legs may be pale in contrast to the ground colour
of the flanks and back. White or very light coloured spectacles encircling the eyes
are desirable. The eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black and
the centre of the nose leather should be brick red. Paw pads and tail tip must be
black. Preference should be given to marbled cats with three or more shades; that
is ground colour, markings and dark outlinings of these markings. The overall appearance
should be of gold dusting. A grey base coat should not be penalised.
Eye Colour-Gold, green or hazel, deep shades preferred.
Blue-Eyed Snow (Siamese restriction of coat pattern)-The ground colour should be
ivory to cream. The pattern may vary in colour from charcoal to dark or light brown
with light coloured spectacles, whisker pads and chin. There may be a light coloured
“thumb print” on the back of each ear. The eye rims, lips and nose leather should
be outlined in black and the centre of the nose leather should be brick red. Paw
pads should be brown with rosy undertones. The colour may be darker on the points
than on the body; as little contrast as possible is preferred. The tail tip must
be dark brown or charcoal. The overall appearance should be of pearl dusting.
Eye Colour-Blue, deep shades preferred.
AOC-Eyed Snow (Burmese/Tonkinese restriction of coat colour)-The ground colour should
be ivory to tan, with the pattern clearly visible. The pattern may be charcoal or
shades of brown with light coloured spectacles, whisker pads and chin. There may
be a light coloured “thumb print” on the back of each ear. The eye rims, lips and
nose leather should be outlined in black and the centre of the nose leather should
be brick red. Paw pads should be dark brown with rosy undertones. The tail tip must
be dark brown or charcoal. The overall appearance should be of pearl dusting.
Eye Colour-Gold, green or blue-green.
Silver Tabby- Markings should be black on a silvery-white ground colour showing extreme
contrast. The base of the hair should be glacial white. There may be a light coloured
“thumb print” on the back of each ear. A very pale colour, preferably silvery-white,
is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside
and inner legs. Silvery-white coloured spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.
The eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black and the centre of
the nose leather should be brick red although a black nose leather is acceptable.
Paw pads and tail tip must be black. There should be little or no tarnish (brown
pigmentation) present in the coat colour. The overall appearance should be of diamond
dusting but this is not essential.
Eye Colour-Gold, green or hazel, deep shades preferred.
Blue-Eyed Silver Snow (Siamese restriction of coat pattern)-Markings may vary from
charcoal or shades of grey on a silvery-white ground colour showing good contrast.
The base of the hair should be glacial white. There may be a light coloured “thumb
print” on the back of each ear. A very pale colour, preferably silvery-white, is
highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside
and inner legs. Silvery-white coloured spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.
The eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black and the centre of
the nose leather should be brick red although a black nose leather is acceptable.
Paw pads should be brown with rosy undertones. The tail tip must be black or charcoal.
The colour may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible
between the points and the body is preferred. There should be little or no tarnish
(brown pigmentation) present in the coat colour. Grey colours should not show any
blue undertones. The overall appearance should be of diamond dusting but this is
not essential.
Eye Colour-Blue, deep shades preferred.
AOC-Eyed Silver Snow (Burmese/Tonkinese restriction of coat colour)-Markings may
vary from charcoal to shades of grey on a silvery-white ground colour with the pattern
clearly visible. The base of the hair should be glacial white. There may be a light
coloured “thumb print” on the back of each ear. A very pale colour, preferably silvery-white,
is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside
and inner legs. Silvery-white coloured spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.
The eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black and the centre of
the nose leather should be brick red although a black nose leather is acceptable.
Paw pads should be brown with rosy undertones. The tail tip must be black or charcoal.
There should be little or no tarnish (brown pigmentation) present in the coat colour.
Grey colours should not show any blue undertones. The overall appearance should
be of diamond dusting but this is not essential.
Eye Colour-Gold, green or blue-green.
Blue Tabby-The ground colour may vary from warm cream to pinkish-mushroom to warm
oatmeal. Markings may be blue or various shades of caramel. There may be a light
coloured “thumb print” on the back of each ear. A very pale colour, preferably white,
is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside
and inner legs. Alternatively, the chest, underside and inner legs may be pale in
contrast to the ground colour of the flanks and back. White or very light coloured
spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable. The eye rims, lips and nose leather
should be outlined in dark blue and the centre of the nose leather should be dark
pink. A blue undertone to the nose leather should not be penalised. Tail tip must
be dark blue. Preference should be given to marbled cats with three or more shades;
that is ground colour, markings and dark outlinings of these markings. The overall
appearance should be of metallic blue dusting but this is not essential.
Eye Colour-Gold, green blue-green or hazel, deep shades preferred.
Blue-Eyed Blue Snow (Siamese restriction of coat pattern)-The ground colour should
be ivory to blue cream. The pattern may vary in colour from blue to dark or light
caramel with light coloured spectacles, whisker pads and chin. There may be a light
coloured “thumb print” on the back of each ear. The eye rims, lips and nose leather
should be outlined in blue and the centre of the nose leather should be dark pink.
A blue undertone to the nose leather should not be penalised. Tail tip must be dark
blue. Paw pads should be blue with rosy undertones. The colour may be darker on
the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible is preferred. The tail
tip must be blue. The overall appearance should be of blue pearl dusting. but this
is not essential
Eye Colour-Blue, deep shades preferred.
AOC-Eyed Blue Snow (Burmese/Tonkinese restriction of coat colour)-The ground colour
should be ivory to pale caramel, with the pattern clearly visible. The pattern may
be blue or shades of caramel with light coloured spectacles, whisker pads and chin.
There may be a light coloured “thumb print” on the back of each ear. The eye rims,
lips and nose leather should be outlined in blue and the centre of the nose leather
should be dark pink. A blue undertone to the nose leather should not be penalised.
Tail tip must be dark blue. Paw pads should be blue with rosy undertones. Preference
should be given to marbled cats with three or more shades; that is ground colour,
markings and dark outlining of these markings. The overall appearance should be
of blue pearl dusting but this is not essential.
Eye Colour-Gold, green or blue-green.
Blue Silver Tabby-Variations between glacier white and blue silver ground colour
is preferred. There should be little or no tarnishing. Markings should be blue-grey,
with deeper colours preferred. There may be a light coloured “thumb print” on the
back of each ear. A very pale colour, preferably white, is highly desirable on the
whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside and inner legs. Alternatively,
the chest, underside and inner legs may be pale in contrast to the ground colour
of the flanks and back. White or very light coloured spectacles encircling the eyes
are desirable. The eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in blue and
the centre of the nose leather should be dark pink. A blue undertone to the nose
leather should not be penalised. Tail tip must be blue. Paw pads must be dark blue,
but may have pink undertones. Preference should be given to marbled cats with three
or more shades; that is ground colour, markings and dark outlinings of these markings.
The overall appearance should be of metallic blue silver dusting but this is not
essential.
Eye Colour-Gold, green, blue-green or hazel, deep shades preferred.
Blue-Eyed Blue Silver Snow (Siamese restriction of coat pattern)- Variations between
glacier white and blue silver ground colour is preferred. The pattern may vary in
colour from pale to dark blue with light coloured spectacles, whisker pads and chin.
There may be a light coloured “thumb print” on the back of each ear. The eye rims,
lips and nose leather should be outlined in blue and the centre of the nose leather
should be dark pink. A blue undertone to the nose leather should not be penalised.
Tail tip must be dark blue. Paw pads should be blue with rosy undertones. The colour
may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible is preferred.
The tail tip must be medium to dark blue. The overall appearance should be of blue
silver dusting but this is not essential.
Eye Colour-Blue, deep shades preferred.
AOC-Eyed Blue Silver Snow (Burmese/Tonkinese restriction of coat colour)- Variations
between glacier white and blue silver ground colour is preferred. The pattern may
vary in colour from pale to dark blue with light coloured spectacles, whisker pads
and chin. There may be a light coloured “thumb print” on the back of each ear. The
eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in blue and the centre of the
nose leather should be dark pink. A blue undertone to the nose leather should not
be penalised. Tail tip must be dark blue. Paw pads should be blue with rosy undertones.
The colour may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible
is preferred. The tail tip must be medium to dark blue. The overall appearance should
be of blue silver dusting but this is not essential.
Eye Colour-Gold, green or blue-green.
Brown (Black) Spotted Bengal (Championship) 76 30
Brown (Black) Marbled Bengal (Provisional) 76 20
AOC-Eyed Snow Spotted Bengal (Provisional) 76a 30
AOC-Eyed Snow Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76a 20
Blue-Eyed Snow Spotted Bengal (Provisional) 76b 30
Blue-Eyed Snow Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76b 20
Black Silver Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76 30s
Black Silver Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76 20s
AOC-Eyed Silver Snow Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76a 30s
AOC-Eyed Silver Snow Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76a 20s
Blue-Eyed Silver Snow Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76b 30s
Blue-Eyed Silver Snow Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76b 20s
Blue Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76 30a
Blue Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76 20a
AOC-Eyed Blue Snow Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76a 30a
AOC-Eyed Blue Snow Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76a 20a
Blue-Eyed Blue Snow Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76b 30a
Blue-Eyed Blue Snow Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76b 20a
Blue Silver Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76 30as
Blue Silver Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76 20as
AOC-Eyed Blue Silver Snow Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76a 30as
AOC-Eyed Blue Silver Snow Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76a 20as
Blue-Eyed Blue Silver Snow Spotted Bengal (Preliminary) 76b 30as
Blue-Eyed Blue Silver Snow Marbled Bengal (Preliminary) 76b 20as
