Description: Pixie Bob
The Pixie Bob is a unique and fascinating cat breed known for its remarkable resemblance to the wild bobcat. Despite their wild appearance, Pixie Bobs are domestic cats characterized by their muscular bodies, short tails, and tufted ears. They are distinguished by their thick coat, which can be short or long, and typically features a spotted pattern reminiscent of wild bobcats. Originating in the United States in the late 1980s, this breed is often celebrated for its loyal and social nature. They are known to be highly intelligent, playful, and interactive pets that can even be taught to walk on a leash. Pixie Bobs are generally good with children and other animals, making them excellent family pets. Their calm and patient demeanor combined with a striking appearance makes them a beloved choice for cat enthusiasts.
Properties
The Pixie Bob is a unique breed known for its striking appearance and pleasant personality. One of the most notable features of the Pixie Bob is its resemblance to the North American Bobcat, but despite its wild look, this breed is domestic and highly suitable as a family pet.
Originating in the Pacific Northwest of the United States in the late 1980s, breed founder Carol Ann Brewer is said to have first come across a male kitten with a bobbed tail, who she named 'Pixie', thus giving the breed its name. This breed was allegedly the result of natural mating between a bobcat and a domestic cat, although DNA testing has not confirmed any wild blood in its lineage. Today's Pixie Bobs are descendants of Pixie and other similarly bobtailed domestic cats.
Physically, the Pixie Bob is a medium to large cat, typically weighing between 8 to 17 pounds, although some males can be larger. Its body is muscular and somewhat brawny which gives it a robust and wild appearance. They often have tufted ears and a short tail about 1 to 6 inches long. The coat can be short or long but always has a woolly texture, and it usually displays a spotted tabby pattern. The color is generally a shade of brown with a muted pattern of spots and stripes.
One of the breed's most endearing qualities is its personality. The Pixie Bob is known for its dog-like behavior. They are highly intelligent, sociable, and enjoy being part of their human families. They can be trained to respond to commands and may even enjoy walking on a leash. Pixie Bobs are also known for their 'chirps', 'chitters', and occasional growls; however, they are not overly vocal.
Despite their wild appearance, Pixie Bobs are typically good-natured and easygoing. They tend to do well with other pets and children, often showing patience and affection. Their adaptability makes them suitable for both houses and apartments, although they appreciate having lots of space to roam and explore.
When it comes to health, Pixie Bobs are generally hardy but can be predisposed to common feline health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and some might inherit the bobtail gene, which can cause spinal issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are imperative for maintaining their health.
In summary, the Pixie Bob is a fascinating breed with a captivating history and delightful personality traits that make them wonderful companions in diverse home environments.
Appearance
The Pixie-Bob cat is an intriguing and relatively new breed that is notable for its wild appearance. This breed was first established in the 1980s in Washington state, USA, and has since captivated cat lovers with its unique look and delightful personality.
At first glance, the Pixie-Bob resembles a bobcat. This resemblance is predominantly because of their short tails, which can be two to six inches long, lending the breed its 'bob' name. The tail, however, is just one element of their wild look. They typically exhibit a sturdy, medium to large body, with males weighing between 12 to 17 pounds, and females slightly smaller.
Another distinctive feature is their coat, available in both short and long lengths which is a dense and woolly texture that provides excellent protection against various weather conditions. Their coat usually comes in a brown spotted tabby pattern which varies in shade from light to dark tawny brown, marked with spots that may be random or form broken horizontal stripes. Some cats may even have vestiges of a lynx-like ruff around the neck.
The head of the Pixie-Bob is marked by a distinct inverted pear shape, broad at the top with a slight whisker-break at the sides that taper towards the chin. Their ears are typically tufted, enhancing their wild look, medium in size, and set wide apart. Deep set, heavily hooded, almond-shaped eyes give them a perpetually intense gaze, while the color of the eyes can range from gold to brown.
Another notable aspect of the Pixie-Bob's appearance is their feet. They often have polydactyl paws, meaning they may have more than the usual number of toes. This trait is not only adorable but also historically considered advantageous for climbing and hunting. Overall, the Pixie-Bob's appearance is a blend of rugged allure with an endearing household pet's commonplace visage, making them a unique and captivating companion both in looks and in spirit.
History
The Pixie Bob is an intriguing and fairly recent breed of domestic cat known for its strong visual similarity to the wild American Bobcat. However, contrary to popular legend, the breed does not have wild bobcat blood. The story of the Pixie Bob began in the mid-1980s when Carol Ann Brewer, a cat enthusiast from Washington state, rescued a polydactyl kitten (one having extra toes) with a spotted coat, which she named 'Pixie'. This kitten became the foundation of the Pixie Bob breed.
Brewer was fascinated by Pixie’s bobbed tail and wild appearance. In her quest to develop a breed that mirrored the look of the native bobcat, she sought out other cats that had similar traits. These included a short tail, a robust body, and a distinct spotted or ticked coat. Over time, Brewer discovered several more cats that fit this profile and began a breeding program. The breed was developed strictly through selective breeding among domestic cats, which also led to its unique features such as the bobbed tail, tufted ears, and polydactyl claws.
The breed was officially named 'Pixie Bob' in honor of the original cat, Pixie. Recognition of the breed was sought, and in 1993, the International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Pixie Bob into its new breed program. The breed has since gained recognition by other feline registries, but it remains relatively rare outside the United States.
Pixie Bobs are known for their striking look and dog-like personality traits. Breed enthusiasts often describe them as loyal, social, and capable of forming deep bonds with their owners. They are also noted for their chirps, chatters, and growls. Despite their wild appearance, they are entirely domestic and exhibit a gentle, loving nature.
Breeders have worked diligently over the years to ensure that Pixie Bobs retain the physical characteristics that define them while emphasizing health and temperament in breeding programs. The continued interest in maintaining genetic diversity while adhering to the breed’s distinctive characteristics has helped foster a resilient and captivating domestic cat breed that captures the wild beauty of the American frontier.