Oriental Shorthair vs Domestic Shorthair
The check that settles it
The extreme wedge and ear size are unmistakable once seen. No moggy approaches them.
Confirming a oriental shorthair
- A long straight wedge from the nose to the ear tips, with no break in the line.
- Enormous ears continuing the wedge.
- Tubular body, fine bone, long whip tail.
- Any colour or pattern except colourpoint, which would make it a Siamese.
Confirming a domestic shorthair
- Moderate in every dimension — no exaggerated feature anywhere.
- Any colour and any pattern. Calico, tortoiseshell, tabby and tuxedo are patterns, not breeds.
- No documented pedigree, which is what a breed actually is.
- Generally healthier and longer-lived than the exaggerated pedigree breeds.