Is mating between British and Scottish dogs allowed? Experts' comments

A cross between a British and a Scotsman - all about the crossbreeds of the two breeds and the possibility of crossing

If it is expensive to buy a purebred kitten, a British mixed breed will do. There are crosses between British cats and the Scottish Fold, Siamese, Persian and mongrel. The owner should know how the breeds differ, when it is possible and not recommended to cross animals. The owner must also have an idea of ​​what a mixed breed looks like, the features of keeping, care and health of the pet.

According to felinologists, the breed combination of British and Scottish cats is meaningless, since both breeds have become independent and have an international standard. Therefore, the world associations of cat lovers banned interbreeding in 2004.

Mating British cats: basic rules for owners

Every owner of a British cat sooner or later must make a decision: does he need mating of the animal, and if so, how best to carry it out? To organize this process correctly, you must know how puberty occurs in cats and female cats in order to understand whether they are ready for mating, as well as study all the rules for organizing mating and preparing the animal for it.

For owners of females, the problem of mating their pet becomes relevant already at 6-7 months of their pet’s life: it is at this time that the cat begins her first heat. Of course, cats should not be mated at this moment, because the animal is still developing (and puberty and physical maturation are not the same thing!), but even then you need to think about future searches for a partner.

The situation is similar for owners of males: cats mature by 7-8 months, but if at this age castration is quite appropriate, then cats do not yet need mating: the animal is not yet ready for it!

If you don't know how old your pet is, the onset of puberty can be determined by certain changes in his behavior.

- the appearance of more characteristic behavior (if previously the kitten was affectionate and gentle, now it may become a little aggressive),

A young cat can be mated with a male cat when the cat reaches puberty and is strong enough to become pregnant and give birth to kittens without risking her health. It is better to skip the first two heats, and untie them on the third. According to the rules of most clubs, mating of cats with a rating of at least “Very Good” received at a cat show is allowed, and cats with Champion titles and above can be mated without the obligatory passage of exhibitions.

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Description of breeds and differences

British and Scottish cats are very similar. However, among the British there are no cats with floppy ears. The main common features of both breeds:

• rounded head;
• round, wide eyes;
• muscular body;
• smooth transition from forehead to muzzle;
• pronounced cheeks.

The differences between the cats are as follows:

• The Scots are more graceful.
• Scottish cats have ears that are erect or drooping.
• The Scottish tail is thinner and more flexible than the British tail.
• Britons love solitude, while Scots need communication and attention.

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Interbreeding options

Scottish and British cats were often crossed with representatives of other breeds. The kittens of some of them have received recognition from world associations of cat lovers. Others simply remained mestizos, who do not participate in breeding or exhibitions. Experimental crossbreeding of Britons and Scottish Sheeps was carried out with the following breeds:

• Siamese cat. As a result of mating Siamese with Scots, the Siafold cat breed was developed - a Siamese with hanging ears. And in 1962, it was not without the participation of a white British woman in breeding Foreign Whites - a Siamese cat of an absolutely white color.
• A cross between a British and a Persian. These cats are distinguished by their large size, rather straight nose, and long hair. Crossing a Persian Fold with a Scottish Fold is not advisable because the kittens' ears stick out to the sides rather than curling up and their fur is longer than expected.
• A cross between a British cat and a regular cat. Such a kitten has a powerful physique, but does not meet the standards of the British breed in terms of the appearance of its face, paws, tail, and colors. Such animals have no breeding value.
• A combination of British and Siberian cats. The babies contain the features of both parents, although they do not look the same in the litter. They are distinguished by an elongated muzzle, long or short hair, a mixture of colors, and large sizes. These animals can have many health problems.

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How to choose the right kitten

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a pet, it is not enough to listen only to your inner instinct. Experts advise following the basic rules:

Ask the breeder about all the offspring to determine whether the kittens are suitable: where they grew up, what their character is, whether they were examined by a veterinarian, whether the kittens were picked up after two weeks of age. Have any preventive treatments and vaccinations been carried out? First look at mom. If the kittens are from a nursery, then you should find out as much as possible about the parents. You should not take obstinate representatives who hiss and scratch.

A healthy animal can be identified by the following signs:

• clear eyes without discharge; clean area under the tail; shine of wool; absence of bloating - the first sign of helminthiasis; energy and curiosity; communication with brothers; fearlessness.

Any kitten - purebred, mestizo or mongrel - can become the best friend and companion. He will reciprocate the sincere love and care of the owner. You should not chase expensive, fashionable and purebred cats; it is better to bring into your home a faithful and devoted companion who will not leave you in difficult times and will brighten up the melancholy of gray everyday life.

Is it possible to cross breeds?

When is breeding possible?

Folds no longer mate with Scots. However, sometimes this is necessary to improve the color or gain new features in appearance. Experimental matings are carried out, and the litter is carefully studied by specialists. Interbreed mating is undesirable, since the standard characteristics are lost, and the babies may develop joint problems in the future.

When is breeding prohibited?

The Fold cat can only mate with Scottish cats with straight ears due to a gene that lowers the ear flaps. Only one carrier of such a gene is allowed in a couple, otherwise the offspring will die or have severe genetic abnormalities. There is no ban among the British. Only cats with deviations from the standard - malocclusion, squint, or creases in the tail - are not allowed for breeding.

Scottish breed breeding video

Mating a Scottish Straight requires adhering to a certain number of rules that will help you produce healthy offspring and avoid unwanted deviations in the breed.

Scottish Straight cats are attractive not only for their natural beauty, but also for their excellent genes and phenomenal health, which make this animal a real contender for the title of the best. Despite the fact that straight-eared Scottish Straights are not recognized by the world cat organization, they are indispensable partners when breeding Scottish Folds, the mating of which is unacceptable with representatives of their own variety. the Scottish straights themselves .

Mating Scottish Straight has a number of its own characteristics, the implementation of which is necessary if the owner wants to get healthy and full-fledged offspring. When breeding Scottish cats, it is worth considering that this activity requires patience.

What does a mestizo look like?

Half-breeds contain the features of both parents, so their appearance allows for any deviations. The main external data of a mixture of British and Scots is shown in the table:

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How to distinguish from a purebred cat

The first and main difference between a purebred animal and a mestizo is the documents: the metrics of the official club.

Often in advertisements there is wording that the parents are purebred, but are not members of the club, or only one parent of the kittens has documents. At the same time, the sellers assure that the kittens are purebred and not a mixture.

British

When buying a British dog, pay attention to his coat and eye color. The common and popular color of the British cat is gray-blue or lilac; there are, of course, others, but they are less common

At the same time, the British coat is short, dense, and seems plush in appearance and touch.

The common and popular color of the British cat is blue-gray or lilac; there are, of course, others, but they are less common. At the same time, the British coat is short, dense, and seems plush in appearance and to the touch.

The eyes of purebred British dogs are bright orange. The tips of the erect ears are rounded, the muzzle is wide and flat.

A common misconception is that there is no such breed as the “British Fold”.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon mixed breeds have been a common marketing ploy in recent years.

It is very difficult to distinguish a mixed-breed kitten of this breed. But, if a kitten is offered for sale, older than three months, which has already developed the tufts characteristic of Maine Coons on the tips of its ears.

A long fluffy tail and a large body for a 3-month-old kitten also indicate a possible relationship with the Maine Coon.

Maine Coon mix

Of course, when choosing a kitten, potential owners look not so much at appearance as at character traits, dreaming of getting a kind and affectionate pet. Mixed breeds of different cat breeds inherit both the physical and mental characteristics of their parents’ breeds.

Therefore, with good care and kind attitude, mandatory vaccination and castration, any mestizo will please the eye no worse than an ordinary purebred cat.

What is the health of a half-breed cat?

Mixing breeds leads to genetic or acquired diseases. The following deviations may be observed in a mestizo:

• Inflammation of the joints. The Scottish woman has a weak ligamentous apparatus, while the British woman is distinguished by wide bones and a powerful body. Interbreed mixture leads to arthritis, due to which the cat moves little, experiences severe pain, and its limbs are deformed.
• Kidney diseases. Metis are prone to obesity, which negatively affects the urinary system. Therefore, the animal runs the risk of developing urolithiasis or pyelonephritis, which can become chronic.
• Ear diseases. The lop ear gene affects the ear cartilage, so your cat may have ear pain. Constant scratching with paws leads to secondary infection and inflammation.

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Maintenance and care

Mixed breeds should be cared for in the same way as other cats. Brush should be done at least once a week with combs for short-haired cats. The tray should be spacious and filled with bentonite or wood. It is necessary to feed the cat with high-quality holistic, super or premium food - “Bozita”, “Farmina”, “Acana”, “Trainer”, “Pronature”, “Origin”. The diet should include lean meat, greens, low-fat cottage cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. Ears and eyes should be cleaned every week with special animal products “Beafar”, “Trixie”, “Bars”. Teeth require daily care with Dentavedin, Nutri-Vet, and Zubastik products. You should bathe your cat only when dirty. To prevent dangerous infections, your pet should be vaccinated in a timely manner.

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Is it possible to crossbreed a Briton and a Scot?

All cat breeds have a common genetic sex pattern and the same number of chromosomes, so they can be bred with each other. In the process of breeding history, the Scottish Fold (low-eared) breed was formed.

Mating between this breed is strictly prohibited. Both partners have a gene for lop ears, which leads to genetic mutations. It was possible to get rid of the defect by crossing Scottish Fold cats with straight-eared British cats.

To maintain the standard of the Scottish breed, it was allowed to breed Britons with Scots, although matings between them were prohibited in the British breed.

The litter belonged to the Scots, they were recorded as:

• Scottish Fold - fold-eared kittens;
• Scottish Straight - individuals with straight ears.

Gradually, the appearance of the Scots began to differ significantly from the British. The ears, body size, length of paws and tail have changed. Unlike British cats, Scottish cats are lighter in bone, smaller in size, have a rounded head with huge eyes, small ears, and long hair. They are harsher in character.

Straight ears are the only difference between the Scottish Straight and the Scottish Fold. The World Cat Federation has registered the Scottish Straight as "Scottish Shorthair". The breed received the right to participate in the championship. To preserve the breed characteristics of the Scots, Folds stopped crossing with the British and started with Scottish Straights.

Kittens born from two British parents are considered British. If other representatives of the breeds participated in the crossing, the breed characteristics deteriorated. As a rule, the color of the British is blue. When crossed with exotics and Persians, the shade of the coat changed to other colors - smoky, black.

Crossbreed with Persians and exotics

At one time, Persians were used to breed the Scottish breed. But now such a combination is undesirable. Crossbreeds often end up with helicopter ears and longer hair than required. The only advantage that can be obtained from such a pair is the more plush nature of the offspring, since Persians are softer by nature than Scots. In addition, crossing with Persians and exotics gives the so-called exotic appearance of Scots with a flattened face.

Why do breeders not recommend breeding British and Scottish dogs?

British cats are large in size. The gene responsible for their body weight is strong and is inherited. Kittens are born large. The cat’s skeletal system is not able to adapt to large sizes, and childbirth is difficult and with complications.

Mixing breeds causes various diseases that affect the health of the animal:

1. Interbreed mix is ​​prone to obesity. Excess weight disrupts the functioning of the urinary system, pyelonephritis and urolithiasis develop.
2. Metis suffer from inflammation of the joints , their limbs become deformed, they hurt greatly, and they practically stop moving. This happens because British cats have a powerful body and wide bones, while Scottish cats have weak ligaments.
3. Ear diseases are caused by the lop ear gene. It affects the ear cartilage, and your pet often has ear pain. To get rid of pain, the cat constantly scratches them, causing a secondary infection, which leads to inflammation.

When is it possible to crossbreed a Briton and a Scot?

You can match a Brit with a Scot when:

• it is necessary to bring out new features in appearance;
• improve color.

Such matings are called experimental and are carried out in a nursery under the supervision of specialists who carefully study the litter.

Since during cross-breed mating, babies lose standard traits and have problems with the musculoskeletal system, cat owners are not advised to mate animals of the same breed.

Possible problems arising during crossing

Despite the characteristics of each species individually, crossing a British and a Scotsman is not recommended. The mixture obtained in this way has a number of disadvantages. If you mix animals of these two breeds, you get kittens with large and wide-set ears. A mixture cannot compete with its self-sufficient parents. Britons are considered large and heavy cats with strong bones. Scots are characterized by a sweet face and graceful body.

Previously, one breed was bred from another. Over time, after reaching the desired standards, the two varieties continued to be crossed to produce more unique qualities. For example, a breeder wanted to breed a Scotsman with a denser body structure, and change the color of a Briton.

Scottish Fold and British Practice shows that such crossing has many disadvantages. The quality of the offspring's coat deteriorates, and serious problems with the musculoskeletal system appear. This is due to the fact that the Scottish cat has a weaker skeleton, while the British cat has a wide bone. Heaviness combined with weak joints provoked dangerous diseases.

When crossing a Scottish Fold and a British Fold, the resulting fold kittens will be defective. To obtain miniature ears with two or three folds at the fold, a modifier gene is required, which is found in the Scottish breed. The British don't have it, so their ears are not brought to the required standard. They are larger in size and wider in location. Because of this, over time, the lop ear disappears and the ears straighten.

Positive qualities of cats

You often hear that mixtures of varieties or unspecified cats are smarter and tougher than purebred couch sissies. This is partly true, because... these cats receive a set of genes from which they take the most useful qualities for survival in nature.

Mixed breeds of big cats or exotics look very attractive and unusual, combining the size, grace and unusual features of several breeds.

The character of an animal depends not so much on the breed, but on upbringing

It is still better for cat owners to remember that the character of an animal depends not so much on its breed, but on upbringing and care.

Mixed cats are subject to mandatory neutering before or after they reach the age of sexual maturity. No matter how beautiful such animals look, they cannot be bred in the same way as “pet”-class and “culling” cats.

To knit or not

Scots must be prepared especially carefully for mating, since fold-eared cats and the same fold-eared cats should not be mated under any circumstances. Such thoughtless mating can lead to deformity of future offspring at the genetic level:

• Bone defects,
• Vertebral fusion,
• Thickening of the tail
• Problems with the musculoskeletal system.

In this case, drooping ears will be rare; most kittens will have straight ears. But the babies will be born healthy.

Why do breeders not recommend breeding British and Scottish dogs?

The British breed has a strong gene

Do not forget that the British breed has a strong gene that is responsible for the cat’s body weight. British cats are very large, they pass this feature on by inheritance. Kittens will be born large, labor is difficult, and complications often occur.

The skeletal system cannot be rebuilt and cannot withstand the load of the large size of the British breed gene.

This seems very strange. But what about the struggle for the purity of the breed? The main thing is that the offspring born do not have any abnormalities, are full-fledged and healthy.

British mating

A number of rules must be followed for the successful birth of kittens.

It's a different matter with the British cat breed. Here everything is exactly the opposite. A cat of British origin can only be bred with an equally British cat. Otherwise, when recording in the pedigree, the kittens born from such a mating will not receive recognition as belonging to the British breed.

Now we can talk about purebred. Beautiful physique, large plush kittens will already find their owners at birth. Such cute babies will be taken apart with joy, although the price will be quite high. This breed is beautiful, friendly to people, and pleasant to talk to.

A few rules

In order for the offspring to be born strong, you need to adhere to the following tips:

• A Scottish cat cannot be bred with a British cat.
• It is better not to cross two Scots with floppy ears.
• You need to select partners for your pets in a club from experienced breeders specializing in certain breeds.
• Choose a cat for your beauty that is attractive in color. The offspring will be unusual and original in their external characteristics.
• Before mating, it is necessary to find out whether the partner is vaccinated. If there is the slightest sign of ill health, mating cannot be carried out.

Appearance of mestizo

Kittens are a mixture of British and Scots. A cross between British and Scottish shorthairs is characterized by the following characteristics:

• Smooth lines of the body, low legs and rounded powerful paws;
• Thick and short coat;
• More than 200 types of colors, which are divided into 3 groups: solid, tortoiseshell, tabby;
• The eyes are large, round, widely spaced. Their color should be in harmony with the coat color. In whites, a blue tint or heterochromia is allowed;
• Curved ears.

Briefly about the British and Scots

British shorthair cat

The British Shorthair has never required special breeding. This breed is distinguished by good health, the British are heavy cats. Individuals of large build, with a pronounced fold of skin around the neck. The fur is beautiful and thick, like a plush fabric.

This breed has some similar traits, which is why these cats are crossed with the Scottish Fold. The British are distinguished by their late maturation, their body is fully formed by the age of six.

Scottish Shorthair breed

The Scottish Shorthair cat breed in infancy comes with erect ears and drooping ears. The coat is the same as the British, plush. In many sources, this breed has a different name: Scottish Fold .

Opinion of the World Cat Association

Due to the fact that the Scots are a quality breed that meets the standards, and crossing with the British only harms the offspring, this procedure is prohibited. In 2004, the World Cat Association WCF approved the newly developed Scottish Straight breed, which gives it the right to participate in all championships. She is a Scottish Straight cat. Initially, only the Scottish Fold was recognized as a separate breed.

In 2004, the international felinological community imposed a ban on mating similar British and Scottish cats. This decision was justified by the self-sufficiency of each breed and the frequent occurrence of genetic abnormalities in the offspring.

Maine Coon mix

Now for some reason many people think that a Scot + Maine Coon = a good option. In fact, such mating is fraught with serious consequences. The Maine Coon's skeleton is very large, so large that even purebred individuals sometimes have problems with it. And the Scotsman has a lighter frame. Imagine what problems a crossbreed might face.

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Who can a Scottish Fold cat mate with?

The Scottish Fold cat can mate with any member of the cat family.

It is noteworthy that these animals received lop ears during selection due to a mutation, which resulted in the formation of an anomaly of the ear cartilage, which is unable to hold the ears in an upright position.

Standards

• The head should be round, with a wide nose, expressive round and wide-set eyes.
• Rounded mustache pads, clearly defined and strong jaws and chin.

Rules for mating

Puberty in females occurs around the eighth month of life. A cat will be ready for mating no earlier than one and a half or two years, depending on the individual characteristics of the animal’s body. Mating during the first heat is strictly prohibited due to the unpreparedness of the young female’s body.

Puberty in females occurs in the eighth month of life.

It is recommended to begin this process during the second, or even third, heat cycle. The third and fourth days of estrus are considered favorable. Before the event, the cat must have all the necessary vaccinations and deworming. The first mating should occur with a strong and experienced male.

What you need to know when breeding Scots for the first time

Readiness for the first mating is determined in cats not only when they reach sexual maturity. Considering its delicate characteristics, this breed may show signs of readiness to have offspring as early as 9-10 months, but mating during this period is strictly prohibited. During early pregnancy, a young female may develop serious diseases, and the offspring may even die during childbirth or be born with serious pathologies and abnormalities.

Having reached the age of one and a half years, the cat becomes completely ready for potential mating. The owner only needs to determine the moment of estrus and look for a partner for his cat. But it is necessary to find a truly worthy partner, since estrus in Scottish Straight cats lasts no more than 4-6 days.

As for Scottish Straight cats, when they reach sexual maturity, they can mate at absolutely any time. They are not at risk of diseases associated with reduced fertility or those that will interfere with their further normal development. Males who have reached the age of 10 months are considered an adult, ready for reproduction.

The peak of increased activity and greatest fertility occurs in males in the spring season. So, the cat begins to behave restlessly, aggressively, begins to call the cat or mark the territory with urine with a characteristic specific smell.

When is crossing possible?

Sometimes crossbreeding between these breeds occurs. Some owners simply do not have the necessary information about the consequences, others do not have a suitable match in mind. Often the British and the Scots live in the same house, and it is difficult to keep track of them.

In rare cases, knitting is allowed only as experiments in breeding clubs. It is mandatory to make an entry in a special journal and present a pedigree. The entire brood is then supervised by club members.

Conclusions: according to the rules, you only need to breed representatives of your own breed. If for some reason this is not possible, seek help from an experienced felinologist. It will help solve the problem with minimal harm to the kittens. Avoid amateurs who claim they can guarantee excellent results.

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Difficulties that may arise during knitting

When mating straights and folds, complications may arise that will prevent you from conceiving offspring. Overcoming these difficulties is possible if you are close to the male and female during the mating process to provide assistance.

1. Different sizes. A cat and a female cat may differ in size. This is especially inconvenient if the cat is slightly smaller than the female, since he will not be able to grab the cat by the withers and cover it correctly. In this case, the owners are advised to hold the female at the withers themselves;
2. The cat may not give in to the cat, experiencing mistrust and fear. Not all females can overcome these barriers. In such cases, mating cannot occur and, alas, practically nothing can be done;
3. Stopping estrus can be caused by stress and illness. That is why both the mental and physical health of the animal must be carefully monitored. An estrus that has stopped due to stress recovers on its own within a few days, but it is still better to avoid such an unpleasant moment;
4. Cats very often fall to the side when mating with a cat reaches the active phase. To avoid difficulties during mating, it is best to hold the cat in the desired position.

Where is the best place to look for a suitable mating partner?

Finding a suitable Scottish Straight cat for mating is quite difficult, since this task requires a responsible approach and the ability to distinguish a healthy cat from an unsuitable male. You can find a partner in a special breeders club that specializes in Scottish Folds. Specialists from the club will help you choose the right partner and provide assistance in mating. The cat will be selected taking into account all the characteristics, from the shape of the ear to the weight and correct shape of the skull and skeleton.

It is important to agree on a fee in advance with the owner of the male. One calf per lamb is the most common payment for services provided by a pet. In rare cases, the fee is paid in cash. This is possible in the case when the owner of a male Fold cannot get a Fold kitten, since the litter consists of only Scottish Straight kittens.

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