The
advent of the Burmilla, nearly twenty years ago, has been
related time and time again.
Early in 1981, Miranda Bickford-Smith (née von Kirchberg),
whose prefix Astahazy was well known, had bought, as a pet for
her husband, a Chinchilla male; shortly before he was due to be
neutered, Jemari Sanquist met Bambino Lilac Fabergé, a Lilac
Burmese female, who had escaped from Purdah. It soon became
evident that kittens were on the way.
Four females, all Black Shaded Silver, were born on the 11th of
September. A few weeks later, Miranda asked me to have a look at
them as they were starting to develop a good foreign type as
well as a short dense coat. I was very impressed especially by
two of them: Galatea, who was to remain with Miranda, and Gemma,
who was brought to us when the Bickford-Smiths came to stay for
Christmas.
The combined quality of their type, their spectacular look, and
their superb temperament prompted us to try and establish a new
breed; so a mating between Sanquist and another of Miranda's
Burmese queens, was arranged forthwith. This resulted on 27th
March 1982, in a single male kitten, Jacynth, who later joined
Gemma to found our Kartush line.
Breed standard
The offspring of cross-mating Burmese and Chinchilla parents
will always produce shorthair, silver progeny carrying two
recessive genes - the 'self' gene, inherited from the Burmese,
and the 'longhair' gene, inherited from the Chinchilla. The type
of F1 kittens may lean towards either of the founder breeds.
Galatea and Gemma were both of such outstanding 'foreign' type
that we decided that the type of our 'new' breed would resemble
that of the Burmese, yet be materially different, since no new
breed should be mistaken for an already recognised breed. We
drew up the Breed Standard on these lines - it is worth noting
that today's Breed Standard is uncannily similar to it.
Breed name
Now a name had to be found: as CHIN(chilla-burm)ESE was
obviously most inappropriate, the two young men who used to look
after the Astahazy cats, suggested BURM(ese-chinch)ILLA which we
all thought strikingly suitable!
Thus we started developing the Burmilla as a Shorthaired Agouti
cat of medium foreign type, showing a striking contrast between
a coloured Shading/Tipping and a Silver base. Matings between F1
parents selected for type only, could produce 'true' Burmillas,
Burmillas carrying self and/or longhair, Silver Shaded/Tipped
Longhairs, Smokes, Silver/non Silver Tabbies and Selfs (the last
three varieties in either longhair or shorthair).
Breeding programme
During 1983, Miranda became interested in all the different
varieties occurring in the development of the breed, while my
husband Charles and I were entirely identifying with the
Burmilla itself. So by common agreement, on 13th November, it
was decided that Miranda would develop the Burmilla and its
related breeds of cats within the Governing Council of the Cat
Fancy (GCCF), while Charles and I would specialise in
establishing the Burmilla within the Cat Association of Britain
(CA), which had been formed earlier in the year. This would also
give two chances for recognition, irrespective of which
organisation might be the first to do so.
Within the GCCF, Miranda pursued a breeding policy of out mating
to Burmese at every other generation, thus obtaining all
varieties of 'Asians'. The club she founded in 1985 continues
her pioneering work and is now known as 'The Asian Group Cat
Society'. The GCCF recognised the Burmilla in 1995 and most
varieties can be seen today at GCCF shows.
A founder member of the CA, Barbara Gazzaniga, who had bought
one of Gemma's and Jacynth's kittens, was also staying with us
during that fateful weekend back in November 1983. Together we
formulated a Breeding Programme, finalised the Breed Standard
and presented them to the CA Board which accepted both later in
the month.
Clubs and shows
Our enthusiasm knew no bounds but there were only three of us,
so we founded the Burmilla Cat Club on Saturday 21st January
1984, with the aim of getting together breeders willing to start
independant lines - as well as half lines ensuing from Kartush
parentage - to promote the breed by exhibiting regularly at CA
shows and to contribute to a club magazine: The BCC Mews.
Since then the BCC, granted affiliation to the CA in July 1986,
has held Spring Exemption Shows and All Breeds Championship
Shows in October each year. These became International following
CA's election as the British Member of the Fédération
Internationale Féline (FIFe) in May 1990.
Inbreeding
Since, by definition, a 'breed' must 'breed true,' the two
recessive genes (self and longhair) had to be eliminated; also
five 'pure' generations had to be produced before recognition
could be applied for. Inbreeding was therefore necessary: Sib
matings, Father to Daughter or Family circle. Sib mating is the
fastest method and theoretically 'fixes' 16% of genes at each
generation. Back mating younger generations to those of known
genetic make-up, such as F1, would also be required to try to
eliminate from the breeding programme any parent which might not
to be homozygous in the two dominant genes. Hopefully, the breed
would appear from the third generation onward, when outmating to
peers of another line would enlarge the gene pool and homogenise
the characteristics inherent to each line. Breeding from
outstanding specimens only was of paramount importance. Line
breeding also has the advantage of pinpointing any ancestor/s
which may be carrying any harmful trait - a near impossibility
if more than one line is involved.
New lines
Charles and I embarked on such a policy with Roy Robinson's
blessing and guidance. We eventually outbred two pure F3 females
with two unrelated Burmese Studs. Their progenies were brought
into our Family circle, thus improving type and increasing our
gene pool, viability and vigour.
Other BCC breeders were at liberty to apply their own Breeding
programme within the frame-work of the approved Breeding Policy.
Some started entirely new lines, some half lines from Kartush
cats; others outcrossed regularly to Burmese, the only outcross
allowed, thus achieving a faster homozygosity for the Shorthair
gene and improvement of type though greatly decreasing the
incidence of Silver offspring, ie Burmillas.
In the UK today, besides the Kartush and Gazzella lines, several
other lines are well established: Brandywell (Caroline
Turner-Russell), Zingaro-Tamimah (Michael Garrett), Brimstone
(Pauline Turner), Katchadream (Sharon Donaghie), Lakota (Lynn
McGuckian). Over the years Brandywell and Kartush kittens have
been exported to most countries of Western Europe and
Scandinavia.
Inter-continental
In 1984, Birgit Nehammer imported into Denmark two Burmillas
(bred by Mrs P Bydlinski), and began an extensive breeding
programme by crossmating them to her Thamakan Burmese, starting
several new lines - importing a Kartush male in 1991, and a
Brandywell female a year later. We are all greatly indebted to
her for having promoted Burmillas on the continent, and for
bringing some of them to Prague for the FIFe General Assembly -
where the Burmilla Breed was granted recognition as a Shorthair
breed in its own right (28th May 1994). The FIFe Breeding Policy
and FIFe Breed Standard have since been in force worldwide in
all FIFe countries.
New world
Five years ago and further afield, Robin Moller, from New South
Wales, having read an article on Burmillas and been entranced by
their spectacular looks, enrolled another Burmese breeder, Mrs L
Burgess, in her efforts to establish the breed 'down under'.
Following the approval by the NSW authorities of the FIFe
Breeding Policy and Breed Standard, their newly formed Burmilla
Breeders Association of Australia has become a very active and
thriving club, doing extremely well in the show ring against
other breeds. This year two Kartush kittens, a male and a
female, have taken up residence with Mrs L Burgess and Robin
Moller, respectively with the aim of starting new half-lines.
Genetics
The genetics of the Burmilla are relatively complex since the
two founder breeds are entirely different: two recessive genes
have to be eliminated and both Standard and Burmese colour
expressions are involved.
From the Chinchilla, the Burmilla inherits the dominant Silver
(I) and Agouti (A) genes and may show at birth either of the
Tabby patterns inherent to that breed. On a Burmilla, such Tabby
markings will gradually fade leaving a clear Silver Shaded or
Tipped coat. Any progeny (smoke, silver/non silver tabby, self)
not showing these characteristics is not accepted as Burmilla.
It also inherits the Full-Colour gene (C) giving maximum
pigmentation: Black for first generation Burmillas, Full colour
expression for subsequent homozygous or heterozygous
generations.
The recessive longhair gene is carried by first generation
Burmillas and may be passed on to later generations: breeders
strive to eliminate it, mainly by test-matings.
From the Burmese, the Burmilla inherits the recessive Burmese
gene (cb) which is carried by the first generation; kittens of
subsequent generations which inherit it from both parents will
show the Burmese colour expression.
It also inherits the dominant Shorthair (L) gene; breeders will
aim to produce homozygous offspring.
First generation Burmillas carry the self gene (i) which
breeders have to eliminate quickly.
Colours and
Patterns
The combination of the Standard and Burmese colour expressions
result in twenty varieties:
Full
expression
* Black
* Blue
* Chocolate
* Lilac
* Red
* Cream
* Black Tortie
* Blue Tortie
* Chocolate Tortie
* Lilac Tortie |
Burmese
expression
* Brown
* Blue
* Chocolate
* Lilac
* Red
* Cream
* Brown Tortie
* Blue tortie
* Chocolate Tortie
* Lilac Tortie |
These two
sets of colours are found in both Shaded and Tipped patterns
which gives a total of 40 colours. Though slightly lighter and
softer, the Burmese colours (except Brown) are practically
impossible to differentiate from the Standard colours, even on
shaded coats. It is because of this number and the difficulty in
identification, that colour and pattern are irrelevant but
evenness of Shading/Tipping is an essential requisite in the
Breed Standard.
General Appearance
The Burmilla is a beautiful shorthaired cat of foreign type and
medium size, showing a striking contrast between a coloured
Shading/Tipping and a pure Silver base.
The Body has a good bone structure covered with firm muscles,
yet gives an impression of great elegance; females are usually a
little smaller than males, but still feel heavier than they
look. A rounded chest and a straight back add to the overall
harmony. The strong slender legs end in neat oval paws; as in
most breeds, the back legs are slightly longer than the front
legs. The medium to long tail, moderately thick at the base
tapers to a rounded tip.
The Head has a slightly rounded top with moderate width between
the ears, and wide cheekbones tapering to a short blunt wedge.
In profile, the straight short nose, in line with a firm deep
chin, shows a gentle break. The penciling round the lips
accentuates the unmistakable Burmilla grin.
The Ears are medium to large with a rounded tip, are broad at
the base and set moderately apart and show a slight tilt
forward. Their outer line continues that of the face - though
mature males usually develop full cheeks.
The Eyes are the most beautiful feature of the Burmilla. Large
and expressive, they are set well apart on a slightly oblique
angle. The upper lid forms a broken line angled towards the
nose, while the lower lid is fuller and rounder - both being
outlined with the basic colour, thus giving a somewhat innocent
expression. Any shade of Green is accepted but it must be clear
and luminous; an outer yellow rim is allowed in young kittens.
Because the Orange gene (O) introduces some yellow in the eye
colour, amber is accepted in Reds, Creams and Torties.
The Coat is short and dense, silky in texture and smooth lying
but with enough undercoat to give it a slight lift. The ground
colour is pure Silver white. The Shading/Tipping, in all
recognised solid and tortie colours, must be evenly and
uniformly distributed on the mantle. Remnants of Tabby markings
show as delicate 'ghost' tracings on the forehead of all
Burmillas and may still appear on legs and tail of the Shaded
variety. Whatever its colour, a Tipped Burmilla looks much
lighter overall than a Shaded Burmilla.
The nose leather is Terracotta in all Burmillas other than Red
and Cream, where it is pink and Tortie where it is in the
relevant colour, pink or a mixture of both.
The Paw Pads and Soles are of the colour corresponding to the
coat colour.
Shows
From 1983 to the end of 1994, Burmillas were shown at most CA
shows and adults were eligible for CA Medallist titles (awards
especially created for breeds provisionally approved by CA).
From 1st January 1995, following the recognition of the breed by
the FIFe the previous May), Burmillas have been entered in the
FIFe Open classes and adults have been eligible for FIFe
Championship titles. They are shown in two groups: Group 1
includes all non-Orange recognised colours while Group 2
includes all Orange recognised colours.
It is a regular occurrence at CA shows to see Burmilla kittens
as well as adults nominated for the Best in Show competition and
very often winning group and top awards. Quite fittingly, at a
BCC International show, Kartush Xenefer became in October 1998,
the first European Champion in the UK - the highest title in the
FIFe; Foskat Emperor Auriga, a male neuter, followed in June
1999 gaining the title of European Premier. Several Grand
International Champions/Premiers will soon reach that stage
while many of the younger generations are competing at the other
Championship levels.
Care
General Grooming can be kept at a minimum, as for most
shorthaired cats. It is wise though, to loosen the dead hairs
and comb the coat thoroughly and regularly - also clean eyes and
ears and clip the tips of the claws. Sometimes the Silver coat
of a very active cat may require extra attention to retain its
purity, but a weekly grooming is usually sufficient. However
Burmillas love such 'special times' and often beg for more!
Character
Temperament of the Burmilla is quite exceptional. The demanding
and mischievious character of the Burmese mixed with the
easy-going, relaxed nature of the Chinchilla, gives the Burmilla
its unique personality. Impish and fearless when young, the
Burmilla matures into an intelligent and extremely affectionate
adult cat.
Door handles and
cupboard doors present no problems to a determined Burmilla;
anything left lying around, from socks, chocolate bars,
envelopes, to pens, key rings and gloves, immediately become a
plaything. 'Dribbling' pingpong balls is mastered at a very
early age as well as 'retrieving' paper ones. Such activities
can come to a sudden stop, and your mad whirl-i-gig will flop on
your lap or nestle in your arms with a deep-throated purr and
contented grin - not to mention an innocent and loving look,
which is so much in character.
A great mimic,
the Burmilla will take on any role: a dormouse tucked in an
invisible corner, a dog rolling on its back, a snake sliding on
the floor, a ferret climbing inside trouser legs, a monkey
clambering up curtains, a high wire artiste balancing on door
tops, a hotwater bottle inside the bedclothes, a prying Sherlock
Holmes . . . the list is endless! All in all, an intelligent,
inquisitive nature and a most affectionate, seductive
personality are some irresistible qualities of the bewitching
Burmilla.
Useful
Contacts
|
|
The
Governing Council
of the Cat Fancy
(GCCF)
Tel: 01278 - 427 575 |
The
Cat Association of Britain
(FIFe/CA)
Central Office
Tel: 01235 - 766 543 |
|
The
Burmilla Cat Club (BCC)
Hon Secretary: Mrs C Clarke
Mill House, Letcombe Regis Oxon OX12 9JD
Tel/Fax: 01235 - 766 543
|
|
The
Asian Group Cat Society
Hon Secretary: Mrs N Johnson
The Old Post Office, Cottam, Redford Notts DN22 0EZ
Tel/Fax: 01777 - 248 562
|
|
The
Asian Cat Association (Southern)
Hon Secretary: Mrs S Sketch
Greenway Cottage, West Hendred Oxon OX12 8RG
Tel: 01235 - 833 611 |
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