As time progressed and the early hybrids gained popularity, the tabby versions of the Siamese were
introduced into the Colorpoint Shorthair programs in the four Siamese color varieties. In CFA, these
tabby pointed cats are called Lynx-Points(Snow Tiger) and are exhibited in their own "Lynx-Point
class" as Seal-Lynx points, Chocolate-Lynx points, Blue-Lynx points, Lilac-Lynx points, Red-Lynx
points and Cream-Lynx points.
The development of the Lynx Point pattern was more of an accidental breeding between the household
striped Tabby and a Purebred Siamese. The offspring of a cross between a domestic Tabby cat and a
Siamese resulted in kittens that retained the Siamese points expressed in stripes as opposed to the
original solid markings found in a Siamese. From the Siamese they retained the color-point gene, and
from their solid colored ancestor they retained a variety of point colors. Selective breeding between
these hybrids to other purebred Siamese improved and intensified the markings, type and eye color.
After several years of breeding these hybrid foundational cats to already established registered
purebred Siamese, breeders were able to register with various cat registries. The Lynx-Point Siamese
made an impression amongst cat Fanciers at Cat Shows. Although Cat Fanciers were fascinated by the
new stripped pattern, very few Breeders expressed enough interest in them and consequently continued
to breed only the popular solid-pointed Siamese. As a result, the popularity of the Lynx point has
only slowly gained acceptance. Despite this, the diligence of reputable breeders who had taken an
interest in preserving the Lynx Siamese has made it possible for many today to enjoy the unique
beauty and personality of these purebred cats. The Lynx point retains the exoticness of their large
cousin the Siberian Tiger and with their Tiger-stripped points, ivory bodies, vivid blue-eyes , exotic
appearance, famous affectionate, intelligence and dog like disposition these miniature Snow Tigers are
now gaining the popularity they truly deserve.
|
|