Birman Pedigree Standards — Phoenix the Kweenix & CWPX Cattery
Birman Pedigree Standards & How To Read Them
Built for clarity, rigor, and obsession with quality. Phoenix the Kweenix sets the bar—this page shows you how.
Ethical, Data-Driven Breeding
Gloves & Laces Focus
Wellness-First
TL;DR — What Matters In a Birman Pedigree
- Generations: Most pedigrees show 3–5 generations; more depth = more context for type & health.
- Consistency: Repeated names from proven lines often indicate reliable type (e.g., eye color, gloves).
- Birman Traits: Deep blue eyes, symmetrical white gloves & rear laces, colorpoint coat, medium body with balanced head & profile.
- Health & Temperament: Pedigrees plus health testing and stable temperaments drive long-term quality.
Standards evolve slowly. We align with mainstream show standards and ethical breeding practices. Always pair pedigree reading with health, structure, and behavior observations.
Pedigree Basics
What a Pedigree Is
A pedigree is a mapped family tree documenting ancestry, names, titles (e.g., CH/GC), colors, and registration numbers. It reveals how type and temperament are carried forward.
How Many Generations?
Three generations are common for proof; five generations give deeper insight—sire/dam lines, line-breeding decisions, and where consistency comes from.
How to Read a 5-Generation Chart (Clean & Fast)
| Step | What to Scan | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start with the sire/dam row | Confirms color, titles, and immediate type. |
| 2 | Follow the sire’s sire line | Look for repeated producers; note eye color quality. |
| 3 | Follow the dam’s dam line | Dam lines often carry steadier mothering & temperament. |
| 4 | Mark repeat names | Controlled linebreeding can lock in traits like glove symmetry. |
| 5 | Cross-check titles | Consistent titles across generations = show-proven type. |
| 6 | Review registries | Multi-registry presence signals broader recognition. |
Pedigree ≠ quality by itself. We verify with structure, movement, temperament, and health screening.
Birman Standard Highlights (Reader’s Digest Version)
Eyes & Expression
- Deep, vivid blue eyes
- Sweet, open expression—balanced head & medium ears
Coat & Colorpoints
- Silky, semi-long coat with minimal undercoat
- Defined point colors (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, etc.)
Gloves & Laces
- Front paws: white “gloves,” ideally even & symmetrical
- Rear paws: white “laces” tapering up the hocks
Genetics 101 (Plain English)
Color & Dilution
- Point color is temperature-sensitive pigment expression.
- Dilute genes lighten points: seal → blue, chocolate → lilac.
Why Lines Matter
- Consistent producers pass reliable head type, eyes, and gloves.
- We track COI (coefficient of inbreeding) to keep diversity healthy.
Health, Temperament, and Ethics
- Wellness-first: Nutrition, enrichment, and stress-aware handling shape confident temperaments.
- Veterinary partnership: Preventive care, screening where appropriate, and responsible pairing decisions.
- Placement: Kittens go home when developmentally ready, with guidance tailored to the new family.
Health topics can be nuanced and cat-specific—your vet’s guidance always leads.
How CWPX Evaluates Pedigrees
1) Structure & Type
Head, profile, ear set, body balance, bone, coat texture.
2) Temperament
Recovery from novelty, handler-friendliness, ring composure.
3) Track Record
Show results + consistency of siblings/offspring in the line.
Glossary (Quick Decode)
White on front paws; symmetry prized.
White tapering on rear hocks.
Mask, ears, legs, tail coloration.
Champion / Grand Champion titles.
Coefficient of Inbreeding (% relatedness).
Overall look/structure per breed standard.
See Phoenix’s Lineage
Meet Phoenix the Kweenix—CFA Champion on a mission. Explore his story, temperament, and ring journey.
Considering future pairings or have questions about standards? Let’s talk goals, timing, and what excellence looks like for you.
Pedigree & Standards — FAQ
No. Judges evaluate the whole cat—balance, type, coat, condition, and presentation. Gloves/laces are part of the picture.
Not required, but 5-gen charts help evaluate consistency, COI, and producer reliability.
We align with mainstream show standards for Birmans; we prioritize balance, expression, coat, and hallmark gloves/laces.
Always refer to your registry’s official standard for show rules and exact language.
Standards & Responsibility
Information here is educational and reflects our approach at CWPX Cattery. For exact show criteria, consult your registry’s official breed standard and show rules.