Old Birman type versus new Birman type
a hot topic
Since I have been breeding for a very long time, I love the old Birman type!
For me, it is important to work on genetic health (FIP and HCM)
I don't think it is necessary to change the Birman standard!
Unfortunately, many Birman breeders now see things differently :(
Reasons for the new type
This is big business, driven forward by some organisations and clubs.
Again and again there are breeders who want to reinvent the wheel. Breeders jump on this trend because they believe the proven cats of the old Birman type are no longer good enough or no longer wanted by buyers.
But the real driving force behind it is the desire for self-promotion, attention and the good money that can be made this way. In doing so, they ruin cat breeds that have existed for decades. Preserving the breeds in their original and healthy state means nothing to them. It is truly a shame.
Dangers of outcrossing into the Sacred Birman breed
Health/Hereditary diseases
Changing the look of a breed is one thing, but what about health? Every breed has its own breed-specific diseases. It is hard enough to breed healthy Birmans. So what happens when outcrossing adds the health problems of other breeds to those of the Birman? But apparently nobody cares :(
Grooming
The Birman is a semi-longhair cat, which means a medium-long coat with little undercoat
For the new look, Persians or British Longhairs are crossed in, which decisively changes the coat quality of Birman cats. Grooming becomes harder and the coat mats more quickly :(
Head shape/Eye problems
From my own experience, I can say that these outcrosses change the morphology of the head. Shortened tear ducts lead to conjunctival problems and watery eyes in the cats
Outlook/What I wish for
Since the views and goals of Birman breeders differ so greatly
and both sides are irreconcilably opposed,
a good solution for me would be to split the Sacred Birman breed,
into traditional Birman and new Birman (or whatever name you want to give it)
What matters to me is that the traditional Birman type is preserved.
Here is a link to the fb group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/696380839675105
Any questions?
Get in touch
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