Felis catus
Karelian Bobtail Longhair
The Karelian Bobtail Longhair is the longhaired division of the Karelian Bobtail, a natural bobtail breed originating from the Lake Ladoga region of northwestern Russia and Finland. The World Cat Federation and the Soviet/Russian Felinological Federation recognize both coat-length divisions. The standard describes a medium-sized, sturdy cat with a kinked or curved bob tail, a broad rounded head, and a semi-long to long silky coat.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Russia / Finland (Lake Ladoga region)
- Origin period
- Natural bobtail population documented in Soviet felinology from the 1980s; WCF/SFF recognition 1990s
- Coat type
- Long
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns except colourpoint and chocolate/lilac
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Karelian Bobtail is a naturally occurring bobtail breed from the Lake Ladoga area of northwestern Russia and Finland. The naturally kinked or curved tail results from a genetic mutation distinct from the Japanese Bobtail mutation. Soviet felinologists began formal documentation in the 1980s, and both the SFF and the WCF subsequently established breed standards covering shorthair and longhair coat divisions.
Standard
The WCF standard describes a medium-sized, sturdy, well-muscled cat with a broad, slightly rounded head, medium-large ears with rounded tips, and oval eyes. The tail is a compact pom-pom or kinked bob 3–8 cm long. The longhair division has a semi-long to long, silky coat with a dense undercoat, a pronounced ruff, and a full plumed tail. All traditional colours and patterns are accepted except colourpoint and the chocolate/lilac/cinnamon series.
Coat and Climate
The Karelian Bobtail Longhair's semi-long coat is adapted to the Lake Ladoga region's harsh climate, with cold, wet winters. The coat has a dense undercoat and semi-long, water-resistant guard hairs. The WCF standard describes the coat as medium-long, dense, and silky with a pronounced ruff, ear furnishings, and a fully plumed tail that expresses the breed's characteristic kinked or curved bob.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
Is the Karelian Bobtail related to the Japanese Bobtail?
No. The Karelian Bobtail's short tail results from a different genetic mutation than the Japanese Bobtail's. The two breeds are geographically and genetically separate; breeding experiments and genetic studies confirm the tail genes are not allelic.
Which registries recognize the Karelian Bobtail Longhair?
The World Cat Federation (WCF) and Russian felinological bodies (SFF/RFF) recognize both coat-length divisions. CFA, TICA, GCCF, and FIFe do not currently carry the breed.
How long is the Karelian Bobtail's tail?
The WCF standard specifies a tail length of 3–8 cm, consisting of kinked, curved, or bumpy tail vertebrae forming a compact pom-pom or bob. Each individual tail is unique in configuration. The tail must be flexible and not rigid or fused; rigid tails are a disqualification.
