POINTS FROM THE BENGAL BREED STANDARD
HIGHLIGHTING WILD TYPE
HEAD STRUCTURE
Head Shape: Broad modified wedge with rounded contours. Longer than it is wide. Overall look of the head should be as distinct from the domestic cat as possible.
Ears: Medium to small, relatively short, with wide base and rounded tops.
Eyes: Oval, almost round. Large, but not bugged. Set wide apart, back into face, and on slight bias toward base of ear.
Chin: Strong chin, aligns with tip of nose in profile.
Muzzle: Full and broad, with large prominent whisker pads and high, pronounced cheekbones. Slight muzzle break at whisker pads.
Nose: Large and wide, slightly puffed nose leather.
Profile: Curve of the forehead should flow into the bridge of the nose with no break. Bridge of nose extends above the eyes, the line of the bridge extends to the nose tip.
Neck: Long, substantial, muscular, in proportion to the head and body.
BODY STRUCTURE
Torso: Long and substantial. Medium to large.
Legs: Medium length.
Feet: Large, round, with prominent knuckles.
Tail: Medium length, thick, tapered at the end with rounded tip.
Boning: Sturdy, firm, never delicate.
Musculature: Very muscular, especially in the males, one of the most distinguishing features.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Overall: Distinctive to the small forest-dwelling wildcats; appearance distinct from other domestic cat breeds; head with wild appearance and expressive nocturnal look; cat with strength, agility, balance and grace; very muscular and solid build; athletic; alert to its surroundings.
