Introduction
The Snowshoe is a medium sized cat combining the heftiness of its shorthair ancestors with the length of its oriental ancestors. The breed was named Snowshoe because of the white feet.
History
In the 1960s, a cat owned by Siamese cat breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty produced a litter of Siamese kittens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA). Three of the kittens had unique markings, consisting of white points and feet. Intrigued by their looks, she began working to breed cats like them, using seal point Siamese with bicolour American Shorthairs. By breeding the offspring to Siamese cats, the desired look was accomplished. The breed is recognised by FIFe since 2004.
Appearance
The Snowshoe is firm, muscular and deceptively powerful and agile. It has the appearance of a runner rather than a weightlifter. It is a pointed cat with blue eyes. The preferred pattern is the white inverted “V” on the face with white shoe pattern.
Temperament
Snowshoes are generally affectionate, sweet-tempered, and mellow. They enjoy the company of humans and being given attention, and are compatible with children and other pets. Snowshoes are very social and docile, and show great devotion and love towards their owners.