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UK Tonkinese Type Part 1 - Overall Balance

© Linda Vousden

See also Part 2 - The Tonkinese Head Shape in Detail

The UK (GCCF) Tonkinese Standard of Points describes the ideal Tonkinese for the purposes of showing,  and sets the standard that breeders should strive to obtain. In Tonkinese the 'type' (head and body shape) takes precedence over colour; but in all cases the coat-pattern must be correct.

Female Tonkinese are notably smaller than males. Neuters may be heavier than entire cats but should retain good muscle-tone. Fine, small or notably long cats depart from the desired standard :-

Medium to long body, well balanced, firm and muscular. The chest should be slightly rounded, the flanks level and the back rising gently from shoulders to rump. Slender, well muscled legs, the hind legs slightly longer than the front. Feet neat and oval. The tail should be of medium length and gently tapering, neither thick nor whippy. It is not necessary for the tail to reach the shoulders but, when extended, it should appear to balance the length of the body.