The Persian is a longhaired cat characterized by its round face and shortened muzzle. Its name refers to Persia, the former name of Iran, where similar cats are found. Recognized by the cat fancy since the late 19th century, it was developed first by the English, and then mainly by American breeders after the Second World War. In Britain, it is called the Longhair or Persian Longhair.
The Cutest Persian Cats
The Cutest Persian Cats
The Cutest Persian Cats
The Persian was used as an outcross secretly by some American Shorthair (ASH) breeders in the late 1950s to “improve” their breed. The hybrid look gained recognition in the show ring but other breeders unhappy with the changes successfully pushed for new breed standards that would disqualify ASH that showed signs of hybridization.
The Cutest Persian Cats
The Cutest Persian Cats
The Cutest Persian Cats
The Persian is the most popular breed of pedigree cats in the United States.[20] In the UK, registration numbers have dwindled since the early 1990s and the Persian lost its top spot to the British Shorthair in 2001. As of 2008, it was the 5th most popular breed, behind the British Shorthair, Siamese and Bengal. In France, the Persian is the only breed whose registration declined between 2003 and 2007, dropping by more than a quarter.
The Cutest Persian Cats
The Cutest Persian Cats
The Cutest Persian Cats
A number of breeders produce small-statured Persians under a variety of names. The generic terms are “toy” and “teacup” Persians (terms borrowed from the dog fancy), but the individual lines are called “palm-sized”, “pocket”, “mini” and “pixie”. Currently none are recognised as breeds by major registries and each breeder sets their own standards for size.
I think these cats are generally ugly, specially the down syndrome looking ones.