Kurilian Bobtail Photograph of TAIGA © Helmi Flick 
Introduction The Kurilian Bobtail
(Kurilian, Curilsk Bobtailis, Kuril Bobtail) is a "natural" cat and a
"mutated" cat.
The breed is little known in the West but is the 3rd most popular breed
in Russia, where there are about 40 catteries. The breed's
geographical origin is the Kuril
and Sakhalin Islands. This is a rare cat
breed ranking 9 out of 10 where 10 is the most rare, by my
reckoning.
Kuril IslandsThis is where the islands are: Reproduced
under Wikimedia Commons
 Reproduced under Wikimedia Commons user: Eliezg Because this
cat has apparently evolved in
isolation on this island chain in the Pacific over the past 100-150
years, she can be called a natural cat. Natural in this instance means
no
interference by mankind.
The Kuril Islands are, it seems, currently governed by Russia after a long dispute with Japan. There are 16,000 inhabitants. The climate is severe with long cold winters and short summers. The climate has probably, to a degree, dictated this breeds' coat, which is short to medium long and described as a "warm woolly coat". All colors are encountered. It is not completely clear what the position was, in respect of the evolution of this breed, more than 150 years ago nor when or how the dominant genetic mutation came about to give this gorgeous looking cat her bobtail. However it would seem that the Kurilian Bobtail was a wild cat on the islands until domesticated.
The exact nature of the genetic mutation is still unclear (there is still a lot to learn about cat genetics) and there is speculation that it is the same as the Japanese Bobtail. At one stage it was believed that this breed was the Japanese Bobtail. If there is a connection between these two bobtailed cats it is possible that the Japanese bobtail inherited her genetic background from the the Kurilian rather than visa-versa. This alludes to the possibility that Japanese settlers on the islands, before the Russians kicked them off in 1945, brought over domestic cats that mated with the Kurilian resulting in the Japanese Bobtail. The history is similar to the Manx cat in relation to the tail (the Manx has no tail) and in respect of the isolated nature of the breed's evolution. However, the genetic mutation the gives the Kuril her short tail has no accompanying potentially harmful condition as is the case for the Manx. This is a healthy and robust breed it seems. History
Appearance and Character
They are now considered a large cat (15-19lbs), and described as "brawny". I think these figures a little exaggerated or relate to males only. They are though large than average (see largest domestic cat breed). They are well balanced, intelligent and have a gentle character. They prefer not to be solitary (and are therefore social cats) and in the wild they form packs, it has been said. The bobbed tail is 3-8 centimeters long (not including the fur - according to the breed standard). The breed standard allows all colors except color points, fawn, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac and these with white. A favored color/pattern is Japanese style calico (Mi-ke). She is dog-like, faithful and likes water (in the wild she feeds on fish). They have a "wild look". Breeders Selected from the first 3 pages of Google search list.USA Pride Kurilian Bobtails (link) This breeder's website ranks top of the Google listings and is as far as I can ascertain the premier cattery for this breed in the USA. Ketoi CZ Located in the Czech Republic.
Barrayar Located in Russia. It seems that the cattery is located in Moscow and the regions. Siberia Frost Located in Russia. They don't say where they are located. Most of the catteries are in Habarovsk, Moscow, Astrahanj, Ufa, Saratov and Volgogradand. OrchidBobs Based in the USA I think (just doesn't come across on the site where they are). Superbob Located in Moscow. How do I know? They say it on their site! This is rare (to say where you're based) judging by common practice. Vetka Sakury RU Located in Russia but can't see where as once again it is not clear on the site. This is not due to it being in Russian. Legacy Kurilians They say that they are the only Kuril breeder in the USA which appears not to be true as USA Pride above is also based in the USA. Note: I don't think this breeder is functional as this is a one page site with no contact details! WCF Note (from above): The
WCF was founded on 1988 in Rio
de
Janeiro, Brazil by three cat clubs. They were looking for a more
democratic
and human approach in the cat fancy. Currently the WCF consists of more
than 540 clubs
throughout the world in all continents including USA.
Sources:
From Kurilian Bobtail to All Cat Breeds 
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