The ravishing Birman is a sociable animal and will tolerate children and other household pets quite happily.
  • Origins. First bred as a pedigree in the early 1920s, the beautiful semi-longhaired Birman was slower to gain popularity in the USA and UK, where it was not recognised until the late 1960s. Various legends attempt to explain the ancestry of the Birman as originating from the temples of Burma(now Myanmar). However, the true origins of the breed are unknown.
  • Appearance. The Birman's body is of medium size and has strong legs of medium length and short paws that end in distinctive white gloves.The head is broad and rounded, with full cheeks and a strong chin. Eyes are slightly oval and deep blue. The tail is medium-length and full. All Birmans have colourpointed features.
  • Coat. The coat is long and silky, with a full ruff around the neck. All Birmans are colourpointed with darker colouration on the ears, face, tail and legs. The coat is comparatively easy to keep well groomed with regular brushing and combing.
  • Characteristics and Temperament. Birmans are proud, intelligent and inquisitive. They love people and are extremely loyal. Birman kittens are particularly mischievous and their sense of fun stays with them in to adulthood. They are also gentle and sensitive, and being sociable animals, will tolerate other cats and dogs quite happily. They quickly adapt to new surroundings, but have a tendency to pine if left alone for long periods of time.
  • Birman varieties.
      
References
Somerville, L., Hermes House 2010, The Ultimate Guide to Cat Breeds
FIFe Breed Standards,SBI