European Burmese

Origin and History

The European Burmese is the type of the Burmese breed developed in Europe. Its origins share the same foundation as the American Burmese — the "Wong Mau" line brought from Burma in the 1930s — but European breeders followed a different standard, achieving a more elegant, longer body and a wider color range (including red, cream and tortie shades). Its main difference from the American type lies in the face and body structure.

Appearance and Coat

It is medium-sized and muscular, but with a longer, more elegant body than the American type; the face is less round and more wedge-shaped. Its short, silky, satin-textured coat needs little grooming. Its large, expressive, slightly slanted eyes come in golden-yellow tones, and the breed is found in many color varieties.

Temperament and Personality

The European Burmese carries all the warmth of the Burmese: it is extremely social, people-oriented and affectionate. It follows its owner around, climbs into laps and seeks interaction; it does not like being left alone. It is intelligent and learns games and commands. It has a soft voice but a communicative nature, and it keeps its playful side into adulthood. It gets along well with children and other animals.

Care and Nutrition

Its short satin coat stays glossy with weekly brushing or wiping; grooming is very easy. Its real need is social interaction; it does not enjoy being left alone for long periods. Because it has a hearty appetite, portion control and maintaining an ideal weight are important.

Health

The European Burmese shares some predispositions inherited from the Burmese line: hereditary hypokalemia, which causes low blood potassium (can be screened with a DNA test), a tendency toward diabetes mellitus, and heart disease (HCM). An important advantage is that it does not carry the fatal craniofacial (head) defect seen in American lines, because this mutation never entered the European line. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary check-ups are recommended.

Who Is It Suitable For?

The European Burmese is ideal for individuals and families looking for a warm, interaction-hungry, people-loving companion and who can devote plenty of time to it. It is not ideal for homes where it would be left alone for long periods; attention or a playmate is recommended.