What is the difference between a British Shorthair and a Exotic Shorthair?

The British Shorthair is 9–18 lbs sized while the Exotic Shorthair is 7–12 lbs sized. They differ in size (9–18 lbs vs 7–12 lbs), lifespan (12–20 years vs 8–15 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, British Shorthair or Exotic Shorthair?

British Shorthair is generally good with kids. Exotic Shorthair is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, British Shorthair or Exotic Shorthair?

The British Shorthair has a lifespan of 12–20 years while the Exotic Shorthair has a lifespan of 8–15 years.

British Shorthair vs Exotic Shorthair — Breed Comparison

About the British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds — tracing its roots to the domestic cats of Roman-era Britain, later refined through selective breeding in the 19th century. This large, stocky breed weighs 9–18 pounds and is famous for its round face, dense double coat, and broad, powerful build. While the "British Blue" (solid gray-blue) is the most iconic variety, the breed comes in an extensive range of colors and patterns.

Temperament & Personality

British Shorthairs are dignified, calm cats that prefer to keep all four paws on the ground — they are not typically lap cats and may resist being picked up. They are affectionate on their own terms, loyal to their families, and generally tolerant of well-behaved children and other pets. Their unflappable, easygoing nature makes them one of the most popular companion breeds worldwide.

Pros

Robust health and impressive longevity — commonly lives 14–20 years
Low-maintenance temperament — calm, quiet, and not prone to behavioral issues
Dense plush coat is easy to groom with weekly brushing
Handles being alone well — ideal for working professionals

Cons

Highly prone to obesity — requires strict diet management and play encouragement
Can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney disease
Not a cuddly lap cat — prefers to sit near you rather than on you
Slow to mature — takes 3–5 years to reach full physical development

The British Shorthair could be your perfect low-key companion — search for adoptable cats on Puplister now.

About the Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair was developed in the 1950s–1960s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs to create a Persian with a more manageable coat — essentially a "lazy man's Persian." This medium-to-large breed weighs 7–14 pounds and shares the Persian's flat face, round eyes, small ears, and stocky build. Their dense, plush coat stands away from the body like a teddy bear's and comes in all Persian colors and patterns — though it is far shorter and easier to maintain than the Persian's flowing mane.

Temperament & Personality

Exotic Shorthairs are sweet, gentle, and calm — they have the Persian's placid temperament with a slightly more playful edge inherited from their American Shorthair ancestry. They are quietly affectionate, preferring to sit near or on their favorite person without being demanding. They do well with gentle children and calm pets, making them ideal for relaxed households.

Pros

All the beauty of a Persian with far less grooming — weekly brushing suffices
Calm, gentle temperament — perfect for apartments and quiet homes
Affectionate and loyal without being demanding or vocal
Plush teddy-bear appearance is universally appealing

Cons

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) — prone to breathing difficulties, tear staining, and dental crowding
Susceptible to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) inherited from Persian lines
Eyes and facial folds require daily cleaning to prevent infections
Can be heat-sensitive due to shortened nasal passages

Love the Persian look without the grooming commitment? Find Exotic Shorthairs on Puplister.

British Shorthair vs Exotic Shorthair