Traditional Balinese

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History:
The early history of the Traditional Balinese is the same as the history of the Traditional Siamese. The Siamese is considered by many to be a 'natural' breed - that is to say, one that developed without the intervention of man. It turned out the Balinese bred 'true' meaning that when a Balinese was bred to another Balinese the resulting litter were all always Balinese, thus qualifying it to be a 'pure breed'. At this time they were still referred to as Longhaired Siamese but soon were christened 'Balinese' not, as many think, because it came from Bali, but because the fanciers of the time thought so graceful
and athletic a cat resembled the graceful Balinese dancers.

The Traditional Balinese fell out of favor in the late fifties and early sixties and were gradually replaced with the modern version of the breed. The modern version is a smaller longer and thinner
more angular cat with large ears and, in the case of the Balinese, a short coat on its body with the only long hair occurring on its plumy tail. This look became popular with the show-oriented Balinese breeders while other breeders, who preferred the Traditional look, continued to breed the larger, rounder-headed Traditional Balinese. These Traditional breeders found that their cats were no longer competitive in the show ring and stopped showing though they continued breeding with their existing purebred Balinese stock.

General Information:
The Traditional Balinese (aka Applehead Balinese) combines the unique personality and intelligence, robust body type, pointed coloring, and the minimal shedding of the Traditional Siamese with a softer voice and a long silky coat. Many people feel the Balinese combines the very best qualities of both long and short haired cats

Currently, the Traditional Balinese is quite rare, though they are beginning to make a comeback as many pet buyers and breeders alike rediscover the Balinese many endearing qualities as top-notch companion cats. It should also be pointed out, that Traditional Balinese are purebred cats, descended from the original cats imported from Siam. A pointed cat that you find in a shelter, though it may look Balinese, is probably not a Traditional Balinese. Enough purebred Siamese, Himalayan or other pointed and long-haired cats have interbred with domestic cats over the years that the gene which creates the pointing pattern and longer hair, is found in a large number of cats. So while some may look Balinese, they may have very little Balinese blood in them.

Appearance:
The ideal Traditional Balinese is a medium-to-large-sized, staunch cat of robust type, with substantial, rounded bone structure, good muscular development, possessing a solid look along with balance and proportion. They are not extreme in any way. The overall impression should be a Traditional Siamese with a flowing coat and plume tail.

The head is rounded, with brow, cheek, and profile all showing clean, strong countours. The nose has a slight, gentle dip at eye level. Medium ears, broad at the base and rounded at the tips, set as much on the sides of the head as on top; ear tufts preferred. The eyes are almond shaped, uncrossed, and deep blue.

The body is medium to large in size, solidly built, muscular in development, and presenting a well-proportioned, solid appearance. Legs well muscled, proportionate in length and bone to the body. Paws more round than oval. Tufts of hair preferred on the feet. Tail medium in length but in proportion to the body: tapering and straight (no kinks).

The coat should be shorter on the head, gradually lengthening to two inches in length. Silky in texture, dense and close-lying, flowing in appearance. Ear tufts preferred. A ruff is preferred, but should not appear thick and fluffy, as the Balinese do NOT have a downy undercoat. Pantalettes at the rear are preferred. Tail hair to spread and drape like a plume, to be carried proudly and erect.

Temperment:
The Traditional Balinese is extremely intelligent, curious and loving. Their behavior and loyalty often resembles what most people expect of a dog more than a cat, as they follow their owners about, sleeping outside of the door of any room you occupy, that they cannot enter, and amusing themselves with a toy until they can once again be on your lap. Agile, swift, muscular and extremely intelligent, they love to play fetch or to make up other games. They get along easily with other cats and with dogs and yet are independent enough to adjust to periods of being alone.

While they still 'talk' like their Siamese cousins, their voices are far softer and they speak only when they have something they feel is important to say. As such, they grow up to make delightful 'watch-cats' often alerting their family when strangers approach or when something seems 'wrong'. They are very alert to their owners and surroundings, but not a hyper-active cat. Rather, they maintain an easy balance of playing and napping depending on the circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the differences between the Traditional and Modern Balinese?
Like the Traditional Siamese, the Traditional Balinese has a heavier more robust body, a rounder head and smaller ears than the modern Balinese which has a far more slender and refined body and head with large ears. The Traditional Balinese has long hair over its entire body while the modern Balinese has short hair over its body and long hair only on its plumy tail. Different people prefer different types.

How do Balinese get along with other animals?
Balinese are easy-going cats adjusting to even large numbers and a wide variety of other animals (birds, dogs, reptiles etc.). This is probably because of their high intelligence. Long-time owners often say that a Balinese kitten brought into a group of established cats are typically accepted immediately. Some say it is because cats in general organize themselves in order of intelligence and find Traditional Balinese kittens fascinating in this regard This may also be the reason a Balinese will, as an adult, usually be at the top of the 'pecking order'. Balinese are also very fond of dogs, perhaps (like Traditional Siamese) feeling akin to them, and often will sleep curled up with 'their' dog and even let themselves be nuzzled or groomed.

How are Balinese with children?
Balinese are very playful and intelligent cats and for this reason adapt easily to the noise and activity of children, and typically throw themselves right into the middle of the fun. Balinese however will not tolerate being mistreated. Young children should be carefully supervised with kittens, particularly those kittens so young they can't escape the child's attention. Balinese are cuddly and affectionate and their soft hair makes them ideal as something soft and warm to hold and pet. At the same time their fine constitution and disposition makes them able to play for long periods without tiring, making them an ideal companion for children who handle them properly.

What health problems are they prone to?
Crossed-eyes occasionally occur, although this is not typically considered detrimental to their health or longevity. Modern breeds, in general, are more prone to health problems than the more robust traditional types.

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