The Doll Face Persian Cat is closest to the original Persian cats in Perisa. The other is the more popular Peke Face Persian. The Doll Face Persian cat more closely resembles the original ancient breed if breeders hadn’t interfered with the natural order in which these cats evolved. Without this interference, the Doll Face Persian has fewer health concerns.
Where Do They Come From?
The Doll Face Persian is also called the Traditional Persian, and it’s been around much longer than the modern version. Doll-faced Persians are longhaired cats with round faces. The first document to mention it dates back to 1620 when Italy imported them from Persia, modern-day Iran.
The Persian cat is possibly the oldest breed in the world. The Doll Face or Traditional Persian remained in its original state until English breeders developed it further in the late 19th century. After World War 2, American breeders developed it into the modern flat-faced version many consider a new breed.
Their distinctive long hair is the result of a natural gene mutation. However, their striking appearance caught the eye of Pietro Della Valle, an Italian nobleman credited with importing them to Italy in the early 1600s. By the mid-1800s, these cats were famous throughout Europe, and by the late 1800s, they had made their way to the US.
Until the late 19th century, these cats did not have the flat face that is now the breed’s signature. Instead, they featured a nose slightly shorter than other breeds but in proportion to their facial structure.
How Doll Face Persian Cats Gained Popularity
Around 1791, Persian cats were shown around England. They became popular quickly. The Persian cat’s long hair and friendly nature made it a competition favorite. They are still one of the most famous cats in the world.
Formal Recognition of Doll Face Persian Cats
The first breed standard was created by a cat show operator in 1889. He was the first to establish the difference between the Persian and the Angora. In 1882, a genetic mutation created the Chinchilla coat. In the 1950s, another genetic mutation gave rise to the flat-faced Persian cats. This mutation has become more and more popular. In 2004, the breed standard changed for the contemporary Persian to prevent the flat face from becoming too pronounced. The standard was adjusted again in 2007 to state that the forehead, nose, and chin should align. The Doll Face Persian and Peke Persian are considered separate breeds.
Doll Face Persian Appearance
Besides not having a flattened face and short nose, the doll-faced Persian looks like any Persian cat. The doll-faced Persian cat has the same small, round head and a shorter nose than other cat breeds, but not as flat as their peke‐face counterparts. Sweet expressions have earned them the name of doll-faced Persian. These medium-sized felines typically weigh between 7 and 12 pounds. They stand 10 to 15 inches tall, with stocky, short bodies. This breed is known for its long flowing fur that can grow up to 10 inches long in places.
Eye and Coat Color
White is the most popular color. According to the CFA, these Persian cats should have deep copper or blue eyes. They can also have odd eyes, one blue and one copper.
Other solid colors of Doll Face Persian are:
- Black
- Blue
- Cream
- Chocolate
- Lilac
- Red
These are only a few of the colors Persian cats come in. There are more than sixty colors for these cats, all beautiful. Their eyes always dramatically correspond to their coat color.
The CFE broke the Persian cat colors into divisions for competition purposes. In addition to solid, these are:
- Calico and Bicolor
- Himalayan
- Parti-color
- Shaded and Smoke
- Silver and Golden
- Tabby
What is the Doll-face Temperament?
Doll face Persians are beautiful and possess a friendly, calm, and loving personality.
They are very people-oriented and love to curl into your lap for some love. These cats are easy to handle.
Doll-face Persians are generally happy cats with a laid-back, calm cat attitude. These undemanding creatures want to love and be loved. Even as kittens, they can be quiet, but there are exceptions to the rule. There are some rambunctious Persian cats out there.
Most doll-face Persians will want to be indoors, spending their days sitting quietly or curling up next to you on the sofa. They are generally not exceptionally playful and may be sensitive to loud noises. However, some can be the opposite. It just depends on the individual’s personality.
Doll Face Persian Health
Since doll-face Persians don’t have the short face generally associated with the Persian breed, they can breathe easier and tend to experience fewer respiratory issues. However, like all purebred cats, they’re at risk for certain health conditions.
Polycystic kidney disease is inherited. Multiple cysts form in the cat’s kidneys. This disease is present from birth and causes many problems as the cat grows. In time, this condition can cause kidney failure. Unfortunately, Persians have the highest incidence of PKD. Both parents must be DNA tested clear for this condition when buying a kitten.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a cardiac condition that causes the heart’s walls to thicken.
Persian cats are at risk for fungal skin infections, such as ringworm. Their long coats seem to be related to why forms of dermatophytosis are more severe for this breed.
Hip dysplasia, portosystemic shunts, hairballs, and urinary tract stones are other health concerns associated with the doll face Persian.
Grooming and Shedding
It is no surprise that the doll-face Persian is a high-maintenance pet. Their glorious coat will need grooming daily.
As long as you’re dedicated to this routine, grooming should take no more than 10 minutes a day. However, you must be diligent. Otherwise, their silky, flowing fur can quickly become matted and unmanageable.
Using the right brush can help keep their shedding under control. A monthly bath is recommended to keep your glamorous Persian looking their best.
Like all cats, the food you give your doll face Persian must be high in protein from natural meat sources, including organs. Check the ingredients to ensure no fillers, artificial additives, or by-products.
You can read our Persian Cat grooming guide here.
Rescuing an Adult Cat
Choosing to adopt a doll face Persian from a shelter offers several benefits. These felines will have their health checked by a vet and have their shots. Though an adoption won’t have a pedigree certificate, the adoption fees will be much less expensive for a breeder. Best of all, you’ll provide a beautiful cat with a forever home. On the downside, locating a doll face Persian may be challenging since they’re rarer than the flat-faced variety, but it will be worth the wait.
Doll Face Persian Kittens
Locating a doll face Persian from a breeder will likely be more difficult since this variety is less popular than the flat-faced version. A reputable breeder will happily introduce you to the kitten’s parents and siblings and show you where they live. They should also answer any questions you have.
Conclusion
The doll-faced Persian cat isn’t all that different from its peke or flat-faced cousin. However, these cats don’t have the breathing and eye problems their flat-faced peers have. What do you think? Would you prefer that flat-faced Persian cat that is so popular right now, or would you choose a cat with a longer snout? We hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.