Is the Domestic Shorthair a Cat Breed?

🔹 Short Answer: No, the Domestic Shorthair (DSH) is not a specific breed, but rather a category or type of cat.

It refers to any cat of mixed ancestry with a short coat, rather than a recognized pedigree breed. Popeye wondered out of the woods one day, so he has since been known as a DSH, since we have no traceble pedigree to prove what his actual breed is.

📖 What Is a "Breed" in Cat Terms?

In the world of cats, a breed is defined by:

  • Predictable physical traits
  • Documented lineage
  • Recognition by cat registries like CFA, TICA, or FIFe
  • Breeding for specific standards over generations

Examples of true breeds:

  • Siamese
  • Maine Coon
  • British Shorthair
  • Abyssinian
  • Ragdoll

These cats have a traceable pedigree and adhere to strict breed standards. Domestic Shorthairs do not.

🧬 What Is a Domestic Shorthair, Then?

🔸 It’s a non-pedigreed, short-haired cat of mixed ancestry.

Think of it like a “mutt” in the dog world — a beautiful blend of different genes, rather than a purebred.

Features:

  • Coat: Short, dense, easy to maintain
  • Colors: Every pattern and color possible (tabby, tuxedo, calico, solid, etc.)
  • Size: Varies, but generally medium (6–16 pounds)
  • Build: From lean to stocky — highly variable
  • Personality: Wide range — playful, aloof, cuddly, chatty, independent… it's a grab bag!

Fun fact: In the UK and some other countries, these cats may be called "Moggies."

✅ Advantages of Domestic Shorthairs

Feature Benefit
🧬 Genetic Diversity Typically healthier than purebreds (less prone to inherited diseases)
💇 Low Maintenance Their short fur means less grooming and fewer hairballs
🧠 Unique Personalities Every DSH is truly one of a kind
🐾 Widely Available Found in shelters everywhere — they make up ~90% of cats in the U.S.
💰 Budget-Friendly Usually lower-cost to adopt and care for vs. purebreds

❌ Misconceptions About Domestic Shorthairs

  1. “They’re a real breed.”
    – Nope, just a term used to group short-haired mixed cats.

  2. “They’re all the same.”
    – Far from it! One DSH might be a lazy lap cat, another a hyper parkour champion.

  3. “They’re inferior to purebreds.”
    – Not at all. Many are incredibly affectionate, intelligent, and loyal companions.

🔬 Are There Longhaired Equivalents?

Yes! They’re called:

  • Domestic Longhairs (DLH) — same concept, but with long fur.
  • Domestic Medium Hairs (DMH) — a fuzzy in-between.

Again, these are not breeds, just hair-length categories.

🧾 Summary

Trait Domestic Shorthair
Breed Status ❌ Not a breed
Ancestry Mixed, unknown pedigree
Hair Length Short
Personality Varies widely
Commonality Extremely common in shelters
Grooming Needs Low
Health Often robust due to diverse genetics

🐾 Final Thought

While not a "breed" in the traditional sense, Domestic Shorthairs are beloved for their variety, charm, and personality. They make amazing companions, and each one is uniquely special.

If you want a loyal, low-maintenance, and lovable cat — a DSH might be your perfect match. Side note - not ever DSH follows this criteria.  Popeye maybe loyal and low-maintenance but as for lovable, he's very specific on who he shows love to, which isn't everyone he lives with.