All Ten Colours!

Ten colours are accepted for competition in South Africa. Besides the traditional and well known colours of Blue, Chocolate and Lilac and the ever popular Brown, there are two appealing 'orange' colours known as Red and Cream.

The four Tortoiseshell colours, achieved by breeding a traditionally coloured cat to an 'orange' cat, correspond to the basic colours of Brown, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac. Unfortunately, these cats tend to be less appealing than their solid coloured sisters and there is resistance to them as some think they look like moggies!

One Cape breeder, the late Mrs. Marjorie Simpson of Simani Cattery, was reported to have said: "I don't like them ... you can't sell them ... you have to give them away with a six pack of beer ... !"

Torties made their first local appearance during the mid seventies. Breeders will be surprised to discover that even the late Linda Emery had a "go" at breeding Torties and she was one of the very first! However, it was not until 1982 that they were seen in any numbers on the show bench. Torties are, unquestionably valuable and fascinating cats to breed from (regardless of the breed) as their genetic make-up makes it possible to produce a variety of colours in a single litter. The accidental beginnings of the Tortie programme in 1964 in the UK, provided the necessary link between the new 'colours' and the four traditional colours. Selective outcross breeding has helped the breed by diminishing barring in the solid colours.

The late Mrs. Mary Fleet (Bybrook), a highly respected British judge of Burmese as well as breeder, whose association with South Africa spanned many years, going back to the day when she exported Gd. Ch. Beaucoat Bybrook Carnaby Boy to Mrs. Avice Henderson (Beaucoat) in 1966 stated:

"Breeders who breed with Torties are considered to be more advanced as the challenge of breeding cats with good TYPE is far more important than coat colour, and therefore, more difficult to achieve perfection".

Although Burmese have been around in South Africa for nearly forty years, it was only within the last several years that breeders have really enjoyed the fruits of their labours.

Reaching the Winner's Circle has been protracted exercise. Burmese still have a long way to go, despite the recent 'breakthrough' to Top Awards and Top Cats. However, the dedication and diligence of committed breeders must be commended. Hopefully, in the not too distant future all the 'vacancies' on "The List of Firsts" will be filled.

1986 saw the first ever Burmese Supreme Champion, Sp. Ch. Middle Earth Christiana, a Brown female as well as the first Red queen to become a Champion - Ch. Paxles Kupro Red Orchid (Imp). A further two years passed before two Chocolate queens, Sp. Ch. Larks Purr Vintage Chakri (Imp) and Sp. Ch. Simani Champagne Candice joined the lofty ranks on the same day. The first cream stud to become a Grand Champion (1988) was Gd. Ch. Gitalaya Starshadow Gorgeous Gus (Imp UK). Sp. Ch. Wedgwood Ivory Coral, in 1990 was the first ever Cream Supreme. Also in 1990, Gd. Ch. Paxles Red Rio was the first Red queen to become a Grand.

Sp. Ch. Gitalaya Gunga Din (Chocolate) and a Red, Sp. Ch. Gitalaya Adversane Ambassador (Imp UK). The Ambassador sired the first Red Supreme queen, Sp. Ch. Gitalaya Flame Lily; he is also the sire of Amberglo Amber.

In the same year, two Lilacs became the first Grand Champions, namely a stud: Gd. Ch. Bumbles Caspar and a queen: Gd. Ch. Paxles Lilac Louella. As well as Gitalaya Amberglo Amber - a Chocolate Tortie, a daughter of a nondescript Brown Tortie, was the first Tortie ever to become a Grand Champion and subsequently a Supreme Champion in 1992. Gd. Ch. Mocha Quicksilver was the first Blue Tortie to achieve Grand status.

Among the Neuter classes, there are two Brown Grand Premiers. The first was Gd. Pr. Southnook Sojoy Myandee followed by Gd. Pr. Bruceen Paloma. A Chocolate - Gd. Pr. Gitalaya Champayn Chanzy and finally a Red - Gd. Pr. Zinto Bear.

In 1993, yet seven more Burmese secured their Supreme titles: three Browns, Sp. Ch. Baklan Bambino Jellyroll (Imp), Sp. Ch. Gitalaya Shibumi Likely Lad (Imp) and a neuter, Sp. Pr. Gitalaya Sable Sambo, the very first neuter to take the Supreme crown, Sp. Ch. Gitalaya Amber Amadeus, a Chocolate and a Red, Sp. Ch. Wedgwood Ruby Chandra and Sp. Ch. Gitalaya Eros, a Cream sired by Gd. Ch. Gitalaya Starshadow Gorgeous Gus, accomplishment was phenomenal, he gained his title in 9 straight shows, (a mere 119 days) and is the youngest Burmese and entire male (all breeds) to achieve this prestigious title. Eros was also the Pamper Cat of the Year! Sp. Pr. Sanuk Ruby Flame was the first red neuter to gain a Supreme title.