Cymric

The Cymric, also called the Longhair or Langhaar Manx, is the long‑haired version of the tailless Manx cat, known for its rounded body, powerful hindquarters, and either no tail or a very short one. It is a rare, medium‑sized, people‑oriented breed that combines a plush coat with a gentle, playful, dog‑like temperament.

Origin and Recognition

• The Cymric developed from Manx cats originating on the Isle of Man, where a natural mutation caused taillessness in the local population.
• Long‑haired Manx began to be purposefully bred in Canada in the mid‑20th century, and many registries today treat the Cymric as simply the semi‑long‑haired variety of the Manx rather than a separate breed.

Appearance

• Cymrics are compact, muscular, medium cats with a broad chest, deep flanks, and hind legs that are longer than the front legs, giving a slightly "raised rump" look and a rabbit‑like gait.
• The coat is dense, semi‑long, and plush with a noticeable ruff and breeches, and they come in almost all traditional colors and patterns.

Tail Types

Within the breed there are several tail categories, all produced in the same litter:

• Rumpy: completely tailless, often with a small dimple at the tail base.
• Rumpy‑riser: one to three tail vertebrae that can be felt or seen when the cat is stroked.
• Stumpy: a short, kinked or curved tail of a few vertebrae.
• Longy: an almost full‑length tail, shorter than that of a typical domestic cat.

Temperament and Behavior

• Cymrics are generally calm, affectionate, and very people‑focused, often bonding closely with their families and following them from room to room.
• They are intelligent, playful, and athletic hunters that enjoy interactive games, can learn to fetch or open doors, and usually get along well with children and other pets when properly introduced.

Health, Lifespan, and Care

• Typical weight ranges are about 3–6 kg (8–12 lb), with an average lifespan of roughly 8–15 years under good care.
• The main health concern is "Manx syndrome," a set of spinal and neurological issues linked to the tailless gene (such as bowel or bladder problems), so reputable breeders carefully manage pairings and screen kittens.

Grooming and Living Needs

• The semi‑long coat needs regular brushing—usually several times a week—to prevent mats and reduce shedding, especially around the ruff and hindquarters.
• Cymrics are social and active enough that they do best in homes where they are not left alone for very long, with plenty of play, scratching posts, and environmental enrichment to keep both mind and body engaged.

Summary Table

Trait	Description
Origin	Developed from Manx cats on the Isle of Man; long-haired variety bred in Canada (mid-20th century)
Other Names	Longhair Manx, Langhaar Manx
Size	Medium-sized, compact, muscular
Weight	About 3–6 kg (8–12 lb)
Build	Broad chest, deep flanks, hind legs longer than front legs, "raised rump" look
Coat	Dense, semi-long, plush with noticeable ruff and breeches
Colors	Almost all traditional colors and patterns
Tail Types	Rumpy (tailless), Rumpy-riser, Stumpy, Longy
Temperament	Calm, affectionate, people-focused, intelligent, playful, dog-like
Energy Level	Active - enjoys interactive games and play
Sociability	Gets along well with children and other pets when properly introduced
Grooming	Regular brushing several times a week to prevent mats
Lifespan	Roughly 8–15 years under good care
Health Concerns	Manx syndrome (spinal and neurological issues linked to tailless gene)
Suitability	Best for homes where they are not left alone for very long

Cymric vs. Manx at a Glance

Feature	Cymric (Langhaar‑Manx)	Manx (Shorthair)
Coat Length	Semi‑long, plush, with ruff and breeches	Short double coat with firm guard hairs
Tail Types	Same range: rumpy to longy	Same range: rumpy to longy
Build	Medium, compact, very round, strong hindquarters	Medium, compact, same body standard
Status	Often treated as long‑haired variety of Manx	Core breed; Cymric grouped under Manx
Grooming Need	Higher: frequent brushing required	Lower: regular but quicker grooming

The Cymric is ideal for families seeking an affectionate, playful companion with a unique appearance and dog-like personality.

References

← Back to all breeds