Selective breeding of the best examples of the type began in the nineteenth century, with emphasis on developing the unusual blue-grey variant called the "British Blue" or "English type" (to distinguish it from the more fine-boned "Russian type"). Some sources directly credit UK artist and pioneering cat fancier Harrison Weir with the initial concept of standardising the breed. Others suggest a group of breeders may have been involved. The new British Shorthair was featured at the first-ever cat show, organised by Weir and held at the Crystal Palace in London in 1871, and enjoyed great initial popularity.
selective breeding of the best examples of the type began in the nineteenth century with emphasis on developing the unusual blue-grey variant called the "british blue" or "english type" (to distinguish it from the more fine-boned "russian type") some sources directly credit uk artist and pioneering cat fancier harrison weir with the initial concept of standardising the breed others suggest a group of breeders may have been involved the new british shorthair was featured at the first-ever cat show organised by weir and held at the crystal palace in london in 1871 and enjoyed great initial popularity