The Bengal should be alert, friendly and affectionate and in excellent physical condition with a dependable temperament. The Bengals wild appearance is enhanced by its distinctive spotted or marbled tabby coat which should be thick and luxurious. The Bengal is a large to medium cat, sleek and muscular with a thick tail which is carried low. The females may be smaller than the males.
Head and Neck
Broad medium wedge with rounded contours, slightly longer than it is wide with high cheek bones. The head should be rather small in proportion to the body but not taken to extremes. The profile has a gentle curve from the forehead to the bridge of the nose. The line of the bridge of the nose extends to the nose leather making a very slight concave curve. The nose is large and broad with a slightly puffed nose leather. The muzzle should be full and broad with a rounded, strong chin and pronounced whisker pads created by the widely set canine teeth. The neck should be thick, muscular and in proportion to the body. Allowance should be made for jowls in adult males.
Ears
Medium to small, rather short with a wide base and rounded tips. Set as much on the side as on the top of the head, following the contour of the face in the front view and pointing forward in profile. Light horizontal furnishings are acceptable but ear tufts are undesirable.
Eyes
Almost round, oval preferred, large but not bold. Set on a slight slant toward the base of the ear.
Body
Long, sleek and muscular. Large to medium and robust with the hindquarters slightly higher than the shoulders, showing depth of flank.
Legs and Paws
Legs of medium length, strong and muscular. The hind legs should be a little longer than the front and be more robust. The paws should be large and rounded.
Tail
Medium length, thick and even, with a rounded tip; may be tapered towards the end. Coat-Short to medium in length, very dense, luxurious and unusually soft to the touch. Allowance should be made for a slightly longer coat in kittens.
