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ROSETTED/SPOTTED PATTERN

Worth 15 of the 25 points for Pattern - (100 Points Total)

The Rosetted Pattern of the Bengal Cat is like no other domestic breed.   They have a spot that has 2 tones in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.   While there are individual preferences with the Breeder/Pet Client community, we don't give a preference here at CFA for the standard and for judging.

2016 - 2019 CFA Bengal Standard for ROSETTED/SPOTTED PATTERN:

Rosettes and spots shall be random, with a horizontal flow to their alignment, and a pattern like no other breed.  Ground color should be clear, and free of ticking.  Contrast with ground color must be extreme, showing distinct outlines, and a lighter center.  Rosettes can be many different shapes, such as round donut, open donut, pancake, paw print, arrowhead, or clustered, and are preferred to single spotting.  Strong, bold chin strap and mascara markings desirable.  Backs of ears have a thumbprint.  Color on chest and belly should be lighter than ground color.  Blotchy horizontal shoulder streaks, spotted legs, and spotted, or rosetted tail are desirable.  Belly must be spotted.  Allowance for spotted pattern without rosettes.  These cats are not required to have two tone markings.

In the sections below, I'm going to show examples of some of the pattern designs lined out in the current CFA Standard along with some other styles that are not specifically adressed.   We probably don't have to have definitions for every style as Bengals are a lot like Cloud Patterns....  Every one is different.

Examples of the CLUSTER/PAW PRINT ROSETTE PATTERN:

Examples of the DONUT ROSETTE PATTERN:

Examples of CLOUDED ROSETTED PATTERN:

Examples of the PANCAKE ROSETTED PATTERN:

Examples of CHUNKY ROSETTED PATTERN:

Examples of CHAINING/ELONGATED ROSETTES/CHIPMUNK PATTERNS:

Examples of ARROWHEAD ROSETTED PATTERN:

Examples of other interesting Rosettes/Pattern styles:  Hearts, Star Trek Emblems, Butterfly Shoulders, Jaguar (Spots within spots) etc.

Examples of TICKED and NON-GLITTERED PELTS - Undesireable:

Breed Council Change Considerations:

NOTE:  Rose highlight indicates a "Strike-through" of wording in the Bengal Breed standard to be removed.  Gold highlight indicates an "underline" which is new wording being proposed to add in to the Bengal Standard.

1.  Change "single spotting" to "solid spotting"  in appropriate places and adjust verbiage accordingly as follows:

ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN: Rosettes and solid spots shall be random, with a horizontal flow to their alignment, and a pattern like no other breed.  Ground color should be clear, and free of ticking.  Contrast with ground color must be extreme, showing distinct pattern with sharp edges.  Rosettes are two toned, with dark outlines, and a lighter center and are preferred over cats with only a solid spotted pattern.  Rosettes can be many different shapes, such as round donut, open donut, pancake, paw print, arrowhead, or clustered., and are preferred to single spotting.  Strong, bold chin strap and mascara markings desirable. Backs of ears have a thumbprint. Color on chest and belly should be lighter than ground color.  Blotchy horizontal shoulder streaks, spotted legs, and spotted, or rosetted tail are desirable.  Belly must be spotted. Allowance for spotted pattern without rosettes. These cats are not required to have two tone markings.

Rationale:   

A.  Language terms are more correct -  the word "Single" infers only one spot.   "Solid Spots" are more accurate of a description to what we are talking about.  Bengals have many spots - Both Rosetted spots and Solid spots.    Even on a gorgeously rosetted Bengal, we see these solid spots their toes, feet, legs, tail etc.

PROPOSAL #33 FOR THE 2019 Ballot.  Results:  26 Yes, 41 No - 67 voters need 41 "yes" votes to pass.  Did not pass. 

2.  Correct language in the first sentence of the "ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN" to:

ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN: Rosettes and solid spots shall be random, or with a horizontal flow to their alignment, and a pattern like no other breed....

 

Rationales:
A.  Rosettes are also spots.  What we are really trying to differentiate here are rosette spots vs solid spots.   Adding the word "Solid" to this part of the standard makes it more clear.

B.  Random does not equal "horizontal flow" -  These are two different aspects to the way the Bengals rosettes and solid spots can be arranged on the various body parts of the Bengal.   Most cats have a combination. but African Leopards and Jaguars have only randomly arranged patterns.   So, "Or" is a better way to say this as it may even be the ideal for some Bengal breeders.

C.  We are just trying to highlight that most of us don't wish for vertically aligned or circular/bullseye patterns.

PROPOSAL #34 FOR THE 2019 Ballot.  Results:  30 Yes, 38 No - 68 voters needs 41 :yes" votes to pass.  Did not pass.   

3.  Within the “ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN”, Remove the last phrase “These cats are not required to have two tone markings.”

 

ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN:  ...Allowance for spotted pattern without rosettes. These cats are not required to have two tone markings.

 

RATIONALE:  It is not necessary and shortens this description since we already have stated immediately before that we give an allowance for the spotted pattern.

PROPOSAL #35 FOR THE 2019 Ballot.  Results:  38 Yes, 31 No - 69 voters need 42 "yes" votes to pass.  Did not pass.

4.  Within the “ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN”, clarify language regarding clarity as follows: 

 

ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN: Rosettes and spots shall be random, with a horizontal flow to their alignment, and a pattern like no other breed.  Ground color should be clear, and free of ticking. as clear and uniform in color as possible. Contrast with ground color must be extreme,... 

 

RATIONALE:  All Bengals in CFA accepted colors and patterns have ticked coats.  Therefore, they will never be “free of ticking” as the standard currently states.   What I believe the original standard was trying to convey is that we prefer a coat/pelt with the highest amount of Clarity which is achieved by having all color groups as uniform as possible.  This shows the lowest amount of ticking (Banded Agouti hairs) and provides the sharpest rosettes and solid spot edges.   

PROPOSAL #36 FOR THE 2019 Ballot.  Results:  40 Yes, 29 No - 69 voters need 42 "yes" votes to pass.  Did not pass. 

5.  Within the “ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN” section, add wording regarding Spectacles/Goggles as follows:   

 

ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN:  ... Strong, bold chin strap and mascara markings desirable.  Lighter colored spectacles or goggles encircling the eyes.   Backs of ears have a thumbprint... 

 

RATIONALE:  Goggles/Spectacles occur in all color variations and it’s more efficient to describe it under “PATTERN” rather than in each individual color.

PROPOSAL #38 FOR THE 2019 Ballot.  Results:  38 Yes, 31 No - 69 voters need 42 "yes" votes to pass.  Did not pass.

6.   Clarify that we want a lighter colored thumbprint on the back of the ears as follows:

ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN: ...Strong, bold chin strap and mascara markings desirable. Backs of ears have a lighter colored thumbprint.... 

Rationale: 

A.  We should address the fact that we want "lighter" colored thumbprints.   As currently written, it would be OK to have darker thumbprints.

 

PROPOSAL #40 FOR THE 2019 BALLOT.  Results:  30 Yes, 37 No - 67 voters need 41 "yes" votes to pass. Did not pass.

Breed Council Change Considerations for 2019 that did not get on the Ballot:

A.  Add additional Pattern descriptors like "Clouded" and the Jaguar "Spot within the Rosette".

Rationale:   The CFA Bengal tends to enjoy these pattern designs too.

NOT ON THE CURRENT 2019 PROPOSED BALLOT AS MORE TIME IS NEEDED TO GET FEEDBACK ON DESCRIPTIONS WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD AND THOSE WE WOULD LIKE TO COMBINE.

 

B.  Consider the following:

1:   Add "etc." to the Pattern Designs that are less frequent and less desirable as well as to give pattern designs not belonging to the ones here a place to be belong.    Are there any of the terms below that we want to include in our language?

 

2.  Should we leave this more simplified and keep this portion of the rosettes as "Two toned spots" therefore including all of these styles.   We could use this website to show examples of some of these designs but we don't really need it in the standard.

 

3:   Consider adding:  Clouded leopard rosettes, Heart shaped rosettes, Spot within rosettes (like a Jaguar), morphed rosettes, shoulder swirls, rosetted neck striping, rosetted belly spots, sparbled (may be part of clustered) etc.    are all also pattern parts that should be included somewhere.   Maybe they belong in "etc." or in the term "Rosette" which can simply mean a 2 toned spot.

Rationale:   B seems to be a good one to consider so that we leave the standard simplified and not draw attention to one style of Rosetting over another.

NOT ON THE CURRENT 2019 PROPOSED BALLOT AS MORE TIME IS NEEDED TO GET FEEDBACK ON DESCRIPTIONS WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD AND THOSE WE WOULD LIKE TO COMBINE.   THIS MAY BE BEST LEFT TO PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE SINCE WE CURRENTLY DON'T HAVE A PREFERENCE FOR ANY ROSETTE DESIGN OVER THAT OF ANOTHER AS LONG AS IT IS SEEN AS BEAUTIFUL BY THE BREEDER AND JUDGES.

C.   Are all two-toned spots "Rosettes"?    

    Definition of rosette - (Merriam Webster Dictionary online):

1 : an ornament usually made of material gathered or pleated so as to resemble a rose and worn as a badge of office, as evidence of having won a decoration (such as the Medal of Honor), or as trimming

2 : a disk of foliage or a floral design usually in relief used as a decorative motif

3 : a structure or color marking on an animal suggestive of a rosette especially : one of the groups of spots on a leopard

4 : a cluster of leaves in crowded circles or spirals arising basally from a crown (as in the dandelion) or apically from an axis with greatly shortened internodes (as in many tropical palms)

5 : a food decoration or garnish in the shape of a rose

Rationale: 

A.  Our current standard says "Rosettes are two toned, with dark outlines, and a lighter center". 

B.  The dictionary definition is that a Rosette is a group (or cluster) of spots.   

C.   Spots with only two color sections to them may not be considered rosettes.    These would be considered two-toned spots but not rosettes.

D.  When visualizing the term "Rosette" we think of a Rose and the layers of colors encircling the inner portions.    Should this pattern be preferred over spots with just two sections of colors that don't encircle the center?   (two-toned shapes like crescent moon or arrowhead shapes where only one portion of the outer ring of the spot has the darker color.   It does not encircle the center as seen in Leopards, Jaguars and other wild cats with Rosette spot patterns.  

                  

Obstacle:

A.  Many people are used to equating the term "Two-toned" with "Rosettes".  

B.

IS NOT BEING INCLUDED ON THE PROPOSED 2019 BALLOT.   IT IS PROBABLY NOT NECESSARY TO CLARIFY AND IT WOULD TAKE MORE WRITTEN DISCUSSION BEFORE A 60% MAJORITY CHOSE TO DEFINE A ROSETTE FOR CFA.

D.  A group of approx. 12 members have sent in this proposal for modification of pattern descriptions:

Proposed: 

ROSETTED/SPOTTED TABBY PATTERN: Rosettes and spots shall be random, with a horizontal flow to their alignment, and a pattern like no other breed. Ground color should be clear, and free of ticking. Contrast with ground color must be extreme, showing distinct pattern with sharp edges. Rosettes are two toned, with dark outlines, and a lighter center. Rosettes can be many different shapes, such as round donut, open donut, pancake, paw print, arrowhead, or clustered, and are preferred to single solid spotting. Strong, bold chin strap and mascara markings desirable. Backs of ears have a thumbprint. Color on chest and belly should be lighter than ground color. Blotchy horizontal shoulder streaks, spotted legs, and spotted, or rosetted tail are desirable. Belly must be spotted. Allowance for solid spotted pattern without rosettes: these cats are not required to have two tone markings.

 

Rationale: 

A. No rationale from the group of 12 who submitted this proposed idea but this was found for "Marbled" pattern:  "We also feel that listing all the different types of rosettes in the standard isn’t necessary, and that changing the term solid spot to single spot is a more accurate description."

B.  Leopards, Jaguars, Clouded leopards and Snow leopards are all considered "Spotted Cats".   Changing our use of language to "Rosette Spotted" and "Solid Spotted" would be consistent with what the true definition of a spot is.

C.  The wording of "Solid Spots" vs. "Single Spots" may also work for other breeds like the Ocicats and Egyptian Maus.

D.  Removal of language describing the shapes of the rosettes can be eliminated since immediately prior to this, it says that "Rosettes can be many different shapes".

Obstacles:

A.  Only submitted to BCS on 7/31 with only 2 weeks before the proposed ballot is required to be turned into CFA.

B.  No consensus within the CFA Breed Council for this change as it hasn't had time for people to see, read, discuss and suggest changes.

C.  This would penalize breeders that have been part of the CFA Bengal group upon conception (4+ years ago) that strongly desire clear coats (an important aspect to have strong contrast) and breed for this trait - especially now that the CFA Bengal standard has recognized this trait as highly desirous.

D.  A small group of people have strong opinions that "their desired" pattern is correct and others are incorrect does not rise to the 60% requirement for change.  Our current version for the CFA Standard is inclusive of everyone's desired Bengal Patterns.  Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the current standard has purposefully tried to be inclusive of everyone's desired patterns.

E.  The section removing the preference for Clarity dilutes the standard.

 

CURRENTLY NOT A SEPARATE QUESTION FOR THE PROPOSED 2019 BALLOT AS IT WAS ONLY SUBMITTED ON 7/31/19.   IT IS CURRENTLY POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE ON 8/3/19 SO THAT THE COUNCIL CAN START TO GET FEEDBACK FROM ALL OF IT'S MEMBERS.  SOME OF THESE SUGGESTED CHANGES ARE ALREADY ADDRESSED ON THIS WEBSITE FURTHER UP.

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