Compare breeds
British Shorthair vs Exotic Shorthair
British Shorthair
Short
Exotic Shorthair
Short
Choose the British Shorthair if you want…
- a family with children
- less time spent grooming
Choose the Exotic Shorthair if you want…
Much the same on our scales — meet both and see which personality suits you.
Side by side
| Trait | British Shorthair | Exotic Shorthair |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) |
| Height | 30–36 cm (12–14 in) | 25–30 cm (10–12 in) |
| Life span | 12–17 years | 12–15 years |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Energy | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the British Shorthair or the Exotic Shorthair?
The British Shorthair — typically about 1.3 times the weight. British Shorthair: 4–8 kg (9–18 lb); Exotic Shorthair: 3–6 kg (7–13 lb).
Which lives longer, the British Shorthair or the Exotic Shorthair?
The British Shorthair, on average. British Shorthair: 12–17 years; Exotic Shorthair: 12–15 years.
Is the British Shorthair or the Exotic Shorthair better with children?
The British Shorthair scores higher in our profiles (4 vs 3 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
Other comparisons
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts