His origins

In the 19th  century, the  cats  long-haired imported from the Orient

were all the rage in France. In reaction to this phenomenon, the English decided to create a breed which was presented in London in 1871 during the first cat show.

Due to deprivation, the two World Wars will decimate the British. Breeders have the surprising idea of "marrying" it with  Persians  (who had long noses  at the time). The result is a real success: the British takes along a stronger frame, bear curves  plush, and above all a fuller and denser coat.