Persian vs Exotic Shorthair
Persian or Exotic Shorthair? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Persian | Exotic Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Persia (Iran), refined in UK | United States, 1960s |
| Size | Medium · 7–12 lb | Medium · 7–14 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–17 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Long, thick, mats easily | Short, dense, plush |
| Temperament | Quiet, placid, gentle | Quiet, gentle, loyal |
| Best fit | Calm homes, daily groomers | Calm homes, apartments |
| Energy | ●●●●● Prefers lounging | ●●●●● Short play sessions |
| Affection | ●●●●● Gentle and devoted | ●●●●● Quietly devoted |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Daily combing, eye cleaning | ●●●●● Weekly comb, daily eyes |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Easy temper, heavy care | ●●●●● Calm, easy temperament |
| Observed price | $950 median (95 prices) | $950 median (23 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: the Exotic Shorthair rates higher than the Persian (2 of 5 vs 1).
- Affection: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: the Persian rates higher than the Exotic Shorthair (5 of 5 vs 3).
- Beginner fit: the Exotic Shorthair rates higher than the Persian (4 of 5 vs 3).
The Persian
One of the oldest pedigree breeds, bred over generations for a long, full coat and a round, flat face. The result is a quiet, gentle house cat that needs daily grooming and a buyer who asks hard health questions.
Daily combing is not optional, and the flat face can bring breathing trouble, tear staining and dental crowding. Polycystic kidney disease is common in the breed without testing.
The Exotic Shorthair
A Persian in a short, plush coat, bred in the US by crossing Persians with shorthairs. It keeps the Persian’s quiet, sweet temperament and flat face while cutting grooming down to a weekly comb.
The flat face brings the same breathing, tear and dental issues as the Persian. Polycystic kidney disease is common in untested lines.
Questions
Is a Persian or an Exotic Shorthair better for a beginner?
The Exotic Shorthair rates higher for beginners (4 of 5 vs 3). Persian: Easy temper, heavy care. Exotic Shorthair: Calm, easy temperament.
What is the main difference between a Persian and an Exotic Shorthair?
Daily combing is not optional, and the flat face can bring breathing trouble, tear staining and dental crowding. Polycystic kidney disease is common in the breed without testing. By contrast, the flat face brings the same breathing, tear and dental issues as the Persian. Polycystic kidney disease is common in untested lines.
Which costs more, a Persian or an Exotic Shorthair?
On the prices we observed, the Persian median is $950 (95 prices) and the Exotic Shorthair median is $950 (23 prices).