The Marbled Bengal
There are two recognised patterns within the Tica Bengal breed standard; spotted and marbled.
The marbled Bengal is a result of the domestic tabby's that were used in the early development of the breed. The gene is recessive so in order to produce a marbled Bengal, the gene must be carried by both parents.
The marbled Bengal has a random swirling pattern with a horizontal flow. Preferably, there is marbling within the marbling. Marbling will have at least two or three distinct colours or shades and a strong contrast between the ground colour and the marbling creates a distinct pattern and sharp edges.
The marbled pattern develops more slowly than the spotted pattern and can take up to two years to fully develop.
A spotted belly is also a distinct trait of the marbled Bengal cat.
The main types of marbled pattern are:
Horizontal: area of pattern with a diagonal or horizontal flow from the upper shoulder towards the back or lower hip.
Closed: area of pattern that is solid and of one colour against a background colour.
Sheet: large area of pattern that is closed or solid. Sheet marble Bengals are proven and often used to produce rosetted offspring.
Chaotic: large area of random pattern that is filled with colour and outlined with a darker colour. This pattern almost resembles lightening strikes.
Though considered undesirable, often in breeding marbled Bengals, the pattern will throw up the classic 'bulls eye' shape. This is because of the influence of the domestic tabby used in the early development of the breed. These marbled Bengals are no less of a Bengal but are better suited as pets to try and progress the desired horizontal flow of pattern.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |