Form and character

Because the shorthaired trait is recessive, the American Longhair still produces shorthaired variants. The shortened face means the American Longhair can suffer the same breathing problems as their longhaired cousins, and polycystic kidney disease also present in the breed. Tear-duct conditions are common too, caused by the lubricating tears failing to drain down the nasolacrimal duct into the nose and then overflowing down the face. When exposed to air, clear colorless tears stain a deep mahogany color. This is more aesthetic than a medical problem. The breed's soft, plush coat is thinner and somewhat shorter than many longhair coats, and it benefits from a little additional grooming to keep it looking its best. The coat, the flattened face, and the generally square, lean build have led to American Longhairs being likened to Domestic Longhairs, and image that has not done much for their popularity. They have soft, quiet voices, and while they are generally more active than Persians, they remain self-contained and easygoing pets.