Asian Leopard Cat (ALC)

Late Generation High Quality Bengal (Gambler)

This is a page I am putting together with information about Early Generation (EG) bengals,
i.e., F1, F2, and F3 hybrids with an Asian Leopard Cat (ALC), compared to later generations.

Below are breakdowns of the amount of ALC blood/genes found in each generation (to 10) of crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat.  Of course, if the ALC is bred to a cat which already has some percentage of ALC blood/genes (i.e., a Bengal, which is what is usually used nowadays) rather than another breed  which would have 0%, then the resulting offspring would have a slightly higher percentage of ALC .

Below are the percentages from crossing
an Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) with any cat
OTHER than a bengal:

F1 = 50%
F2 = 25%
F3 = 12.5%
F4 = 6.25%  SBT this level and lower.....
F5 = 3.125%
F6 = 1.5625%
F7 = 0.78125%
F8 = 0.390625%
F9 = 0.1953125%
F10 = 0.09765625%

Below are the percentages from crossing
an Asian Leopard Cat with a BENGAL:

ALC x F1 = 75% F1
ALC x F2 = 62.5% F1
ALC x F3 = 56.25% F1
ALC x F4 = 53.125% F1
ALC x F5 = 51.5625% F1
ALC x F6 = 50.78125% F1
ETC....

The above percentages on the left side show the reason that breeders do not normally track the "F" level much past F6 or so.  I have never seen this actually presented all the way to the 10th level, so I did the math (of course, I used a calculator!) and typed it up.  At the lower levels, the focus is not on the actual ALC genes/blood, but rather on the similarities (and enhancements) to the Asian Leopard Cat, especially the appearance and personality.  Almost no one would want to have a wild adult Asian Leopard Cat running loose in their living room, hissing and hiding.  Most people would much prefer a loving, interactive companion cat which LOOKS like an exotic cat but ACTS like a good pet cat (with a few endearing unique traits like playing in water, playing fetch, and walking on a leash).  This retention and enhancement of the exotic look while developing a loving temperment are the goals of bengal breeders. 

Below is a button link to a wonderful 24-minute video presentation on YouTube honoring the retirement of Jean Mill (in 2008), the founder of the Bengal breed.  This tribute video by Anthony Hutcherson of Jungletrax Bengals contains a lot of great information about how this amazing breed began and how it progressed through the years to the phenomenal coat patterns and personality we have today!