Breeding Down to SBT

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With Savannah cats now holding Championship status in TICA, breeders at all stages—whether new to the breed or well-established—share the responsibility of guiding the Savannah’s continued development. One of the most important goals in this process is breeding down to the SBT (Stud Book Traditional) level.

An SBT Savannah has a three-generation pedigree consisting entirely of Savannah-to-Savannah pairings. These cats are the purebred core of the breed—and they represent the future of what the Savannah can and should become.

Breeding down to the SBT level helps ensure:

-Consistency in Type, Temperament, and Health: 

Generational breeding toward SBT allows for greater predictability in structure, personality, and health. This benefits not only breeding programs but also the pet owners seeking a reliable, well-rounded companion.

-Establishing a Purebred Population:
F1–F3 Savannahs serve a vital role in creating genetic diversity, but their primary purpose is to strengthen breeding programs working toward SBT lines. A few Foundation cats may continue in select programs, but long-term success depends on building stable, multi-generational Savannah lineages.

-Advancing the Breed’s Identity:
Like Bengals, who transitioned from wild origins to fully domestic status, Savannahs must continue to evolve away from the Serval while maintaining their exotic, recognizable traits. SBT breeding is key to establishing the Savannah as a consistent, respected domestic breed.

-Stronger Representation in the Show Hall:
SBT Savannahs with allowable colors and patterns are eligible to compete in TICA shows. Increasing their visibility helps raise awareness, educate the public, and promote the breed in a positive, professional light—while reinforcing type through peer evaluation and judging.

-More Suitable Family Companions:
Later-generation Savannahs, especially well-bred SBTs, tend to be more consistent and manageable in temperament. They retain their exotic charm but often have more predictable energy levels and behavior, making them better suited to a broader range of homes.

-Producing SBTs That Resemble Early Generations:
One of the most exciting breeding goals is to produce SBTs with the bold, wild appearance of F1s and F2s, while offering the stability and temperament of a purebred cat. This is where structure, type, and selective refinement truly shine.

-Raising the Perceived and Market Value of SBTs:
Despite being the foundation of the breed’s future, SBT Savannahs have often been undervalued in the marketplace. As breeders, we should work to shift this perception—by promoting their importance, emphasizing quality, and demonstrating that SBTs are not just “later generations,” but the very heart of the Savannah breed.

Whether you’re in the early stages of your breeding journey or refining an established program, a focus on producing exceptional SBTs is a shared goal that strengthens the breed, elevates its reputation, and supports a sustainable future for Savannah cats worldwide.