The Kurilian Bobtail is a naturally occurring bobtailed cat with substantial boning, well muscled and a semicobby body; large head, moderate wedge shape with rounded contours and wide at the cheekbone level; the chin is rounded in profile. The impression one should get when viewing the Kurilian Bobtail is one of strength and power.

The Japanese Bobtail should present the overall impression of a medium-sized cat with long clean lines and bone structure. It is well muscled, but straight and slender rather than massive in build. The unique set of its eyes, combined with high cheekbones and a long parallel nose, lends a distinctive Japanese cast to the face, especially in profile, which is quite different from the other Oriental breeds.