Purely a personal view but I much prefer the look of an SBT Bengal to that of the EG... It is what attracted me, in part, to the Bengal breed. I find some EG are stunningly attractive, but not something I desire....

Like I say, personal preference.

My advice is to think long and hard about your reasons for wanting an EG. Look into how it will fit into you family and home and what you would do to overcome any issues should they arise. If you then decide that you want to go ahead do some research on the breeder in question. Extensively! Some EG breeders on paper have a great reputation but kittens have issues. I know in the US it is commonly said that EG kittens are best rehomed earlier so they can bond with their owners etc... But in the UK they are rehomed at 12/13 weeks like SBT bengals with no further issues. Some UK breeders claim this reduces the undesirable behaviours... I have no personal experience with this though.

Not a decision to take lightly, which I'm sure you're not. Good luck with your research

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Lollo

Thank you all so much!

We have lots to think about, and I can assure you it's not something we are taking lightly. We are leaning more towards an SBT now after hitting some very good points.

@Lollo I wish I could get one of your tonks here in the US!

Well, if either of you time a holiday I'm sure you could import a UK Tonk.... Though I think Brandi may be ahead of the queue from the us

My Tonks create far more work than my Bengal!

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Lollo

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I've met an F2 and a couple F1's now, and what amazing creatures they are (and their parents).

I think after long and hard consideration we want to bring one of these spectacular wildcats into our lives. I am speaking still with a few different, highly reputable EG breeders in the Midwest and will most likely be deciding between an F1 or F2 baby.

I realize I'll take some heat for even posting this but this has been an extremely careful decision and I think I can adequately possess, care for, and keep happy one of these animals.

I've spoken to a lot of EG owners now, especially of F1 and F2 cats. I've checked out the parents who have beautiful temperaments and gotten to speak with owners of full brothers and sisters to the babies in question. Just thought if update you all on where we are with our decision! Of course nothing is set in stone but this is where we feel whereat at the moment. Thanks!

No heat coming from me! The only time I get upset is when people buy eg's for the wild looks but don't research the work that goes into owning one. EG's are bengals times ten all in one cat! I personally think I would enjoy having such an intense cat with the intense bond that goes along with that. The only thing that would hold me back would be fearing the early gen would bond with your bengal rather than you. Have you talked to a breeder about that? Just out of curiosity, I am interested to see how you would introduce them. I know from watching videos that echoplexia has a great bond with her F1 Linux and she has a multi cat household, so its possible.

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Yes I've actually been PM'ing a lot with Echoplexia, she has been an IMMENSE help!!

I think we could get around the bonding with my other bengal. They come home at 8wks and I would be the only interaction with it for many after that.

Definitely not getting an EG solely for looks (although they are BEAUTIFUL) but rather the temperament and to own one of these magnificent felines. I am truly infatuated with the ALC.

Thanks Bkilgore!

I can tell you want the cat not just the looks! Someone doesnt post on forums for advice, talk to breeders, and talk to eg owners to just go for the looks! I am in love with them as well, once you meet one that is a pet and well behaved (other than the crazy behavior us bengal slaves love) it gives you a different way of seeing them. They are not truly domesticated animals, but they love their people more than anything I have ever seen. The eg Savannahs are the same way but more in your face lol. They are amazing animals and I have tons of respect for anyone that owns one and handles it in an appropriate manner.

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Having owned Bengals for years, perhaps my concern is based on my own experiences. Recently in the past year, the noise that comes from these cats, is getting to me. When a cat that seems to have all boxes ticked i.e. food water, exercise attention etc will meow loudly and incessantly for what adds up to "hours" daily then it is more wearing than you can ever imagine. The cats in question go outdoors, they are free ranging they come and go as they please., they meow inside and outside. How any one could put up with that in a small apartment I have no idea. My tolerance for such noise has taken a sharp dip, as it seems so unnecessary and unsolvable.

So whilst some may love the idea of quirkiness, of bonding, of cats that speak to them, even the "destruction" can be highly amusing at the start... but 5 years on, little is "amusing". These are not EGs that I have, these are just common and garden Bengals.
For anyone to actively seek out even MORE intense cats is madness imo.
The joy of my no nonsense, sensible, moggie, who only meows for a reason i.e. food and genuinely appears to "love" me, is far more satisfying than what appear to be over dramatic Bengals who seem determined to drive me insane...