Which wild cat species was used in developing the Chausie cat breed?

The jungle cat was used in developing the Chausie cat breed.

The Chausie descends from crosses between domestic cats and the jungle cat, scientifically known as Felis chaus. The jungle cat is a medium-sized wild feline native to parts of Asia and the Middle East. Breeders sought a domestic cat with a more athletic build and wild-looking appearance while retaining domestic-cat characteristics.

Chausies typically have long legs, a deep chest, a short coat, and a facial structure that can suggest their wild ancestry. Accepted coat colors include brown ticked tabby, solid black, and grizzled ticked tabby in breed standards.

The Chausie is often confused with the Savannah, but the two breeds have different wild ancestors. Savannah cats descend from serval and domestic-cat crosses, whereas Chausies descend from jungle-cat and domestic-cat crosses.