Maine Coon Breed Standard Series

There is a well-defined Maine Coon breed standard.  This outlines the physical characteristic expectations of a Maine Coon cat.  I breed Maine Coon cats. I am also an enthusiast for maintaining the integrity of this amazing cat. I’ve created a series of videos that will explore the details of the Maine Coon.

Nothing that I share with you in this Maine Coon Breed Standard series is an opinion. The standards are written in black and white.  This information is available for all breeders to study. Every breeder should be familiar with the standard and apply this knowledge to their programs.

Here is a direct link to the Maine Coon Breed Standard.

Maine Coon Breed Standard Series

With the following Series of videos, I’m not claiming to be an expert in the Maine Coon Breed Standard.  Instead, I’m basically reviewing the actual Maine Coon Breed Standard with you. Additionally, I’m sharing actual photos and videos of the cats that I have chosen for my breeding program to see how they stack up to breed standard. We’ll look at each cat, and focus on the fine details that the average eye never sees. Maybe even the things that someone else wouldn’t WANT you to see.  I’m confident in the choices that I’ve made, so I’m ok to share even the biggest of flaws with you, as part of educating you on what to look for.

I hope you enjoy the Maine Coon Breeder Series! Feel free to comment with your thoughts.  If you’d like to receive the notifications when I release the next video, then simply subscribe to my blog. 🙂

The Maine Coon breed standard is a set of Guidelines for the Physical Characteristics of a Maine Coon cat. As a breeder, it is your responsibility to adhere to the Breed Standard as closely as possible. This means making wise selections in your choice of breeding cats.

The Maine Coon Breed Standard that is published below is written exactly as published on the CFA (The Cat Fancier Association)  website. As of the date of publication of this guide, these are the Maine Coon breed Standards. Please check with your individual cat club and learn the Breed Standard that’s identified by them specifically. There are some slight variations by definition for differing Cat Associations.

Maine Coon Breed Standard Guidelines

GENERAL: originally a working cat, the Maine Coon is solid, rugged, and can endure a harsh climate. A distinctive characteristic is its smooth, shaggy coat. A well proportioned and balanced appearance with no part of the cat being exaggerated. Quality should never be sacrificed for size. With an essentially amiable disposition, it has adapted to varied environments.

The Head

HEAD SHAPE: medium in width and slightly longer in length than width with a squareness to the muzzle. Allowance should be made for broadening in older studs. Cheekbones are high.

MUZZLE/CHIN: is visibly square, medium in length and blunt ended when viewed in profile. It may give the appearance of being a rectangle but should not be tapering or pointed. The length and width of the muzzle should be proportionate to the rest of the head. It should present a pleasant, balanced appearance. The chin should be strong, firm and in line with the upper lip and nose. When viewed in profile the chin depth should be observable and give the impression of a square, 90-degree angle. A chin lacking in depth, i.e. one that tapers from the jaw line to the lip, is not considered strong, firm or desirable.

PROFILE: It should be proportionate to the overall length of the head. There should be a slight concavity when viewed in profile. The profile should be relatively smooth and free of pronounced bumps and/or humps. A profile that is straight from the brow line to the tip of the nose is not acceptable. The profile must not show signs of having a “break” or “stop.”

EARS: Shape: large, well-tufted, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed. Set: approximately one ear’s width apart at the base; not flared.

EYES: large, expressive, wide set with an opened oval shape. Slightly oblique setting with slant toward outer base of ear.

NECK: medium long.

The Body and Tail

BODY SHAPE: muscular, broad-chested. Size medium to large. Females generally are smaller than males. The body should be long. All parts should be in proportion to create a well-balanced rectangular appearance. No part of the anatomy should be so exaggerated as to foster weakness. Allowance should be made for slow maturation.

LEGS and FEET: legs substantial, wide set, of medium length, and in proportion to the body. Forelegs are straight. Back legs are straight when viewed from behind. Paws large, round, well-tufted. Five toes in front; four in back.

TAIL: long, wide at base, and tapering. Fur long and flowing.

COAT: heavy and shaggy; shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach and britches. Frontal ruff desirable. Texture silky with coat falling smoothly.

PENALIZE: a coat that is short or overall even.

DISQUALIFY: delicate bone structure. Undershot chin, i.e. the front teeth (incisors) of the lower jaw overlap the front teeth of the upper jaw. They also project beyond the front teeth of the upper jaw when the mouth is closed. Crossed eyes. Kinked tail. Incorrect number of toes. White buttons, white lockets, or white spots. Cats showing evidence of hybridization resulting in the colors chocolate, lavender, or the Himalayan pattern.

EYE COLOR: eye color can be shades of green, gold, green-gold or copper. White cats and all cats with white may have blue or odd eyes

POLYDACTYL: Polydactyl Maine Coons are allowed in TICA, but not in CFA.

NOTE: European Maine Coons may carry some features that are bit more exotic or wild looking. Regardless of type, the Maine Coon should be well balance with no one feature overpowering the next.

Maine Coon Colors

Breed standard allows for the Maine Coon to be produced in dozens of colors and patterns. Check out all of the Maine Coon Colors and Patterns and then choose your favorites!

sassykoonz

My name is Tracy Caywood. I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and I'm the Guardian of the Sassy Koonz Maine Coon kittens. My goal and passion is to provide you with education, inspiration, and healthy, well-socialized beautiful Maine Coon babies that you'll love forever. My breeding journey started in 2017, and the cattery has flourished into one of the most sought-after catteries in the Untied States.

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