Comparison of different Maine Coon standards

 General | Head shape | Muzzle and Chin | Profile | Ears | Eyes | Body and Neck | Legs and Feet | Tail |  Coat | Color | Condition | Faults | Remarks | Point distribution

Generalzum Seiteanfang

ACFA
The Maine Coon is a working cat, muscular, solid, medium to large in size with the look of the wild. This cat is a result of natural evolution, capable of surviving a harsh climate with little or no human assistance. Thus, this cat may be reserved initially toward strange people and new situations, yet the Maine Coon does have an amiable disposition. Males may be larger, females are usually smaller. Females should not be penalized because of this size difference. Allowance should be made for slow maturation, as a Maine Coon does not achieve ultimate type until three to four years of age. Type must not be sacrificed for size, or size for type.

CFA
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.

FIFe
The Maine Coon is a natural breed of amiable character that traces its origin to the working cat found on the farms of Northeast America. Appearance: The breed of the Maine Coon is large framed with a square outline of the head, large ears, broad chest, solid bone structure, a long, hard muscled, rectangular body and a long flowing tail. Good muscle tone and density give the cat the appearance of power and robustness. Size: Large.

GCCF
The Maine Coon is a semi-longhaired cat of medium Foreign type and is distinguished by its large size, bone structure, rectangular appearance and flowing coat. The Maine Coon evolved as a working domesticated cat in a rural environment; this role is reflected in a muscular cat of rugged outdoor appearance with a characteristic weatherproof coat and the demeanour of an alert capable hunter.

MCBFA
The Maine Coon is a solid, rugged cat and is America's oldest natural longhaired breed. Type must not be sacrificed for size, nor size for type, the optimum being a large, typey cat. Females are somewhat smaller than males, and allowance should be made for the slow maturation of the breed.

TICA
The Maine Coon is America's native longhaired cat. The breed, with its essentially amiable disposition, developed through a natural selection process where only the fittest survived. It should always be remembered that the Maine Coon developed basically as a "working cat" able to fend for itself in rough, woody terrain and under extreme climatic conditions. The Maine Coon is a large breed with big ears, broad chest, substantial boning, a long, hard-muscled, rectangular body and a long, flowing tail, and large feet with tufts.

WCF
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Head shapezum Seiteanfang

ACFA
The head is medium in width and slightly longer than wide with allowance for broadening and jowls in males. Muzzle is square when viewed from any angle. Cheek bones are high. Chin must be firm and in line with nose and upper lip.

CFA
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 high.

FIFe
Medium in size; square outline. Forehead gently curved. Cheekbones high and prominent.

GCCF
Medium in length, the nasal bridge being equidistant from the ear line and the tip of the nose, with the width being slightly less than the length of the head. Allowance should be made for additional breadth or jowls in mature males.

MCBFA
Medium in length and width, with a squareness to the muzzle. Allowance should be made for broadening in males. Cheek bones high.

TICA
Broad, modified wedge. Size in proportion to body. Slightly longer than wide. Distinct muzzle break can be seen under high prominent cheekbones .

WCF
The large, massive head with straight contours appears square. Cheek bones are high. The nose is of medium length.

Muzzle and Chinzum Seiteanfang

ACFA
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CFA
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 appear to be tapering or pointed. Length and width of the muzzle should be proportionate to the rest of the head and 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.

FIFe
Face and nose of medium lenght with a square outline of the muzzle. Distinct transition can be felt between muzzle and chebkones. Chin firm, in vertical alignment with nose and upperlip.

GCCF
The muzzle should be square with firm chin: chin, upper lip and nose leather should fall in a perpendicular line. Cheeks fairly full, with high cheekbones. Bite level.

MCBFA
Squareness to the muzzle. Chin firm and in line with upper lip and nose.

TICA
Muzzle: Square. Chin: Wide and deep enough to complete square look of muzzle. Firm, in line with upper lip.

WCF
The muzzle is massive and square and clearly defined. The chin is massive and solid and is in line with the upper lips and the nose.

Profil zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
The nose is slightly concave with no break.

CFA
should be proportionate to the overall length of the head and should exhibit 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, nor should the profile show signs of having a break or stop.

FIFe
With a gentle concave slope.

GCCF
Nose of uniform width with shallow concave curve at the nasal bridge when viewed in profile, and without a sharp break or stop.

MCBFA
Nose medium in length with a gentle, concave curve and no break or bump.

TICA
Gently curving forehead. Gentle concave curve at bridge of nose flowing into a smooth nose line. Slight nose bump allowed in kittens.

WCF
The profile is curved

Ohren zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
Large, tall, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed, with lynx-like tipping and inner tufts extending beyond the outer edge of the ears. They are set high on the head, the distance between them being equal to the width of an ear at its base.

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

FIFe
Lage, wide at the base. Moderately pointed. Lyns-tufts are desirable. Tufts of hair in the ears extend beyond outer edges of ears. Set high on head with a very slight outward tild. Ears should be placed one ear's width apart. The width extends slightly in older cats. Lower base set just slightly further back tahn upper base.

GCCF
Large, tall ears, wide at base and tapering to appear pointed at the tip; set high but well apart.

MCBFA
Large, wide at base, moderately pointed and well tufted. Set high on head approximately an ear's width apart. Lynx-like tipping is desirable.

TICA
Large, wide at base with outer base set just slightly farther back than inner base. Outer base just above the level of the top of the eye. Outside edges have a very slight outward tilt that is not past eleven and one o'clock. Set fairly high on head with inner edge of bases no more than one ear's width apart. Taller than the width at base but still in balance with head length. Moderately pointed ears appear taller due to lynx tips. Furnishings extend beyond outer edge of ear.

WCF
The ears are very large with a broad base and tapering. They are almost upright and high set. The distance between the ears is no more than an ear width. The ear furnishing extends beyond the outer edge of the ears, ear tufts (lynx tufts) are desirable.

Augen zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
Large, round, wide-set, with a slightly oblique setting. Eye color may be shades of green, gold or amber. Clarity of color is desired. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color, except in solid white cats, which may be blue-eyed, amber-eyed, green-eyed or odd-eyed.

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

FIFe
Large and widely set. Slightly oval, but not almond shaped, appear round when wide open. Set slightly slanted toward the outer base of the ear. Any colour is permitted. There is no relationship between eye- and coat colour. Clear eye colour is desirable.

GCCF
Full and round, spaced wide apart with a slightly oblique aperture and set. Shades of green, gold or copper; coat and eye colour may be unrelated. Odd or blue eyes are permissible in white cats.

MCBFA
Large, wide set, slightly oblique setting. Eye color can be shades of green, gold, or copper, though white cats may be blue or odd-eyed. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color. Clarity of eye color is desirable.

TICA
Large, slightly oval, appear round when wide open. Outer corner of eye points toward outer base of ear. Wide-set. Color: Any shade of green and/or gold. No relation to coat color. Blue and odd-eyes accepted in whites and particolors.

WCF
The eyes are large, oval, set wide apart and slightly slanted. Eye colour shall be even and corresponds with the coat colour.

Körper und Nacken zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
Medium to large in size, muscular and broad chested. The body should be long with all parts proportioned to create a rectangular appearance. Neck medium to long; may be thick and muscular in older males. The body should feel solid, with firm muscle and no flabbiness. When viewed from the rear, there is a definite squareness to the rump.

CFA
NECK (5 Points) medium long. BODY SHAPE (15 Points): muscular, broad-chested. Size medium to large. Females generally are smaller than males. The body should be long with all parts in proportion to create a well-balanced rectangular appearance with no part of the anatomy being so exaggerated as to foster weakness. Allowance should be made for slow maturation.

FIFe
Males have a very strong muscled neck. The body should be long, substantial bone structure. Hard muscled, powerful, broad-chested. Large framed, all parts of the body in proportion to create a rectangular appearance.

GCCF
Body large to medium size, solid and muscular with breadth of chest. Long body with proportionate limbs to create the characteristic rectangular appearance; square rump. Neck moderately long; particularly thick and muscular in mature males.

MCBFA
Muscular, medium to large in size, broad chested. Body is long, with all parts in proportion, creating a rectangular appearance. When viewed from the rear, there is a definite squareness to the rump. Neck medium-long.

TICA
Torso: Large, long, substantial, rectangular, equal in breadth from shoulders to hips. Broad chest. Level back. Females may be noticeably smaller than males.
Boning: Substantial.
Musculature: Substantial, powerful.

WCF
The large to very large cat has a muscular, elongated and broad body. It gives an overall rectangular impression. The muscular neck is of medium length, the rib cage is broad.

Beine und Füße zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
Sturdily boned, wide-set, medium in length, in proportion to the body. Feet large, round and well tufted underneath and between the pads.

CFA
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.

FIFe
Legs substantial, medium lenght to form a rectangle with the body. Paws large, round and well tufted between the toes.

GCCF
Substantial legs with large round paws; toes carried close, five in front, four behind.

MCBFA
Legs substantial, wide set, medium in length, contributing to a rectangular appearance. Paws large, round, well-tufted (five toes in front, four toes in back).

TICA
Legs: Medium length to form a rectangle with the body. Feet MC: Large, round and well-tufted. Feet MCP: Large, well-tufted. Additional toes allowed on either fore or hind paws or both. Paws may be mitten or patty foot. Symmetrical expression preferred. Maximum of 7 toes on any one foot.

WCF
The medium long legs are solid and muscular. The paws are large, round and tufted.

Schwanz zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
Long, at least the length of the body, wide at the base and tapering to the tip.

CFA
long, wide at base, and tapering. Fur long and flowing.

FIFe
At least as long as the body from shoulderblade to base of tail. Wide at the base tapering to the tip; with full, flowing hair. The hair on the tail is long and always remains flowing.

GCCF
Long, at least the length of the back, wide at the base and tapering towards the tip.

MCBFA
Long, equal to body in length (distance from end of rump to shoulders), wide at base and tapering. Fur full, long, and flowing.

TICA
At least as long as the body. Wide at base and tapering to tip with full, flowing fur.

WCF
The tail is long and shall reach at least to the shoulders. It is broad at the base, tapering and with flowing furnishing.

Fell zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
Länge: Coat is uneven in length and markedly subject to seasonal variation. Fur on head, neck and shoulders is short, becoming gradually longer along the back toward the tail and down the sides toward the belly. Britches and belly fur are full and shaggy. The coat flows smoothly down the body, continuing in the same manner on the tail. There is a frontal ruff, generally heavier on males than females. The tail is heavy furred, long and flowing, but it is not bushy as is a fox's brush.
Textur: More or less self maintaining, the coat is warm with a light density undercoat covered by a water proof outer coat. The coat is not fluffy. Coat texture may vary with coat color.

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

FIFe
All weather coat. Dense. Short on head, shoulders and legs, becoming gradually longer down the back and sides, with long, full shaggy baggy trousers on the hind legs and belly fur. A frill is expected. Texture silky. Coat has distinct body, falling smoothly. The undercoat is soft and fine, covered by the coarse smooth outercoat.

GCCF
Waterproof and virtually self-maintaining, consisting of an undercoat covered by a more substantial glossy topcoat. Fur shorter on the head, neck and shoulders increasing in length down the back, flanks and tail. A fluffy appearance is undesirable.
Breeches and belly fur full and shaggy. Frontal ruff beginning at the base of the ears; heavier in males than females. Tail fur long, profuse and flowing; not bushy. Ears feathered and preferably tufted at the tips; the ear feathering should extend beyond the outer edges of the ear. Paws tufted, with long tufts emanating from under the paws, extending backwards to create a snowshoe effect.

MCBFA
Fur on shoulders is short, gradually increasing in length along back and sides, ending in full britches and long, shaggy belly fur. Fur is soft but has body, falls smoothly, and lies close to the body. A slight undercoat is carried. A full ruff is not expected; however, there should be a frontal ruff beginning at the base of the ears.

TICA
Length: Uneven; shorter on shoulders, gradually lengthening down the back and sides. Long, full, shaggy belly fur and britches. Tail fur long, full, flowing. Frontal ruff becomes more developed with age. Texture: All-weather coat. A slight undercoat gives the coat body but coat still falls smoothly. Not cottony.

WCF
Except the frill, the fur on the head and the shoulders is short and becomes distinctly longer along the back and the flanks, as well as on the belly. The dense undercoat is soft and fine under the coarser, firm top coat. The dense, loosely falling top coat is water repellent and covers the back, flanks and top of the tail completely. The under parts of the body and the back of the hind legs have only undercoat. Longer furnishing on the chest is desirable, a full frill is not required.

Farbe zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
White trim around the chin and lip line allowed except in solid color cats.
Accepted Colors: Blue Eyed White, Amber Eyed White, Green Eyed White, Odd Eyed White, Blue, Black, Cream, Red
Blue Tabby, Cream Tabby, Red Tabby, Brown Tabby, Silver Tabby, Blue Silver Tabby, Golden Tabby, Cameo Tabby, Cream Cameo Tabby, Mackerel Tabby same colors as classic Tabby
Blue Patched Tabby, Blue Silver Patched Tabby, Brown Patched Tabby, Silver Patched Tabby, Golden Patched Tabby, Patched McTabby same colors as Patched classic Tabby
Blue Cream, Tortoiseshell, Blue Smoke, Black Smoke, Smoke Cameo, Cream Smoke Cameo, Golden Smoke, Blue Cream Smoke, Black Smoke Tortoiseshell, Golden Smoke Tortoiseshell
Chinchilla, Blue Chinchilla, Golden Chinchilla, Blue Cream Chinchilla, Chinchilla Tortoiseshell, Golden Chinchilla Tortoiseshell, Shell Cameo, Cream Shell Cameo, Shaded Silver, Blue Shaded, Shaded Cameo, Cream Shaded Cameo, Golden Shaded, Blue Cream Shaded, Shaded Silver Tortoiseshell, Golden Shaded Tortoiseshell
Any recognized Maine Coon Cat color/pattern with White is acceptable.

CFA
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FIFe
All colour varieties are permitted, including all colour varieties with white; except pointed patterns and chocolate and lilac, cinnamon and fawn. Any amount of white is allowed, i.e. a white blaze, white locket, white chest, white on the belly, white on the paws, etc.

GCCF
The Maine Coon is recognised in a variety of solid colours (including white in all eye colours); tortoiseshell; tabby colours (classic and mackerel patterns) with or without silver; shaded and smoke colours; bi-colour and parti-colour (e.g. solid/tabby/tortoiseshell/shaded/smoke colour and white). Chocolate, Lilac and Siamese Points are not allowed.

MCBFA
All recognized colors. White trim around the chin and lip permitted except in solid color cats.

TICA
Particolors must have some white on all four feet.

WCF
The colours chocolate and cinnamon, as well as their dilution (lilac and fawn) are not recognized in any combinations (bicolour, tricolour, tabby). The pointed pattern is also not recognized. All other colours and patterns are recognized. Any amount of white is permitted.

Kondition zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
There is no point score for condition as such. Flabbiness, obesity, emaciation, dull coat, evidence of illness, or any other indication that the cat is not in good physical condition or has not had proper grooming are faults and should be penalized under the appropriate heading constituting the point score.

CFA
Balance

FIFe
The Maine Coon should always be in good balance, condition and proportion.

GCCF
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MCBFA
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TICA
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WCF
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Fehler zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
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CFA
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 overlapping or projecting 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, the Himalayan pattern; or unpatterned agouti on the body (i.e. Abyssinian type ticked tabby).

FIFe
General: unbalanced proportions, overall small cat
Head: round head, straight or convex profile
Nose: nose break
Muzzle: pronounced whisker pads, round or pointed muzzle
Chin: undershot chin
Ears: wide set, flared ears
Eyes: slanted, almond shaped eyes
Body: fine, light bone structure, short cobby body
Legs: long stilty legs
Tail: short tail
Coat: lack of belly shag, coat of overall even lenght, lack of any undercoat

GCCF
Withhold all awards for:
1. Wrongly registered adults, kittens or neuters.
2. Blue or odd eyes in cats of a colour other than white
3. Van Patterned Cats
Withhold Certificates or First Prizes in Kitten Open classes for:
1. Cobby body shape and/or fine bone structure
2. Bi-Colour or Parti-colour cats that exhibit more than one third white or do not exhibit some white on all four paws, belly and chest
3. Definite nose break or stop
4. Straight profile or pronounced nose bump
5. Untufted paws
6. White markings (including buttons, lockets or spots) anywhere other than those referred to in the SOP
7. Overall even coat length
8. Persian like coat texture
9. Serious colour or pattern faults
10. Any defect as listed in the preface to this SOP booklet
Faults:
1. Unsound base coat in Solid or Tortoiseshell coloured cats
2. Tabby markings in adult Smoke coloured cats
3. Heavy tabby markings in Shaded coloured cats
4. White extending beyond the throat in Non-Silver Tabby cats registered without white
5. Tarnishing in Silver Series cats
6. Heavily brindled coat in Tabby cats

MCBFA
Disqualifications:
Buttons, lockets, spots, overall even coat, short cobby body, crossed eyes, kinked tail, incorrect number of toes.
Penalties:
Delicate bone structures, untufted paws, poor condition, nose break or bump, undershot chin, short rounded muzzle.

TICA
Eyes: Slanted, almond-shaped Flat tops on openings.
Ears: Very close, set straight up. Narrow bases. Wide-set, flared.
Chin: Weak or receding, narrow, lack of depth.
Muzzle: Prominent whisker pads.
Profile: Straight. Roman nose. Pronounced bump.
Torso: Narrow.
Tail: Short tail.
Feet: Toes (excluding dewclaws) not touching the table.
Coat: Lack of slight undercoat or belly shag . Overall even coat.
Color: Obvious lockets.

WCF
A coat with an overall even length is a fault. Withhold CAC for finely built body.

Anmerkungen zum Seiteanfang

ACFA
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CFA
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FIFe
Type must always take preference over colour. Very slow maturing of the breed should be taken into account. Mature males may have larger and broader heads than females. Females are proportionally smaller than males. Allowance must be made for this significant difference in size. Length of coat and density of undercoat vary with the seasons.

GCCF
1. Since the Maine Coon is slow to mature (taking up to 4 years), allowance should be made as to their size when judging younger cats. The balance of the cat is of uppermost importance.
2. The cat loses coat during the summer months.
3. Different coat colours may have different textured coats

MCBFA
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TICA
Standard favors the male. Allowance MUST be made for a significant size difference between the male and the female. Type should not be sacrificed for size. Breed is slow to mature. Allow for tight ear set in kittens and wider ear set in mature adults. Polydactyly is a trait with variable expression and may produce anything from a single extra dew claw to extra toes on each foot. Any of these expressions are acceptable and there is no preference for more rather than fewer additional toes. Polydactyl mitten paws may appear to toe out.

WCF
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Punkteverteilung zum Seiteanfang
ACFA CFA FIFe GCCF TICA WCF
Kopf gesamt 35 30 40 35 40 35
Form 10 15 25 8
Schnauze / Kinn 10
Profil 10 7
Ohren 10 10 10 10
Augen 5 5 5 5 Farbe 5
Körper gesamt 35 30 35 30 35 35
Form 15 15 25 10
Knochenbau 7
Muskulatur 10
Nacken 5
Beine / Füße 10 5 3
Schwanz 10 5 10 5
Fell gesamt 30 35 20 35 25 25
Fell 20 20
Länge 10 5 10
Textur 10 10 5
Farbe 10 15 5 15 5
Zeichnung 5
Kondition 5 5
Balance 5



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