The Maine Coon is the largest of all domestic breeds. Males usually range in size from XXX to XXX pounds, with females being XXX pounds smaller.

Legend has it that they came over with the early settlers
{myth - Maine Coon resulted from cats mating with racoons}
The first thing that people notice about the Maine Coon is its size. It is the largest}
The first thing that people notice about the Maine Coon is its size. It is the largest of all domestic breeds with males usually ranging in size from 12 to 15 pounds, with females being a few pounds smaller. However, adult males weighing 20 pounds or more is not unusual. It is a naturally occuring breed (as opposed to man-made or hybridized). However, not all large longhaired cats are Maine Coons.


A great number of myths surround the breed’s supposed origins in Europe, how it came to arrive in the United States, and even includes the biologically impossible myth that the Maine Coon resulted from these cats mating with raccoons. What is certain is that they had become extremely popular in the late 1800’s, fell into decline throughout the first part of the 20th century, to rise in popularity again in the latter half of the century.


Physical Properities
The breed’s impressive size is not its only distinctive feature. Underneath the large body are massive bones to support it. Indeed, its legs feel almost trunk-like.

It must have a long shaggy coat (the coat is not all the same length, unlike the Persian coat). Maine Coons vary in color widely , including solid colors, a wide variety of tabby patterns and colors, coats containing 2 colors (called parti-color in this breed). The only color/pattern not allowed are the point-restricted coloration (as seen in Himilayans), agouti-ticked (as seen in Abysinnians), or lavender or chocolate colors. The brown classic tabby pattern is the most prevelant, with the brown tabby and white pattern close behind. Its moderate but strong-appearing head should have a nose with a slight slope to it and its ears are large with long tufts in them.

Other Properties
The breed’s loving nature has earned it the nickname "Gentle Giant". Males often have a high chirping voice, quite disproporationate to their large size. They are slow to mature, often not reaching their full potential until the age of 3-5 years old.



http://cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/articles/maine.html
http://cfainc.org/breeds/standards/maine.html





of all domestic breeds with males usually ranging in size from 12 to 15 pounds, with females being a few pounds smaller. It is a naturally occuring breed (as opposed to man-made or hybridized)

A great number of myths surround the breeds supposed origins in Europe, how it came to arrive in the United States, and even includes the biologically impossible myth the the Maine Coon resulted from these cats mating with raccoons. What is certain is that they had become extremely popular in the late 1800’s, fell into decline throughout the first part of the 20th century, to rise in popularity again in the latter half of the century.


Physical Properities
Long shaggy coat
Massive boning
Slight slope to the nose
Loving nature has earned them the nickname "Gentle Giant". Males often have a high chirping voice

Not all large longhaired cats are Maine Coons.


http://cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/articles/maine.html


*naturally occuring breed
*recognized in 19XX

Breed Description
Long shaggy coat
Massive boning
Slight slope to the nose
Loving nature has earned them the nickname "Gentle Giant". Males often have a high chirping voice

Not all large longhaired cats are Maine Coons.