Ragdoll
Country / place of origin: United States
History: Ragdolls were developed in the 1960’s by Ann Baker, a Persian breeder in California. It is believed she created the foundations of the Ragdoll breed by selecting kittens of a semi-feral longhaired white female Persian/Angora type, sired by several unknown male Birman-like or Burmese-like cats, one with Siamese markings. Out of those early litters came an all black Burmese-like male and a Birman-like pointed male. All
Ragdoll cats descended from the semi-feral female through matings of the male cat with Siamese markings to his half-sisters.
By selecting individual Ragdolls with the look and temperament she wanted for her breeding program, Anne Baker created the standard Ragdoll type. She then founded the IRCA organization in approximately 1971, which had very stringent rules for owners of her cats. The IRCA still exists, but Ragdolls produced by the IRCA are not accepted in any major association.Breeders Denny and Laura Dayton bought a pair of the original IRCA Ragdolls and realized the need for the breed to be standardized, shown, and accepted by the various associations in the cat fancy. They worked on an extensive, selective breeding program, out of which grew the standardized Ragdolls. This breed was selectively bred over many years for desirable traits, such as large size, gentle demeanor, and a tendency to go limp when picked up. The Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International (RFCI) was then formed to promote the breed and set specific guidelines for Ragdoll breeders. RFCI Ragdolls are bred Ragdoll to Ragdoll only, with no outcrossing to any other breeds. They have specific breed standards to which the breeders must adhere. RFCI Ragdolls are now accepted for registration in all cat registering associations.
Appearance
Details: The Ragdoll is a large, semi-longhaired cat. Ragdolls are heavy cats, with broad chests, large hindquarters, and a thick coat with Siamese-style points. The Ragdoll is a pointed breed, which means that the body is lighter in color than the points (the face, legs, tail, and ears). They are slow-maturing, and do not reach full maturity until approximately three years of age. Females are smaller than males, weighing about 10-15 pounds on average. Males weigh an average of 12-20 pounds as adults, although some may grow to be larger. Ragdolls have large, oval, blue eyes and sweet expressions. Their large, rounded ears are set with a slight forward tilt. They have a curved profile as it merges to the top of the head.
Their medium-long coats and bushy tails have a soft texture that feels like rabbit fur. In general, Ragdolls have longer fur around the neck (a "ruff") and on the back of the hindquarters ("britches"). The fur does not tend to mat, and is easily combed. It does, however, require occasional grooming.
Color / coat: In most associations, Ragdolls are accepted in three patterns and six colors. The three patterns are colorpoint (no white), mitted (white chin and paws), and bicolor (white blaze on face, white legs, and feet). An additional pattern, van (darker markings on top of the mask, ears, tail, and perhaps a few spots on the body) also exists. The six colors are seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, red (flame) and cream.
Behavioral aspects: Ragdolls are extremely laid-back, docile, non-aggressive cats. They tend to relax or go limp when held, hence their descriptive name. They are said to possess a non-fighting instinct, which means that if attacked, they do not defend themselves. Ragdolls are affectionate, intelligent, and mild mannered cats. They are very people oriented and love to be around humans, which is why they are often found greeting guests and/or following their owners around in a fashion similar to a puppy. They adapt easily to their environment and get along well with children and other pets. In general, Ragdolls are not extremely vocal, but they do voice their opinions concerning certain things (like mealtimes). They are particular about their food as well as the times they are offered to eat. They are playful but not over-active, and prefer to be curled up and napping next to their owners.
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