Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Ragamuffin breed originated in the United States in the early 1990s as an offshoot of the Ragdoll. Breeders aimed to preserve the Ragdoll’s gentle temperament and large size while expanding the range of coat colors and improving genetic diversity. To achieve this, Ragdolls were crossed with domestic longhaired cats and other breeds known for their affectionate nature. The result was a new line featuring a distinctive appearance, dense coat, and wide variety of colors. The breed received official recognition in the U.S. in 1994 and later internationally. Today, the Ragamuffin is valued for its large size, luxurious coat, and kind disposition, making it a beloved companion breed.
General Appearance
The Ragamuffin is a large, solidly built cat with a well-balanced body and a dense, flowing coat. The torso is long and rectangular, with a broad chest and well-developed muscles. Legs are medium-length, strong, and end in large, rounded paws. The head is broad and slightly rounded with prominent cheekbones and gentle contours. Eyes are large, oval, and widely spaced, giving a sweet and friendly expression. Ears are medium-sized with rounded tips and may have tufts. The tail is long, plumed, and in harmony with the body. The coat is medium-long to long, soft, and plush with a thick undercoat, forming a ruff and breeches. The overall impression combines strength, softness, and homely elegance.
Important Proportions
Ragamuffins are characterized by their large size and balanced proportions. The head is broad but not coarse, with soft transitions and a gentle curve from forehead to nose. The body is rectangular, with length exceeding height at the shoulders. The limbs are of medium length and proportionate to the heavy frame. The tail is long, evenly furnished, and complements the body. The neck is medium-length, strong, and smoothly connects the head to the torso. Weight is evenly distributed, providing fluid, graceful movement. The proportions should emphasize harmony and power without heaviness or elongation.
Behavior and Character
The Ragamuffin has a calm, affectionate, and well-balanced temperament. These cats are deeply attached to their owners, enjoy attention, and are naturally social. They get along well with children and other pets. Despite their size, Ragamuffins are gentle, rarely aggressive, and easily adapt to domestic life. Playfulness remains even in adulthood. Intelligent and responsive, they can recognize their name and learn simple commands. Their loyalty and gentle demeanor have earned them the title of “companion cats.”
Head
The Ragamuffin’s head is large and broad with soft, rounded contours, giving a friendly and welcoming expression. The skull is slightly domed; the forehead transitions smoothly into a medium-length nose. The cheekbones are prominent, emphasizing width. The chin is strong and well-developed, aligned with the nose. The profile is smooth without abrupt stops. The overall impression is one of harmony and expressiveness. Excessively narrow, angular, or flat heads are undesirable.
Facial Part
The face is soft and rounded, with full cheeks and gentle transitions. The chin is broad and firm but not heavy, forming a symmetrical outline. The nose is medium in length, broad, and slightly curved, blending smoothly into the forehead. Long, thick whiskers enhance the softness of expression. The face should appear open and amiable, with rounded lines and balance. Sharp features or excessively short or elongated muzzles are considered faults.
Eyes
Eyes are large, oval, wide-set, and slightly slanted, giving the cat a sweet and trusting expression. Eye color may range from green, gold, blue, to amber, depending on coat color. The shade must be rich and expressive. The gaze should always convey intelligence and friendliness. Small, deeply set, or round eyes lacking expression are undesirable. The eye shape and color together define the Ragamuffin’s warm, characteristic look.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, set wide apart, and slightly tilted forward. The base is broad, with rounded tips that enhance the cat’s gentle look. The inner ear is well furnished, often with decorative tufts at the ends. Ear placement should harmonize with the roundness of the head. Ears that are too large, too small, high-set, or close together disrupt the balance. Properly shaped ears emphasize the breed’s calm and kind nature.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, strong, and muscular, smoothly joining the broad head and sturdy body. Its rounded lines reinforce the breed’s sense of balance. It should not appear thin or overly short. Males have a stronger neck, while females are more refined but still robust. Weakness or lack of muscle tone is undesirable. The neck should convey power and proportion, highlighting the breed’s balance and harmony.
Body
The body is large, rectangular, and strong with a substantial bone structure and developed musculature. The chest is broad and deep; the back is straight and firm. The abdomen is rounded but not sagging. The shoulders and hips are powerful and well defined, giving an impression of strength and stability. The overall body lines are smooth and harmonious, emphasizing the breed’s elegance. Undue thinness or heaviness disrupts balance. The body must remain proportional and graceful despite its size, reflecting the Ragamuffin’s signature type.
Tail
The tail is long, plumed, and proportionate to the body. Broad at the base, evenly covered with dense fur, and tapering slightly to a rounded tip. It should be flexible and mobile, accentuating balance and grace. The hair is thick, forming a decorative plume. Short, thin, poorly furred, or kinked tails are faults. The tail completes the harmonious outline and majestic beauty of the Ragamuffin.
Forelegs
Forelegs are medium in length, strong, with a solid bone structure and well-developed muscles. The shoulders are close-fitting; elbows point directly backward. Paws are large, round, with tufts of hair between the toes. Legs should appear sturdy and balanced, matching the heavy torso. Weak, thin, or overly long limbs are undesirable. The forelegs reinforce the impression of strength and balance characteristic of the breed.
Hind Legs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving smooth, coordinated movement. Thighs are wide and muscular, harmoniously merging into the body. Lower legs are sturdy, providing stability and power. Hocks are low-set and straight. Paws are large, round, and tufted. Hind legs must be proportional and strong; weak musculature or deformities are faults. The hindquarters complete the breed’s solid yet graceful silhouette.
Gait and Movement
The Ragamuffin’s movement is smooth, confident, and soft. Despite its size, the cat moves easily, thanks to balanced proportions and strong limbs. Steps are even, movements harmonious. In motion, it shows power and elasticity while maintaining elegance. The tail acts as a counterbalance. Stiff or awkward gait is undesirable. The overall impression should be one of calm strength and gentle grace.
Coat
The coat is semi-long to long, dense, soft, and silky. It covers the entire body evenly, forming a ruff, breeches, and a full tail. The undercoat is present but not overly thick, allowing for easy grooming. The texture must be soft, never coarse or woolly. The hair is longer on the chest and belly, creating decorative volume. Sparse coat, lack of undercoat, or dull texture are faults. The luxurious coat is a defining feature of the breed’s beauty.
Permissible Colors
The Ragamuffin comes in an extensive range of colors and patterns — solid, shaded, smoke, tabby, bicolor, tricolor, silver, and golden variations. Tortoiseshell and white combinations are common. Eye color depends on coat color but must be rich and clear. The only disallowed pattern is colorpoint, reserved for another breed. The coat must appear harmonious and vibrant. Faded or uneven colors are faults.
Size
The Ragamuffin is a large breed. Females typically weigh 5–7 kg, maintaining balanced proportions. Males are larger, 7–10 kg, with a heavier frame and more muscle mass. The back height is proportional to the rectangular body format. The tail is long and matches the body’s length. Extremely small or overly massive cats lose the breed’s balance and grace. The size should reflect both strength and elegance.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from the ICCF standard that disturbs the breed’s balance. Common issues: weak muscles, narrow chest, overly light or heavy bone structure. Head faults: elongated or overly coarse form, flat forehead, or harsh lines. Eye faults: small, dull, or poorly spaced eyes. Ears too large or too close together disrupt harmony. Coat faults: sparse, coarse, dull, or lacking undercoat. Faulty color patterns or uneven tones are undesirable. In movement: stiffness, awkwardness, or imbalance. Behavioral issues — aggression, fearfulness, or lack of sociability — also reduce evaluation scores.
Disqualifications
Serious deviations from the ICCF standard lead to disqualification: lack of undercoat or excessively short coat, malformed jaw or bite, tail deformities, asymmetrical head, or immobility of the tail. Blue eyes in non-permitted color varieties, extreme aggression, or fear that prevents examination are disqualifying. Colorpoint pattern and other nonstandard colors are not accepted. Cats without official ICCF documentation confirming pedigree and health are barred from shows and breeding.
Important Notes
The Ragamuffin is a rare and valuable breed that requires attentive care and responsible breeding. Its coat needs regular grooming and undercoat maintenance. Only ICCF-documented cats may be used for breeding. Responsible breeding ensures genetic health and preservation of type. All colors except colorpoint are allowed; correct pairings must be observed. Due to their large size, proper nutrition is essential. This breed thrives on human companionship and loyalty. Adherence to ICCF standards guarantees the preservation of its purity and distinctive charm.
Conclusion
The Ragamuffin is a majestic and affectionate breed that combines size, beauty, and a gentle temperament. Valued as a family companion for its calmness and devotion, it represents harmony and elegance. Under ICCF rules, only officially registered cats may participate in shows and breeding programs. The goal of breeding is to maintain balance, luxurious coat quality, and a friendly personality. The Ragamuffin stands as a symbol of tranquility, comfort, and refined beauty.
