Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Russian Blue is one of the oldest natural cat breeds originating from Russia. The first mentions of silver-blue cats date back to the Arkhangelsk region, where they were known as “Archangel Cats.” They were prized for their beauty, thick coats, and hunting ability. In the 19th century, cats of this type were brought to Great Britain, where organized breeding began and the name “Russian Blue” was established. In the early 20th century, the breed nearly disappeared due to wars but was restored through careful breeding using European and Scandinavian lines. Today, the Russian Blue is recognized worldwide as a symbol of refined elegance and noble grace.
General Appearance
The Russian Blue is an elegant, medium-sized cat with balanced proportions, a graceful silhouette, and a dense, short double coat. The body is long and slender, with fine bones and flexible musculature. Legs are long and delicate, ending in small, oval paws. The head is wedge-shaped with a flat skull and straight profile. Ears are large, pointed, and widely set. The eyes are large, slightly slanted, and vivid green—the hallmark of the breed. The tail is long, thin, and tapers smoothly. The overall appearance of the Russian Blue combines refinement, strength, and aristocratic grace.
Important Proportions
All proportions emphasize an elongated, refined, and balanced outline. The body should be slender, longer than it is tall, with light bone structure and good muscle tone. The head is wedge-shaped and proportional to the body, with a straight profile and firm chin. The ears are large, set wide apart, and follow the lines of the face. Eyes are medium to large, slightly almond-shaped, and always a bright green. Limbs are long and slender with neat oval paws. The tail is long, thin, and proportional to the body. The breed’s proportions should highlight elegance, harmony, and balance.
Behavior and Temperament
The Russian Blue has a calm, intelligent, and composed temperament. These cats form strong bonds with their owners without being demanding. They value affection yet respect personal space. Reserved around strangers, they are affectionate and loyal within the family. They are highly intelligent, curious, and quick to learn. The Russian Blue is gentle, good with children and other pets, and thrives in peaceful surroundings. Their movements are smooth and graceful, emphasizing natural poise. The breed is prized for its balance of friendliness, dignity, and independence.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped with a flat top and smooth lines. The forehead transitions gently into a straight nose without a pronounced stop. Cheekbones are high and well-defined, creating a refined profile. The muzzle is narrow, tapering gracefully to a moderate chin that is firm but not heavy. The overall impression should be one of elegance and balance, without roundness or coarseness. Wide or short heads and heavy muzzles are faults.
Facial Features
The face is refined and elegant. The nose is straight and of medium length, with a gentle transition to the forehead. The cheeks are smooth and slightly lifted, emphasizing nobility. The chin is proportional and neither protruding nor receding. Whiskers are long, light-colored, and accentuate the refined expression. The face should appear intelligent and harmonious, with soft lines and graceful symmetry. Coarse, broad, or overly round features are considered faults.
Eyes
The eyes are large, expressive, and slightly almond-shaped, set wide apart. They should always be a clear, vivid shade of green—from emerald to light jade. The expression is gentle, intelligent, and slightly mysterious. Blue, yellow, or uneven eye colors are disqualifying. Small, round, or dull eyes are considered faults. The eyes of the Russian Blue give the breed its signature look of grace and serenity.
Ears
The ears are large, widely spaced, and pointed, with broad bases. They are set high and slightly tilted forward, following the wedge shape of the head. The inner ear is sparsely furred, enhancing the cat’s refined look. Ears should blend harmoniously with the head’s outline. Small, low-set, or rounded ears are faults. The correct ear shape enhances the breed’s elegant and aristocratic appearance.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, slender, and graceful, smoothly connecting the head to the elongated body. It should be fine yet strong. Males may have slightly more muscular necks, but the overall impression must remain balanced. The neck adds to the breed’s refined profile and elegant silhouette.
Body
The body is medium-sized, long, and slender with fine bones and firm musculature. The chest is narrow but deep, and the back is straight. The abdomen is tucked up, giving the silhouette lightness. All lines of the body are smooth and harmonious, reflecting elegance without weakness. The Russian Blue should appear refined, not coarse or massive.
Tail
The tail is long, thin, and flexible, broad at the base and tapering evenly to a fine tip. It must be straight and free of kinks or deformities. The coat on the tail is short and dense, matching the body. The tail complements the body’s balance and enhances its graceful outline.
Forelegs
The forelegs are long, slim, and straight with fine but strong bone structure. Shoulders are well aligned, and elbows point backward. Paws are small, oval, and neat, with lavender-gray pads. The legs should appear elegant and proportional. Short, heavy, or weak limbs are considered faults.
Hind Legs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, contributing to the breed’s elegant stance. Thighs are narrow yet muscular, and the hocks are low and straight. Paws are small, oval, and compact, with grayish-pink pads. Any curvature, heaviness, or imbalance in limb length is undesirable.
Gait and Movement
The Russian Blue moves with lightness and fluidity. Its gait is smooth, graceful, and balanced, giving an impression of effortless motion. Each step is precise and measured, highlighting natural poise. Movements should be supple and free of stiffness or heaviness.
Coat
The Russian Blue’s coat is short, dense, and double-layered. The undercoat is soft and plush, while the guard hairs are fine, straight, and of equal length, creating a velvety texture. The coat has a characteristic silvery sheen, giving the cat a glowing appearance. Sparse, coarse, or long coats are faults.
Approved Color
The breed is recognized exclusively in blue with a silvery sheen. Shades may range from light to medium blue-gray, but the coat must always have a silver reflection. Paw pads are mauve-gray, and the nose leather is lavender-gray. Eyes must always be green. White spots or markings are not permitted. Uneven or dull coloration is a fault.
Size
The Russian Blue is a medium-sized cat with a balanced and refined appearance. Females weigh 3–4.5 kg; males 4.5–5.5 kg. The body should be slender and proportionate, with a tail matching in length and elegance. Overly large or small individuals are faults.
Faults
Faults include weak bone structure, coarse or heavy build, round or short heads, dull or incorrect eye color, small or misaligned ears, tail deformities, and incorrect coat texture or color. Behavioral issues such as shyness or aggression are also considered undesirable.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include any color other than blue with silver sheen, white spots or markings, non-green eyes in adults, head deformities, jaw misalignment, tail kinks, or lack of the characteristic plush coat. Cats showing aggression or extreme fear, or lacking official ICCF documentation, are not eligible for breeding or exhibition.
Important Notes
The Russian Blue is defined by its silvery-blue coat and vivid green eyes. Breeding must strictly follow ICCF standards, using only registered parents to preserve purity. Crossbreeding is prohibited. The coat requires regular care to maintain density and shine. The temperament must remain calm, affectionate, and balanced.
Conclusion
The Russian Blue is a breed of refined beauty and noble character. Its silver-blue coat and emerald-green eyes make it one of the most recognizable cats in the world. Calm, intelligent, and affectionate, it is the ideal companion for a harmonious home. ICCF regulations allow only officially registered cats to participate in breeding and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of this elegant and historically significant breed.
