Maine Shag

Maine Shag
Breed Description Click here to talk live about this breed
Head: Medium-sized, typically wedge-shaped. Slightly domed forehead. Slight concave curve in profile. High, prominent cheek bones. Angular muzzle.

Originally only the brown tabby members of the breed were known as Maine Coon cats. Any other pattern or color, and the cats were known as Maine Shags. Nowadays all varieties are rightly classed as Maine Coons.

" (originally only brown tabbies were as "Maine Shags.") Another popular theory is that the Maine sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution.

myth, bolstered by the bushy tail and the most common colouring (a raccoon-like brown tabby) led to the adoption of the name Maine Coon. Originally, only brown tabbies were called Maine Coon Cats; cats of other colours were referred to as Maine Shags.

See also: Forest Cat, Sturdy, Maine coon cat, Norwegian Forest, Norwegian Forest Cat