The Maine Coon standard
General:
The Maine Coon is a working cat, muscular, solid, medium to large in size with the look of the wild. This cat is a result of natural evolution, capable of surviving a harsh climate with little or no human assistance.

Thus, this cat may be reserved initially toward strange people and new situations, yet the Maine Coon does have an amiable disposition. Males may be larger, females are usually smaller. Females should not be penalized because of this size difference.

Allowance should be made for slow maturation, as a Maine Coon does not achieve ultimate type until three to four years of age. Type must not be sacrificed for size, or size for type.

 
Head: cuneiform and large with a squared muzzle. The neck's length is at the average; it's strong (especially in the male) and a little curved.

TAIL: long, wide at base, and tapering. Fur long and flowing.

 
 

Coat: halflong, shorter on shoulders and abundant on sides and on the very long tail; the under hair is soft, thin and waterproof. Its hair is in effect water-repellent, it has a particular characteristic of natural grease that is ideal for protecting it from the weather adversities of the cold Maine, its origins' land; moreover, thanks to this characteristic its hair cannot get knotted.

 

EARS: Shape: large, well-tufted, wide at base, tapering to appear pointed. Set: approximately one ear's width apart at the base; not flared.
EYES: large, expressive, wide set. Slightly oblique setting with slant toward outer base of ear.

Nose: large, a little cambered, with stop (little concavity) along the nasal pipe.
Legs: high, their foot fingers with a lot of hair are "created" in order to walk in the snow without falling, and they have heavy bones; big and round foots.
Many people consider Maine Coons the perfect domestic pets, with their clown-like personalities, very affectionate natures, amusing habits and tricks, willingness to "help" with any activity, and easily groomed coats. They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around.
Their hardiness and ease of kittening make them a satisfying breed for the novice breeder. For owners wishing to show, the Maine Coon has reclaimed its original glory in the show ring.
 

Welcome a Maine Coon into your home, and you will join the thousands who sing the praises of this handsome and lovable cat!

Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three or four years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs – the gentle giants of the cat world. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items. They rarely meow, and when they do, that soft, high-pitched voice doesn't fit their size!
I have a permission from Royal Canin, Denmark to copy this article of  Maine Coon 31 - 2003