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Maine Coon Cats that are Polydactyl
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| Furkats Anthony P, brown tabby Maine Coon Cat Poly |
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The Maine Coon Cat is America's only natural longhaired cat. By definition these cats were the blue collar-working cats from the farms, harbors and aboard the ships of colonial America . It is estimated that 40% of the original Maine Coon Cats had extra toes or were polydactyl. These extra toes made the cat?s foot act like a hand with an opposable thumb. The farmers, dock workers and pirates treasured these polydactyl cats for their hunting ability. Since these Maine Coon Cats are a working breed of cats the breed standard should reflect this strength.
Some written breed standards for dogs have specific toe configurations that aid in the type of work the dog was bred to perform. The Maine Coon Cat standard should be written with the same consideration to the cat's function as the canine standards. The FCI ( Federation Cynologique Internationale) which is a world wide Dog Association and the AKC (American Kennel Club) have specific requirements for polydactyl dogs. In FCI, for example the Beauce Sheepdog (Berger de Beauce), Briad (Berger de Brie), Lundehund, Montagnes des Pyrenrees, Berger des Pyrenees, Pynenean Mastiff, Estrela Mountain Dog (Cao da Serra da Estrela) and Bergerd?Islande all have requirements for double dewclaws on the front or back legs. The AKC has similar requirements for some dog breeds in the Herding Group, Working Group and Miscellaneous Class. These breeds include the Briad, Great Pyrnees, Beauceron, and Anatotian Shepherd Dog. These canine standards specifically state that dogs will be disqualified for a lack of double dewclaw on the front or rear leg. According to the AKC the Briard standard calls for the dog to be ?vigorous and alert, powerful without coarseness, strong in bone and muscle exhibiting the strength and agility required of the herding dog? dewclaws on forelegs may not be removed two dewclaws are required on each rear leg, placed low on the leg, giving a wide base to the foot. Ideally the dewclaws form additional functioning toes. A disqualification for the Briard is anything less than two dewclaws on each rear leg.? This supports the notion that polydactylism is a very common trait in dogs, and is not considered as a health issue. The trait is generally required where dogs need to walk in snow and uneven ground. The Great Pyrenees are required to Exhibit a unique elegance of bearing and movement, his soundness and coordination show unmistakably the purpose for which he has been bred, the strenuous work of guarding the flocks in all kinds of weather on the steep mountain slopes of the Pyrenees"
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Using the rationale of the dog standards it is reasonable for the Maine Coon Cat’s standard to make allowances for their job description. For centuries their job was to control our rodent population in harsh climates. The breed standard for these cats should read:Legs are substantial, wide set, of medium length, and in proportion to the body. Paws large, round, well tufted with four toes and one dewclaw in front; four toes in back. Allowances should be made for the polydactyl cat with up to two extra toes on each leg. Disqualification should be made for any cat without dewclaws on either of the front legs. Natural selection equipped the Maine Coon and especially the Maine Coon Polydactyl to survive as a strong rugged working cat. It is only right to judge them as they evolved in the harsh natural environment of Northern America.
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