The Original Maine Coon standard

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The  Maine Coon Poly’s history goes parallel with that of all Maine Coons  until it was time to be accepted into the show hall… in the original  breed standard that was written and accepted by the MCBFA extra toes were allowed.

However  when being accepted into the show hall this phrase was removed so that  the Maine Coon standard would be like the other show cats, allowing 5  toes on front paws and 4 toes on back paws. This encouraged breeders to  reduce the breeding of polydactyls, as they could not compete in the  show hall (at that time) and culled their existence. During this time  luckily several breeders saw the need to preserve this trait! They  continued breeding these pedigree Maine Coons with extra toes. They are  found in many pedigrees of the top show cats too. Although they were not  in the limelight at shows polys stole the hearts of enough cat lovers  to be accepted into the show hall once again. Read more