Ever heard of the Maine coon cat? This North American cat breed, recognized by its long fur and ear tufts, is often touted as the largest domestic cat of them all. But is this true? How big are Maine coons really? How do they compare to dogs in terms of size?
In this Maine coon size comparison to dogs, let’s have a look at what a Maine coon is and how large they get. Then, we’ll compare this popular cat to a few common dog breeds so you can get a real idea of its size!
What is a Maine Coon?
As you’d probably guessed by the name, Maine coon cats do indeed originate from Maine, where they’re the official state cat. It’s not entirely clear how this breed came to be – they’re closely related to the Norwegian and Siberian forest cat breeds – but this hasn’t hampered its popularity. Although it was less common in the 20th century, the Maine coon has made a total comeback and is now one of the most popular choices when it comes to purebred cats.
We’ll be the first to admit we see the appeal! First off, Maine coons are beautiful cats to look at. As a cold-climate cat breed, they sport medium to long, soft fur and a bushy tail that’s reminiscent of a raccoon’s. They’re known in particular for their ear tufts, which make them look almost like miniature bobcats, and their big, furry paws. Another typical characteristic is their faces, which are distinctly triangular with a pronounced muzzle.
Looks aren’t the only thing Maine coons have to offer, though. They’re also highly appreciated for their personalities. Known as gentle giants, they can be described as relaxed, intelligent, and loyal. They’re also rather vocal! Although Maine coons require plenty of exercise and are an active breed, some will also love to cuddle and spend the evening curled up in your lap.
How big do Maine Coons get?
Did you know that the Guinness Book record holder for longest cat ever was a Maine coon? Stewie, who sadly passed away in 2013, was a whopping 48.5″ long, tail included. The current record holder for longest cat is also a Maine coon, as were most of the previous ones (although there was also one Savannah cat).
So what’s up with that? Are these cats really just THAT large? Well, yes, they are! Aside from the Savannah cat, which is of hybrid origin, the Maine coon is the largest recognized domestic cat breed. Males can weigh up to 18 lbs and grow up to 40″ long including their tail, with some (like the world record holders) surpassing even that. A height of 16″ at the withers is not unusual for this breed.
Although female Maine coons stay smaller than their male counterparts, which are particularly muscular and chunky, they’re still larger than most domestic cat breeds. Here’s how Maine coons compare to “standard issue” American shorthair cats, as well as American bobcats. Spoiler: A large Maine coon can actually be around the same size and weight as a small bobcat!
| Type | Male weight | Male length (excluding tail) | Female weight | Female length (excluding tail) |
| Maine coon (Felis catus) |
13-18 lbs | 19-25″ | 8-12 lbs | 17-22″ |
| American shorthair (Felis catus) | 9-10 lbs | 15-20″ | 8-9 lbs | 12-15″ |
| Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | 14-40 lbs | 26-50″ | 9-34 lbs | 17-34″ |
Maine coons are known as the largest domestic cat breed.
Maine Coon size comparison to dogs
So: we’ve established that Maine coons are pretty darn large cats. They can dwarf your average American shorthair and actually grow as large as a small bobcat. But how do they compare to dogs? The Maine coon size comparison to dogs below should help you get a better image of their size. Unsurprisingly, there are quite a few dog breeds that are smaller than this gentle feline giant!
Let’s have a look:
Dogs that are smaller than a Maine Coon
Some dog breeds that are generally smaller than a (male) Maine coon cat include:
- Yorkshire terrier
- Pomeranian
- Pug
- Maltese
- Westie
- Miniature pinscher
- Papillon
Dogs that are the same size as a Maine Coon
Some dog breeds that are roughly the same length and height as a (male) Maine coon cat include:
- Sheltie
- Cocker spaniel
- Miniature schnauzer
- Boston terrier
- Staffordshire bull terrier
Frequently asked questions
Why are Maine coons so big?
Maine coons are thought to descend from Norwegian and Siberian forest cats, which are pretty huge as far as cats go. A bit of extra bulk isn’t unusual for cold-weather breeds, so that probably explains the Maine coon’s size. Some breeders now specifically aim to produce the largest cats possible, but since this can come with health issues like hip dysplasia, this is frowned upon by some cat enthusiasts.
When do Maine coons stop growing?
Maine coon cats are known for being very slow to develop. A regular American shorthair is generally done growing after about a year. A Maine coon, meanwhile, may need 3 years or more to reach its full size.
Why is my Maine coon small?
Size does vary between Maine coons, as you can see in the charts in this article. A small female Maine coon may not grow any larger than a male American shorthair. Things become even more muddled when you’ve got a Maine coon mix.
Conclusion
Maine coons are the biggest non-hybrid cat breed out there. They can reach the size of a Staffordshire bull terrier or even a small bobcat! But while a huge male Maine coon really is a sight to see, it’s important not to focus only on size. It’s much more important for your cat to make a good fit for your family, and we always recommend adopting rather than shopping.
