Russian White & Russian Black Breed Profile

by Corinne Page & Anthony Nichols

The Russian Blue is one of the oldest breeds of cat with a history dating back over 100 years. Experimental breeding has produced rare Russian Blacks, with coal-black, dense, glistening fur, and Russian Whites, with pure, snowy white fur. There is now a resurgence of interest in promoting these cats in their own right and they are being bred in the UK . - Anthony Nichols

Russian White and Russian Black cats were first bred by Richard and Mavis Jones of Myemgay cattery in Australia in the 1970s.

Bev Allen of Riverlight Russians in South Australia and Betty Payne of Pyret Russians in Western Australia have for many years been at the forefront of campaigning for recognition and popularity of Russians in colours other than blue. There are now a number of breeders in Australia, and more recently these colours have been gaining formal recognition in countries such as South Africa, the UK and the USA.

The breed standard is exactly the same as for a Russian Blue, with the exception of colour (coat, nose, pawpads).  All Australian bred Russians have large upright ears, straight profile, almond shaped green eyes, pronounced whisker pads and a plush double coat. The coat of the Russian White appears to sparkle and is usually extremely thick. The Russian Black coat appears glossy and the colour is an intense black. -Corinne Page

Links

http://russianbluelinks.dk/links.htm  (links to Russian Blue, Black, White, & Nebelungs)

http://www.russianblue.org.uk 

http://www.riverlightcats.com/index.html  (detailed history of Russian Black & Russian White)