Any search result for “Maine Coon” will show dozens of pictures of these giant felines, usually next to a person for scale. Indeed, their size is remarkable and one of the most defining characteristics of the breed, but Maine Coon size comparison to a dog is still really not that impressive, all things considered.
The average weight of a Maine Coon is between 12 to 18 pounds. Males top out on the higher end, averaging between 13 to 18 pounds, while females are closer to 8-12 pounds.
But what actually is the Maine Coon size comparison to a dog? Despite being known as the biggest domestic cat in the world, though, the Maine Coon is still smaller than the average medium-sized dog, which weighs between 40-60 lbs on average.
It’s a difficult comparison to make because dogs have a much wider range of sizes than cats, ranging from 5 lbs to 200 lbs, while regular house cats tend to range from 9 to 11 lbs. Without a doubt, though, Maine Coons are considerably smaller than medium-to-large sized dogs and about the same size or less than small dogs. What’s more important is the Maine Coon size compared to that of a normal cat, which is far more impressive!
Maine Coon Size Comparison to Certain Dog Breeds
When evaluating Maine Coon size comparison to dogs it’s important to consider the dog breed you’re comparing it to. To help put the comparison in perspective, here are the average sizes of a few well-known dog breeds (keep in mind that the average Maine Coon size is 12-18 lbs):
- Labrador Retriever: 55-80 lbs
- Rottweiler: 80-135 lbs
- Toy Poodle: 4-6 lbs
- Regular Poodle: 40-60 lbs
- Pug: 14-18 lbs
- Greyhound: 60-70 lbs
- Bulldogs: 40-50 lbs
- Border Collie: 30-55 lbs
The Biggest Cat in the World is a Maine Coon
Averages aside, some Maine Coons can tip the scales much, much higher. A Maine Coon named Stewie held the Guinness Book of World Records for Largest Domestic Cat, spanning 48.5 inches in length and weighing 33 pounds. While Stewie passed away in 2013, his legacy upholds the fact that Maine Coons really are the biggest cats in the world.
Why Are Maine Coons So Big?
Many cat breeds are selectively bred for certain physical characteristics that define their breed. For example, the Sphynx cat is completely hairless, the Ragdoll has a plush, silky coat and the Bengal Cat has the markings of a leopard. But Maine Coons were not originally bred for their size; they simply came that way.
While we can’t be completely certain why some cat breeds are larger than others, we do notice that breeds from colder, northern climates tend to be bigger and have longer hair. Originally from Maine, the Maine Coon had to survive frigid winters, and their bigger body mass might have helped to keep them warm.
Maine Coons are the Dogs of the Cat World
Maine Coons are considered “dog-like” not only for their size, but because of their loyal and social personalities. They care very much where their owner is at all times and love receiving affection. They can get lonely fairly easily, though, if left alone for long periods of time, so it’s usually a good idea to get them a companion.
Maine Coons are also nicknamed “Gentle Giants” because despite their large size they’re very laid back and tend to get along well with children and dogs. They’re usually the cat of choice for people who have or are planning on getting a dog and even a rambunctious puppy because they’re typically very patient. Regardless of the fact that the Maine Coon size comparison to a dog is really not as close as many people would think, they’re still gigantic felines!
