What Breed/What Mix? Russian Blue?

Again, please check out the CFA/TICA Russian Blue breed standard for more information about it, if you're interested. A good starting point is one breeders site called www.russianblue.org.

The Russian Blue is one of 7 (or 8) original cat breeds that has maintained the original breed standard and has not been outcrossed, nor is it allowed to be outcrossed with any other type of cats to create a new breed. There is no such thing as a "part" Russian Blue, due to that simple fact. Again, Russian Blue breeders have laboured long and hard to maintain the breed standard, which is why I'm quick to point out the facts.

Actually, the Bengal is a fairly new breed which was created by using a combination of cats to achieve that desired outcome. If you're curious, then I'm sure your breeder can provide you with any information about the breed you would like to know. However, I don't know if Bengals are recognized yet in CFA, though I believe they have full recognition in TICA (where's bengalbabe when you need her! ).

As long as both the sire and dam of your cat are registered Bengals, from a registered Bengal cattery (again, I'm unsure as to Bengal status in all cat associations), then your cat would be a Bengal. However, if you were planning on showing him, he would have to be registered in the cat association in which you were planning to show him (likely TICA).

Hope that helps!

Originally Posted by HopeHacker

vespacat, if a cat that is a registered Russian Blue, fathers a kitten with a domestic short hair cat, why wouldn't you be able to say that the cat is 'part" Russian Blue, or a Russian Blue mix? I don't understand. I mean if you have a cat with one of it's parents being a Siamese, and the other being a DSH tabby for examaple, the kitten is considered a Siamese Mix or part Siamese. Isn't Russian Blue a breed just like the other pedigreed cats? Or is it just more a a look? I don't understand why a cat can't be Part Russian Blue, if it has a Russian Blue Parent. I realize it wouldn't be considered a Russian Blue, just like a cat that is only part Siamese wouldn't be considered a Siamese.

Also, on the note that a cat can't be the breed, if it isn't registered. I purchased Simba, my Bengal and I got papers with him, where I could get him registered and choose a name, but it cost around $25 to send it in, so I didn't bother doing it, because I didn't intend breeding or showing him, so I don't think he's registered. Maybe he is, under the breeders name, I don't know, but he is a real Bengal. He's not a Domestic Short Hair. He does have papers, but I didn't register him.

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Yes, I recieved papers with my Bengal = They are TICA. I just didn't bother to pay that money and send in the registration papers. The papers had his mother's registered name and his fathers registered name, and the breeders cattery name. I looked at them for a while, then I lost them. I paid so much for Simba, that I just didn't want to spend that extra money for the registration, because I am not showing him, nor am I breeding him. So, yes, I know he's a pure Bengal, and is even pedigreed.

I just don't understand why the Russian Blue is the only breed of cat that if bred to a non Russian Blue, would end up having kittens that don't have any Russian Blue blood in their veins. I would think that even if the kittens weren't considered Russian Blue, they would still have Russian Blue in their bloodlines, and would at least be considered half or part Russian Blue.

Okay, I understand all the technicals and legalities of how breeds are maintained...

I am not at all saying I want to call Cosmo a Russian Blue, or that I need to be able to say he's "part Russian Blue" -- I'm just interested in how he got his coloring, coat, features that might make him appear part Russian Blue, Chartrauex, British Blue, or Korat.

Yes, I understand DHCs come in all types of colors, but I still have been asking question about his coat, how it APPEARS to be a double coat (but how do I tell) and it does have the silver tipping - would these be standard features seen in a DHC? Don't just say yes based on the fact that if he's a "cross breed" he is immediately called a Domestic House Cat. I KNOW technically that is what he is... I'm just (for fun) trying to figure out what breeds may be mixed in there. And it's always possible his lineage comes from a pure breed.

And the question remains... your assumption that no Russian Blue has ever been lost or abandoned or accidentally mated with a DHC or other breed seems naive (don't mean that to be rude). I KNOW there is a strict standard with Russian Blues, and in the best world these things would never happen, but I'm sure even by an "oops" it HAS happened. There's been stories of accidental cross breeding right here in these forums that I've read (not specifically with Russian Blues). You assume every one of these wonderful cats ever adopted out has been watched like a hawk by it's owner and the breeder that adopted it out. People move, people aren't always the most responsible cat owners. A friend of mine recently bought a pure breed kitten (Maine Coon) and he is very responsible with his cats - but it is young and hasn't yet been nuetered. What if it accidentally got out and ran away? What if someone stole it? If he sired a litter they would absolutely be part Maine Coon.

Like I said, I know TECHNICALLY once a Russian Blue mates with another breed it's offspring are not longer Russian Blues - but that would not change the fact that the kittens are indeed part Russian Blue.

Originally Posted by HopeHacker

I just don't understand why the Russian Blue is the only breed of cat that if bred to a non Russian Blue, would end up having kittens that don't have any Russian Blue blood in their veins

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I have no knowledge of this, but from her posts I think what she's trying to say is that all purebred RB breeders have been hyper vigilant about not allowing this and thus you would be hard pressed to find a true Russian Blue mix... therefore what you're most likely looking at when you find one that appears to be most likely has no RB blood and just looks like it.

I would sure say that if it did happen it would certainly from a physical standpoint be an RB mix, but I think she's trying to say that it just doesn't happen and if a breeder has been found to have done so they face legal ramifications? Or at the very least the offspring is not "officially" considered a RB at all, in an effort to discourage the practice and preserve the breed? Therefore, RB breeders would take great offense when someone says they have an RB mix. I didn't know that, so I'll have to tell my sister to quit telling everyone her cat Katie is one.

Look, like most people, I'm just on here to have a good time, but I'm started to feel attacked for offering solicited advice and stating the facts that perhaps some people don't want to hear.

Calling me "naive" is personal and you're right, it is rude. Also, I feel disrespected because after spending a significant chunk of my time posting on this thread, as I felt I could contribute something with the knowledge I have about Russian Blues as a potential breeder myself, much of what I've written has been shrugged off or taken out of context, seemingly in order to start an argument.

I'm also disappointed because my experience had been so positive here up until this point. I am actually very upset and hurt. If the slander continues, I am going to have to ask the TCS Administrators/Moderators to remove this thread.

Originally Posted by ComeresMom

Okay, I understand all the technicals and legalities of how breeds are maintained...

I am not at all saying I want to call Cosmo a Russian Blue, or that I need to be able to say he's "part Russian Blue" -- I'm just interested in how he got his coloring, coat, features that might make him appear part Russian Blue, Chartrauex, British Blue, or Korat.

Yes, I understand DHCs come in all types of colors, but I still have been asking question about his coat, how it APPEARS to be a double coat (but how do I tell) and it does have the silver tipping - would these be standard features seen in a DHC? Don't just say yes based on the fact that if he's a "cross breed" he is immediately called a Domestic House Cat. I KNOW technically that is what he is... I'm just (for fun) trying to figure out what breeds may be mixed in there. And it's always possible his lineage comes from a pure breed.

And the question remains... your assumption that no Russian Blue has ever been lost or abandoned or accidentally mated with a DHC or other breed seems naive (don't mean that to be rude). I KNOW there is a strict standard with Russian Blues, and in the best world these things would never happen, but I'm sure even by an "oops" it HAS happened. There's been stories of accidental cross breeding right here in these forums that I've read (not specifically with Russian Blues). You assume every one of these wonderful cats ever adopted out has been watched like a hawk by it's owner and the breeder that adopted it out. People move, people aren't always the most responsible cat owners. A friend of mine recently bought a pure breed kitten (Maine Coon) and he is very responsible with his cats - but it is young and hasn't yet been nuetered. What if it accidentally got out and ran away? What if someone stole it? If he sired a litter they would absolutely be part Maine Coon.

Like I said, I know TECHNICALLY once a Russian Blue mates with another breed it's offspring are not longer Russian Blues - but that would not change the fact that the kittens are indeed part Russian Blue.

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If you've lost Simba's TICA registration form, I guess it's not a biggie, so long as you don't plan on showing him. Do you have his pedigree? If so, I guess you could always contact the breeder for another TICA registration form, if you actually need it.

Yes... registered, quality, purebred cats are expensive, and they are expensive for GOOD reason. Not just anyone off the street can obtain one (good Russian Blues cost into the thousands). Along with any purebred cat should come a multi-page (usually) contract stating what you can and cat do with the cat (showing, probably okay if neutered - breeding, not if it's considered a pet and you want to face legal action). I imagine you must have a contract stating Simba had to be neutered before a certain time or perhaps he came to you already neutered?

Again, kindly re-read my previous posts as they do provide answers to your questions, or you can always contact any reputable cat breeder to answer your questions.

Originally Posted by HopeHacker

Yes, I recieved papers with my Bengal = They are TICA. I just didn't bother to pay that money and send in the registration papers. The papers had his mother's registered name and his fathers registered name, and the breeders cattery name. I looked at them for a while, then I lost them. I paid so much for Simba, that I just didn't want to spend that extra money for the registration, because I am not showing him, nor am I breeding him. So, yes, I know he's a pure Bengal, and is even pedigreed.

I just don't understand why the Russian Blue is the only breed of cat that if bred to a non Russian Blue, would end up having kittens that don't have any Russian Blue blood in their veins. I would think that even if the kittens weren't considered Russian Blue, they would still have Russian Blue in their bloodlines, and would at least be considered half or part Russian Blue.

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May I just say something? I don't mean to stick my nose where it doesn't belong, but...

I don't mean to belittle your feelings in any way and I certainly don't mean to make it worse, but in her defense I think she was just trying to make a counter-point... Let me stress that I knew you had only the best intent and didn't mean to, but you did seem rather over insistent in a reply or two although I know you were just trying to state the "official" side of it, but it did almost seem like you were saying it couldn't have any RB blood (you have to concede that it happens, although it might be infrequent, to the dismay of the organization). I didn't see her use of the word "naive" as a direct insult, she seemed to be trying to make a point about the organization and those rather strict rules that you can't even officially say a RB mix is an RB mix, when in fact the blood is still part Blue. I personally think if it's a mix, you should at least acknowledge that much while still not officially accepting the mix breed, although I could see why they wouldn't want to do that since it might inspire people to intentionally mix it and sell unregistered cats that way.

I think there's been a big misunderstanding and some wires have gotten crossed. Written type is sometimes very hard to interpret the exact feeling intended and people on forums get burned by that a lot. I, personally, haven't seen anything in this thread to warrant hurt feelings but different people interpret things different ways. I hope you don't stop posting over it!

Originally Posted by vespacat

Look, like most people, I'm just on here to have a good time, but I'm started to feel attacked for offering solicited advice and stating the facts that perhaps some people don't want to hear.

Calling me "naive" is personal and you're right, it is rude.

Also, I feel disrespected because after spending a significant chunk of my time posting on this thread, as I felt I could contribute something with the knowledge I have about Russian Blues as a potential breeder myself, much of what I've written has been shrugged off or taken out of context, seemingly in order to start an argument.

I'm also disappointed because my experience had been so positive here up until this point. I am actually very upset and hurt. If the slander continues, I am going to have to ask the TCS Administrators/Moderators to remove this thread.

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There is no "official" side of this. The Russian Blue is a purebred cat and there are no variations of that, period. I've explained this in detail throughout the thread, so kindly read that and PM me with any questions.

And how can I be "over insistent" about Russian Blue misrepresentation when it is a very serious matter. Besides, I'm the only Russian Blue owner that has posted here (now I know why Russian Blue breeders stay out of these forums), so I don't know why people are so dismissive of the solicited advice I've given!

Originally Posted by Sooz123

May I just say something? I don't mean to stick my nose where it doesn't belong, but...

I don't mean to belittle your feelings in any way and I certainly don't mean to make it worse, but in her defense I think she was just trying to make a counter-point... Let me stress that I knew you had only the best intent and didn't mean to, but you did seem rather over insistent in a reply or two although I know you were just trying to state the "official" side of it, but it did almost seem like you were saying it couldn't have any RB blood (you have to concede that it happens, although it might be infrequent, to the dismay of the organization). I didn't see her use of the word "naive" as a direct insult, she seemed to be trying to make a point about the organization and those rather strict rules that you can't even officially say a RB mix is an RB mix, when in fact the blood is still part Blue. I personally think if it's a mix, you should at least acknowledge that much while still not officially accepting the mix breed, although I could see why they wouldn't want to do that since it might inspire people to intentionally mix it and sell unregistered cats that way.

I think there's been a big misunderstanding and some wires have gotten crossed. Written type is sometimes very hard to interpret the exact feeling intended and people on forums get burned by that a lot. I, personally, haven't seen anything in this thread to warrant hurt feelings but different people interpret things different ways. I hope you don't stop posting over it!

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This thread is getting a bit heated, should it get heated any further I will pull this thread, remove posts etc, and then lock it, which doesn't do anything for anybody.

Yes, there are varying points of view, we ALL must understand that, and realize that just because we choose to express our view(s), no one else has to agree with it.

Just realize what the original poster has asked... could it be?

The answer is yes it could be.

Does that mean that some don't feel as if there can't be? no...

If, in fact, you feel like you've been slighted by a post, then PM me, BEFORE you post. I'll take care of it if it needs to be taken care of.

I now return you to regularly scheduled posting..

Attached is the CFA Russian Blue breed stardard. Please take a look (especially at the last line).

http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/standards/russian.html

It is safe to say that if a cat has any other cats besides Russian Blues anywhere in the linage, the cat cannot be correctly and accurately referred to as anything other than a Domestic Shorthair no matter what he looks like. He could look like the Distinguished Grand Merit Champion Russian Blue and still NOT be anything but a Domestic Shorthaired Cat.

I cannot fault anyone for trying to defend a breed standard, which is what I see happening in this conflict. However, that now being said, requesting a determination of breed when no pedigree is available is pretty much pulling rabbits out of hats. Without a clearly defined pedigree, there is no possible way to know what cats are in any line and without knowing that, there is no possible way to determine the actual breed of the cat. Even if one of the parents was a pedigreed cat, if the other parent was a moggy, then the resulting kittens are moggies. No matter that they look like a duck, they walk like a duck and they quack like a duck. They aren't ducks. They are Domestic Shorthair (or Longhair) cats.

Originally Posted by ComeresMom

Like I said, I know TECHNICALLY once a Russian Blue mates with another breed it's offspring are not longer Russian Blues - but that would not change the fact that the kittens are indeed part Russian Blue.

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While it doesn't change the fact that the offspring have a Russian Blue parent, you still cannot call the offspring a "Russian Blue Mix" ... there is no such thing as a Russian Blue Mix, just like there is no such thing as a Siamese Mix or a Persian mix or any other (Insert Breed) Mix. I believe that the term "Mix" may have been started by those who had litters of domestic shorthaired kittens (and puppies) of no specific breed but resembled a breed - may have even had a blooded cat as a parent in an "oops" litter - so the kittens (and puppies) would be a little more attractive to those who like the appearance of a certain breed ... I can only guess that the way of thinking here is that those breed-lovers would then be more apt to adopt these kittens and provide them with a good home knowing they were a Breed Mix - at least a part of them were Russian Blue or Siamese or whatever the breed du jour may be, so they must be LIKE the breed, right?

Wrong. It is misleading and in some cases, downright dishonest but it is done every single day by otherwise well-intentioned people and animal welfare organizations. These mixed-blood cats may resemble their pure blooded relatives, but in most cases, don't contain enough of a specific breed's DNA to consistantly produce kittens which also resemble the breed. Cats who do not consistantly produce to breed, type and color cannot be called 'purebreeding' cats. Another important difference is that most breeds also have certain traits of personality, also known as temperment, and domestic cats do not pass along the specific traits of any particular breed. They may ACT like Russian Blues or Siamese or again the Breed Flavor of the day ... but that doesn't make them members of that breed family any more than acting like you are French when you are not French makes you French. Make sense?

The accurate term for a Breed Mix cat is Domestic Short or Long Haired Cat depending, of course, on the hair coat length.

I really have acknowledge and stated several times that I realize technically Cosmo is not a Russian Blue (or Korat or other all blue pure breed), or even a "Russian Blue Mix". I have read the breed standard, and I have educated myself on how stringent the rules are.

They may ACT like Russian Blues or Siamese or again the Breed Flavor of the day ... but that doesn't make them members of that breed family any more than acting like you are French when you are not French makes you French. Make sense?

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Incorrect analogy. I am American. My heritage is Irish, French and English (mostly Irish). I do not deny my heritage, though I am clearly english-speaking, caucasian American. That doesn't mean I try to pass myself as Irish, or French or English, but knowing where my roots lie is interesting (to say the least). What you are essentially stating is that because my maternal great great grandparents were pure blood Irish, and my paternal great great grandparents were Irish and English, that I am no longer Irish.

Or take my husband for example. He was born here and is American. His mother is 100% Cuban (she immigrated here in 1956). His father is 100% Puerto Rican (he came to NY in 1955). According to this argument, my husband should deny both heritages and mearly say he is an American (or Domestic House Human LOL). Even if that were true, even if "technically" he couldn't call himself Cuban & Puerto Rican, it wouldn't change the fact that his bloodline indicates he's both.

I was never talking about how the Cat acts -- his personality was just part of the equation on top of how he LOOKS. Obviously, I can't ask him who his parents were

There are questions I keep asking that haven't been answered. It doesn't even matter the breed or breed mix -- I'd just like to know, the most important being...

How do you tell a double coat? I THINK he has a double coat, but am not exactly sure.

Vespa, I meant no offense to you. I've taken everything you said very seriously and have said quite a few times that this is just an exercise for fun... but regardless of a strict breed standard, and the fact that I realize any offspring that are mixed would immediately no longer be Russian Blues, I think realistically it's safe to say that unintentional mixes have happened. I know the minute it does the kittens are technically DHCs - but that doesn't change the fact they'd have Russian Blue blood running through their veins, inhereting traits from their lineage. For all we know Cosmo was the offspring of a Russian Blue (or Chartreaux or Korat or British Blue) dad and a DHC mom, by MISTAKE, by an OOPS, by a cat that ran away, by the owner of a cat they bought a RBlue as a pet that ran away, or before it got fixed mated with their other shelter rescue DHC. It most certainly happens. I presented the comparison to my friend who recently bought a pure bred Maine Coon. He loves the cat dearly and takes excellent care of his kitties, but it isn't yet neutered because it's too young. What if it were to accidentally get out or get stolen?

<begin edit>

Added on edit (3:00pm 3/28) - because in reading even more about Russian Blues I thought it was interesting based on our conversation here:

Originally Posted by www.russianblue.info

Does the Russian Blue come in any other colors?

The true Russian Blue, produced naturally by Mother Nature, only comes in one color - BLUE, as their name implies. This is the only color accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association, and the Russian Blue Fanciers. There are some individuals, in other associations, that are hybridizing the Russian Blue with other breeds to produce a variety of colors and coat lengths.

http://www.russianblue.info/russian_blue_faqs.htm

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and another interesting link...

Originally Posted by www.platinaluna.com

This may seem obvious, but over the years, some individuals have introduced additional colors and patterns into their breeding program by hybridizing with non-pedigreed domestic cats.

Others have taken domestic blue longhaired cats, mixed some Russian Blues in, and developed a breed recognized in some other associations as the Nebelung... <snip>

...There is absolutely no evidence of Russian Blues naturally occurring in any other color or pattern than solid blue contrary to whatever mythology some have chosen to create. In other words, if the cat is any other color than blue, then is is NOT a Russian Blue, but a domestic cat, perhaps with a little Russian Blue in it.

http://www.platinaluna.com/about_russian_blues.htm

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So, as I read that, Russian Blues are bred with other breeds. They don't result in "Russian Blues" but do result in other breeds or even "mixed breeds" with Russian Blue heritage.

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Vespa, Please don't take offense to anything I've said. Nothing was meant as a personal attack against you.

And Imagyne, if you feel you need to close this post I do understand. Ultimately, it's not all that important to have hurt feelings over what my cat's heritage may or may not be. I will love Cosmo none-the-less.

Originally Posted by Amy-DHH

Incorrect analogy. I am American. My heritage is Irish, French and English (mostly Irish). I do not deny my heritage, though I am clearly english-speaking, caucasian American. That doesn't mean I try to pass myself as Irish, or French or English, but knowing where my roots lie is interesting (to say the least). What you are essentially stating is that because my maternal great great grandparents were pure blood Irish, and my paternal great great grandparents were Irish and English, that I am no longer Irish.

Or take my husband for example. He was born here and is American. His mother is 100% Cuban (she immigrated here in 1956). His father is 100% Puerto Rican (he came to NY in 1955). According to this argument, my husband should deny both heritages and mearly say he is an American (or Domestic House Human LOL). Even if that were true, even if "technically" he couldn't call himself Cuban & Puerto Rican, it wouldn't change the fact that his bloodline indicates he's both.

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Thank you, that's exactly what I meant but I was trying to say it the wrong way... just call me Ms. Inarticulate! It's not a matter of what you want to call the darned thing, it's just common curiosity to want to know his heritage and understand a bit about why he looks the way he looks.

I only wish I knew that about myself since you can only track my family back to the 1700's in the US and then it disappears (presumably overseas). My mom thought she was 1/2 Irish all her life until the internet ancestry research proved otherwise (somebody's father was telling her a falsehood!)... and she proved her heritage by flashing her green eyes. I guess that's sort of like the point they were trying to make... that by specifically labeling it "part RB" because of how it looks is like my mom celebrating a heritage that she had very little to no part of (oops!) because she had green eyes. *Grasping at straws trying to understand where the conversation got off track!* Am I even close? I think my brain got left behind somewhere around the the third post before i even stuck my big clueless nose into it.

Heheheh Sooz,

Family history is fun stuff, and I have an aunt who is really into it. She's done really detailed albums for all the immediate family groups in our clan, and it's so interesting to see how far back you can trace your lineage.

Of course, trying to figure out if Cosmo has any significant breed in his make-up is all just for fun, since there's no way to really know (unless the cat fairy shows up to tell me hehehe). I can only guess based on his coat and its characteristics combined with his body shape and eye color, and lastly, his temperment.

Interesting thing - I was looking tonight at his feet. His paw pads upon first glance look purely grey, but looking at them today they have a hint of pink/mauve to them. They are really dry right now (poor guy) so it's hard to tell. They are definitely more greyish than pinkish though. Can I take him to the salon for a paraffin wax treatment?

If it pleases you to say your cat looks like a Russian Blue, then by all means, have right on at it. You have already made it quite clear that you really don't care one way or the other. Please know that when you ask breeders to help you determine what breed or mix your non-pedigreed cat may be, then you are essentially asking us to pull rabbits out of our hats. You love your cat, that is a fact that will not change so - ok then. I guess we are done here.

Now on to your question about the double coat ...

First, separate the fur at the skin and see if there is a very fine, soft and downy layer up close to the skin. If so, then your cat has both an undercoat and an upper coat. Hope this helps.

~gf~

GF,

Doesn't please me either way honestly. Just thought it was interesting and fun to try to figure out. To me he looks like Cosmo the King and makes an entrance into a room like Cosmo Kramer -- I could tell my friends and family he looks like a Russian Blue or a Bolivian Blue-Grey Ocelot and they wouldn't know the difference or give a hoot

As for the coat...

There is definitely a soft downy layer up close to the skin, and when you look real close it almost appears like it was crimped with a tiny little hair crimper (like waves). This layer is maybe between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch thick (guessing). It is also a lighter color than the grey-blue outer layer, which itself it tipped in silver.

So if I was guessing based on what you said, he has a double coat.

Amy, that's what it is really all about - your feelings for him. It really isn't important WHAT kind of cat he is ... I really did try to allow everyone to understand that in my posts, but evidently, the written word does escape me at times. This was one of those times, I suppose. I can and will expand further if you (or anyone else) would like, but the fact is that I am a purist and will only continue with the thought process already started in this thread - so if it isn't important anymore, then I won't waste my time.

And yes, based on your description of his fur, then I would have to agree - sounds like a double coat.

I have a similar situation with adopting a beautiful, extremely intelligent cat who is so different from any other cats I've had experience with that I too believe he has some purebred in him (in my case Korat). Unlike your Cosmo, Buddy has more of a heart shaped wedge head, he also has more shiny, silvery fur. Buddy chirps to locate me and his "sister" my other cat. Buddy has fetched since we got him, and loves to snuggle every single night at bed time. He also has a lightly ringed tail, charcoal pads, yellowish eyes with a deeper green ring around the center(he's only 1 yr old so they wouldnt have changed yet). I live in Miami, quite a big and diverse city. While I completely understand the 'high standards' that breeders are held to there is no real way to ensure that every single cat will be spared a visit to a shelter.

I would like some experienced opinions on Buddy. I can post more diverse pictures shortly, with different lighting also to highlight his true colors- in this pic he looks dull or flat grey.

Buddy looks beautiful JR!! Cosmo has the green ring around his pupil as well, and being he's only about a year old it's hard to know if they'll go further green. It's really hard to capture their true color with a camera! I find some of the ones of Cosmo look to brown (have a yellowish color like your shot), but the one's in my signature probably capture his overall color best. He's a true blue-grey color, he has a double coat, and his fur has silver tipping.

Also, one thing I was WRONG about! His paw pads are NOT charcoal as I originally thought. They were very dried out when we first brought him home, and they looked quite grey... but now that they are softening up and the very dry skin is falling off, his paw pads are a mauve, deep pink color!