In recent years it has become increasingly evident that today's Maine Coon cat is in need of some genetic diversity.  We have learned through the research of many dedicated breeders that 65% - 70%  of today's average Maine Coon pedigree traces back to 5 original cats (known as the top 5).  You can read more about this on the Maine Coon Heritage Site.

Therefore, in 1999, we decided to pursue an effort to work with some new foundation lines. We had been breeding and showing for 4 years and believed our breed type and conformation was strong enough to do this.  In the meantime, it would be bringing in some much needed genetic diversity and hybrid vigour.

That year we introduced Coonmora's Shot in the Dark (of Wyndabbey) an F2 (or second generation foundation) stud male to our breeding programme.  Sid came to us by way of Connie Zimmerman of Coonmora Maine Coons, and we are very grateful that she allowed us have him. Sid has proven to be all we had hoped for and you can see pictures and learn more about him on his own page.

Our philosophy about foundation work is this. We believe you cannot forget about those purebred cats who have made our breed what it is today. We believe we need to continue to show our cats regularly to ensure that what we are breeding, whether it be from foundation lines, show lines or a combination of both, meet the criteria of what a Maine Coon should be. This is not only for type, but also for temperament. Having said that, genetic diversity and hybrid vigour are extremely important and that is why we are integrating the newer foundation lines with the established show lines. In the end, it is our goal to produce beautiful, typey cats with greater genetic diversity.  We believe we have succeeded and below are some examples.