Probably the most surprising fact is that the original Russian colour was tabby. It is strange that - despite this - Russian Tabbies can only be registered in South Australia since they are not a recognised breed in the rest of Australia. This does not mean that you cannot own a Russian Tabby, just that you can't show them in other states. Anou don't breed Russian Tabbies, although they love the colour and may purchase their own at some later stage. Russians are also available in solid black and solid white. They also breed Russian Blacks with their queen, Mila and Russian Whites with their queen Zima.
The Russian Blue is a natural breed in that is was not created by man, although the blue colour has been selected as preferential. (The blue colouration is a dilute of black). The Russians evolved in the Arctic or semi-Arctic forests of northern Russia. In order to survive the harsh environment it was necessary to develop a good sense of hearing, sight and smell, and especially a plush double-coat that provided insulation from the cold, and provided repellence against water, snow and dirt. Their soft, lustrous, bright blue double coat is the Russian's most characteristic feature.
The Russian Blue has also been known as the 'Archangel Cat', Foreign Blue, Spanish Blue, American Blue, and even the British Blue. The breed is believed to have originated in or near the city of Archangelinsk, and it is said that they were brought by sailors from the Archangel Isles to England and Northern Europe in the1860's. The Russian Blue was first officially recognised as a breed in Great Britain in 1948... In 1962 Ann Vise, of Myemgay cattery in Sydney, imported the first two Russian Blue cats into Australia from England.