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Legendary Ragdolls
"Patriarca Raganelson" and "Patriarca Ragakevin", the German pioneers
ithout Nelson and Kevin, and especially without Karin Hughes-Dentler (Germany), the owner of both cats, the Ragdoll world of the European mainland would probably look very different today. Though Nelson and Kevin were not the very first Ragdolls in Germany, they set the ball of Ragdoll enthusiasm rolling.
In the Ragdoll book by IG Ragdoll , Karin tells how it started:
n 1982 I became a member of 1.DEKZV e.V. (FIFe). We started to show our domestic shorthairs Misha and Gipsy. Mischa did very well at shows. After a while we decided we would like to add a purebred male to our family.
love big cats, so the question was: Maine Coon or Ragdoll. I also wanted a cat with blue eyes, so only the Ragdoll was eligible. But where to find such a cat? In Germany there was only one breeder at that time, but she had no kitten we wanted to purchase. I happened to lay my hands on an English cat magazine and an advertisement caught my eye - "Ragdolls". I phoned the breeder straight away, but unfortunately she had only a 3 month old seal colorpoint boy while I was dreaming of a blue bicolor.
n those days we visited cat shows frequently and my husband wanted to know why I want a Ragdoll. After all it was a breed that wasn't even recognized. My argument: Then I will take the breed to recognition. I am going to found a Ragdoll club to find as many Ragdoll fans as possible. Of course, I was pronounced mad.
ut when I get an idea in my head, nothing will prevent me following it through. And I had another ulterior motive: Because we need all three Ragdoll patterns for gaining recognition, we would start with the Colorpoint boy from England."
nd so it happened. In October 1985, Karin picked up the seal colorpoint kitten Nelson from Cromer, England (DOB: June 28, 1985. Dam: Patriarca Ragablue Bajou, blue bicolor, Sire: Patriarca Ragfearless Fred, seal colorpoint). In February 1986, the family was joined by seal bicolor Kevin (DOB: December 16, 1985. Dam: Patriarca Ragsann Tatters, seal mitted, Sire: Petil-Lu Willy Wombat, seal bicolor). One month before, in January 1986, Karin had founded the German Ragdoll club - "Interessengemeinschaft Ragdoll" (IG). Several articles about the breed and the Interessengemeinschaft appeared in different magazines which caused a great interest. The group increased rapidly, and soon the IG was able to welcome its first international members.
elson was the very first Ragdoll shown in Switzerland (December 07/08, 1985) and Austria (February 01/02, 1985). Kevin's first show was in San Marino in March 1986. There hadn't been a Ragdoll shown there before either, and as a big thank you the San Marino cat club awarded the two boys with a huge trophy. This was particularly thoughtful and kind, and much appreciated. As the Ragdolls were not recognized by FIFe yet, they often got only a miniature-sized rosette at shows, if any rosette at all. But the most important goal was still the promotion of the breed and in this respect Karin was achieving a great success.
t their countless shows Nelson and Kevin captivated many spectators, and exhibitors of other breeds. Kevin impressed them with his size and striking markings, while Nelson looked like a giant cuddly teddy bear. But the most remarkable feature of all, was their unique personality. They were always friendly and relaxed, and you did not have to hold them in the judging ring. They just sat on the table and enjoyed the people's admiration.
nvitiations from different cat organisations for demonstrations of the Ragdoll were now coming in thick and fast. And the judges started to seriously deal with the breed. But the highlight was the recognition show in Rosenheim/Germany in March 1991. Karin had managed what many had doubted before: The Ragdoll breed was recognized by FIFe from January 01, 1992, including championship status of the Bicolor pattern.
The Hughes-Dentler family car
with Kevin's picture on the hood |
evin was one of the Bicolors presented to the FIFe board in Estoril/Portugal in May 1991. As usual he showed himself at his best and everybody loved him. His last show was in November 1993. He got his final CAPE there and so he became the very first Ragdoll who was awarded with a FIFe-European title.
fterwards Kevin enjoyed his retirement, only now and then interrupted by a presentation of the breed. His last appearance in the public was at the FIFe General Assembly in Bad Kissingen/Germany in 1998. Karin writes: "Here he was a classic example for the change of the Ragdoll breed during the last decade". Kevin passed away in August 1999.
Karin with Nelson in the show hall
in Karlsruhe |
he recognition show for the Colorpoint pattern took place in Karlsruhe/Germany in 1996. Of course, the 11 year old Nelson was present too! After all, all had started with him. At 12 years of age, he achieved the Premier title. His last show was in November 1997. As the climax of his show career he got his first CACIB there, became Best Veteran and was nominated for Best in Show. Nelson went over the Rainbow Bridge in May 2000.
arin's dream of the FIFe-recognition of all three Ragdoll patterns has come true with the Championship status of the Mitteds from January 1, 1999. Over the years many Ragdoll fanciers have contributed to the breed's success. But I think it is not presumptuous to say, without Karin's dedication and hard work, the recognition and current popularity of the breed would not have been possible. Karin is a true phenomenon, for 16 years she has been President of IG Ragdoll, and supported all interests regarding Ragdolls. She has done this although she has never bred herself. But maybe this is just the key to her success ;-). Anyway, we Ragdoll folks hope that Karin enjoys her work for many more years - we don't want to be without her!
