Cat breed comparison
Russian Blue vs Chartreux
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Russian Blue | Chartreux |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Russia | France |
| Weight | 5 to 11 lbs | 6 to 15 lbs |
| Life span | 10 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Lap cat | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Russian Blue
Said to come from the port of Arkhangelsk in northern Russia, it was taken to Britain by sailors in the 1860s.
Its dense silver-blue coat and green eyes are its hallmarks.
Health to watch
- Obesity
- Bladder stones
The Chartreux
An old French breed associated with Carthusian monks, according to legend. It was a working cat that kept farms free of rodents.
It is quiet, often chirping instead of meowing.
Health to watch
- Patellar luxation
- Polycystic kidney disease
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Affection
The Chartreux is more affectionate than the Russian Blue.
Good with dogs
The Chartreux gets on better with dogs than the Russian Blue.
Grooming needs
The Russian Blue needs more grooming than the Chartreux.
Needs company
The Chartreux needs more company than the Russian Blue.
Energy
The Russian Blue has more energy than the Chartreux.
Good with children
The Chartreux is better with children than the Russian Blue.
Which to choose
Russian Blue or Chartreux?
Choose the Russian Blue if…
- You’d like a more independent cat (it is more independent)
- You’re out for part of the day (it is happier alone)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a cat that tends to have fewer health issues
Choose the Chartreux if…
- You want a cuddly cat (it is more affectionate)
- You want a cat that gets on better with dogs
- You want a cat that needs less grooming
- Someone is home most of the day (it needs more company)
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Russian Blue or the Chartreux?
The Chartreux is generally easier to train than the Russian Blue. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Russian Blue or the Chartreux?
The Chartreux is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Russian Blue can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Russian Blue and Chartreux have?
The Russian Blue is prone to obesity, bladder stones. The Chartreux is prone to patellar luxation, polycystic kidney disease. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
