The physical traits of the breed include a rectangular, broad-chested body with shoulders supporting a short neck.

[2] The head is a broad, modified wedge with a moderately rounded forehead with short or medium-short muzzle and an obvious nose dip.

[3] Fur length is to be slightly longer around the neck and outer edges of the face, resulting in the appearance of a ruff.

Currently, acceptable outcrossings are as follows: ACFA (Siberian),[7] CFA (Long Haired Selkirk Rex, Straight),[8] GCCF (British Longhair).

[10] In 1975, after a group of IRCA Ragdoll breeders left, Baker decided to spurn traditional cat breeding associations.

While the originally proposed name was Liebling, the name Ragamuffin was put forth as an alternative by Curt Gehm, one of the group's founders, and it was chosen.

In the spirit of improving the breed's genetic health, personality, and temperament, the group selectively allowed a limited amount of outcross to Domestic Longhair cats that appeared to already fit the Standard of Perfection established in ACFA.

Adding to the sweet expression, Ragamuffins have rounded contours between the ears and a nose scoop versus the Ragdoll which calls for flat planes.

Ragamuffins come in all patterns and colors, although colorpoints are permitted to be registered and bred they are not allowed to be shown in CFA[11] or GCCF.