Compare breeds
Birman vs Ragdoll
Birman
Long
Ragdoll
Long
Choose the Birman if you want…
Much the same on our scales — meet both and see which personality suits you.
Choose the Ragdoll if you want…
- a family with children
- a home with other pets
- a quieter companion
Side by side
| Trait | Birman | Ragdoll |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Weight | 3–7 kg (7–15 lb) | 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb) |
| Height | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) | 23–28 cm (9–11 in) |
| Life span | 12–16 years | 12–17 years |
| Origin | Burma (developed in France) | United States |
| Energy | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Birman or the Ragdoll?
The Ragdoll — typically about 1.4 times the weight. Birman: 3–7 kg (7–15 lb); Ragdoll: 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb).
Which lives longer, the Birman or the Ragdoll?
Their typical life spans are about the same. Birman: 12–16 years; Ragdoll: 12–17 years.
Is the Birman or the Ragdoll better with children?
The Ragdoll scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
Other comparisons
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts