Breeds of Cats Persion v Ragdoll

Question
what is the difference between the cat breed ragdoll and the cat breed persian, in particluar the himalyan persian?  I dont know alot about cat breeds but they look quite similar to me - also are their personalities different?

Answer
Caroline,

Today's Himalayan looks just like a Persian with a Siamese type of pattern.  They have the long flowing coats, the flatter faces, and "the admire me, but don't expect me to do much" attitude.  They need to be comber/brushed almost every day and should be bathed once a week.

The Ragdoll is a hybrid steeped in some mystery. They are a large cat with a longer body and a bit less heaviness of bone.  The come in a Pointed (Siamese pattern), pointed and white, and a mitted (pointed with white mittens on all fours).  They are somewhat more active than Persians, but not overly active.  They are a bit lower maintenance (the coat is not quite as long and flowing) requiring combing/brushing at least once a week and bathing once a month.  

In both cases these two breeds can be very affectionate and make great lap cats.

Best regards... Norm.