Don Sphynx

Abbreviation:

Donskoy

FIFe:

DSP

Place of Origin:

Russia

Ancestors:

House Shorthair Cats

Breed type:

Hairless cat

Body type:

Firm, flexible

Weight:

4 - 7 kg

Colour variants:

All colours

History: Hairless cats like Sphynx they were appeared centuries ago, as well as ancient Aztecs, who also bred hairless dogs. The gene corresponding to the absence of hair is recessive. It can therefore be donated from one cat to another for generations without any recognition. The hairless kitten is born when two cats are matted, carrying the same recessive gene for hairlessness.

The first Don Sphynx was born in Russia in 1987. One naked cat appeared among the house cat kittens. It was named Varija, and the exceptional nature of this cat was that its gene for hairlessness was dominant (unlike the Canadian Spynx, whose hairlessness gene is recessive).  It was inherited by every its descendants.

Temperament: Don Sphynx is a nice, playful and active cat that easily clings to its person and demands master´s attention. It is very poorly tolerated. It has a temperamental and inquisitive nature, it is learning very quickly and it is very quiet.

Body: The flexible and elegant body is of medium size, with a firm body. Strong legs have oval paws with long fingers, among which are so-called floating membranes. The hind legs are longer than the front. The long and strong tail has a round toe. The wedge-shaped head has a straight forehead with wrinkles. The strikingly large ears have rounded toes. The eyes are also big.

Coat: The skin of the Don´s Sphynx is elastic, with wrinkles on the head, neck and legs. The touch is very pleasant. Some kittens can be born with a fine coat, but they will disappear within two years. Some individuals may have a maximum length of 2 cm in the head, nose, legs or tail. Therefore, three types of hairlessness are grown: hairless, brush and flock, the last two being different degree of coat, varying in length and location on the coat.

Care: Moulting and hair care are not present in the case of Sphynx, but this does not mean that their skin does not need to be care regularly. Their skin produces a wax, so these cats should be washed twice a month with a neutral pH shampoo. Ears should be cleaned regularly and the claws should be cut.

Colour variants:

All colour variations are allowed.