Devon Rex vs Sphynx

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First breed

Second breed

Category IV — Siamese and Oriental

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex arose in Devon, England, around 1960 and has a wavy coat, but the cause is a different gene from the Cornish Rex's, which is why the two are separate breeds. The coat is short, soft and sparse, and the head, with wide-set large ears and big eyes, has an elfin look. Adults typically weigh around 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms. The coat is not thick, so the cat can feel the cold and seek warmth. Grooming is simple, and stroking suits it better than brushing. Devon Rex cats are usually sociable, playful and like to be close to their owner. Life expectancy is typically around 12 to 16 years.

Category IV — Siamese and Oriental

Sphynx

The Sphynx is a hairless cat from Canada, where a hairless kitten was born in Toronto in the 1960s. It is not entirely bare, since a fine down covers the skin, and the skin is wrinkled. The body is medium-sized and muscular, and the ears are large. Adults typically weigh around 3 to 6.5 kilograms. Because the skin produces oils, it needs regular wiping or bathing, and the cat tolerates cold poorly. Sphynxes are usually very friendly, playful and seek human warmth. The lack of hair is caused by a recessive gene. Life expectancy is typically around 9 to 14 years.

At a glance

	Devon Rex	Sphynx
Weight (male)	3.0–4.5 kg	4.0–6.5 kg
Weight (female)	2.5–3.5 kg	3.0–5.0 kg
Life expectancy	12–16 yrs	9–14 yrs
Coat	wavy, short	hairless

Temperament & Family Life

	Devon Rex	Sphynx
Family friendly
Good with children
Good with dogs
Friendly with strangers
Intelligence
Trainability

Activity & Living Space

	Devon Rex	Sphynx
Energy level
Playfulness
Hunting instinct
Apartment friendly

Personality & Communication

	Devon Rex	Sphynx
Affection
Independence
Vocality

Grooming & Shedding

	Devon Rex	Sphynx
Shedding
Grooming need

Trait scores (1–5) are editorial estimates, not measurements — every cat is an individual.