Chapter
45: Sphynx
CFA Standard
Point Score
Head ................ 35
Size/Shape ....... 5
Ears ............. 10
Muzzle/Chin ...... 5
Profile .......... 5
Cheekbones ....... 5
Eyes ............. 5
Body ................ 35
Neck ............. 5
Chest ............ 10
Abdomen and Rump . 10
Legs and Feet .... 5
Tail ............. 5
Coat/Skin ........... 30
GENERAL The most distinctive feature of this cat is its appearance of hairlessness. The Sphynx is of medium
size and body conformation with surprising weight for its size. The head shape is a modified wedge, with
prominent cheekbones and whisker pads giving a squared appearance to the muzzle. The body is warm and soft
to the touch, with a chamois-like texture to the skin. Females (six to eight pounds) are generally smaller than males
(eight to ten pounds). The Sphynx is sweet-tempered, lively, intelligent, and amenable to handling.
HEAD: The head is slightly longer than it is wide, with prominent cheekbones and a distinctive whisker break.
The skull is slightly rounded with a flat plane in front of the ears. The nose is straight and there is a slight to
moderate stop at the bridge of the nose.
CHEEKS AND CHEEKBONES: Prominent, rounded cheekbones which define the eye and form a curve
above the whisker break.
MUZZLE AND CHIN: Whisker break with prominent whisker pads. Strong, well developed chin forming
perpendicular line with upper lip.
EARS: The ears are large to very large, full at the base tapering to a rounded tip. They are set at a slight angle on
the head, but are not flaring. The interior of the ears is naturally without furnishing.
EYES: Large, lemon shaped eyes slanted slightly upward at outer edges. They are set wide apart. Color should
be clear and appropriate to coat color.
BODY: The body is medium length, hard and muscular with broad rounded chest and full round abdomen. The
rump is well rounded and muscular. Back line is slightly arched. Boning is medium.
NECK: The neck is medium in length, rounded, well muscled, with a slight arch. Allowance to be made for heavy
musculature in adult males.
LEGS AND FEET: Legs are medium in proportion to the body and are sturdy and well muscled. Paws are oval
with five toes in front and four behind. The toes are long and slender, more so than in other breeds. The paw pads
are thick, giving the appearance of walking on cushions.
TAIL: Slender flexible tail, in proportion to the body length, heavier at the base and tapering to the tip.
COAT/SKIN: The appearance of this cat is one of hairlessness. However, there is a very fine down on the skin,
giving the overall feel of soft warm chamois. Short, soft, fine hair is allowed on the feet, across the bridge of the
nose and cheekbones, back of the ears, the scrotum, and tail. This lack of coat on the body creates a feeling of
resistance when stroking the cat. Wrinkled skin is desirable, particularly around the muzzle, between the ears, and
around the shoulders. There are usually no whiskers but if whiskers are present they are short and sparse..
COLOR: Since this cat is hairless, color and pattern are difficult to distinguish and should not affect the judging of
the cat. White lockets, buttons, or belly spots are allowed.
PENALIZE: Visible down-like hair on the body. Delicate or frail appearance; body too short and heavy or too
long and slender. Thin abdomen or rump, or narrow chest .
DISQUALIFY: Kinked or abnormal tail. Structural abnormalities other than hairlessness. Any indication of hair
anywhere other than the extremities as described above.
The following information is for reference purposes only and not an official part of the CFA Show
Standard.
Sphynx Provisional Color Class Number
All Colors 5100 5101
ALLOWABLE OUTCROSS BREEDS: American Shorthair, Domestic Shorthair,
For the purpose of establishing our foundation cats, the foundation cats may show a Devon Rex in the pedigree
within three generations but no Sphynx with a Devon Rex parent is eligible for registration. As of January 1st,
2000, a Sphynx with Devon Rex on a three-generation pedigree will not be registerable. |
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