Thursday, May 17, 2007

Thursday Thirteen: Sphynx Characteristics

Thursday Thirteen


#18 - 13 Sphynx Characteristics

  1. Sphynx are very people-orientated and affectionate. Sphynx are very inquisitive and love to be the centre of attention. (1,2)

  2. DragonheartSphynx are highly intelligent, playful, and cuddly. (1)

  3. Sphynx have an abundance of energy and mischief and are always with you, on you or showing off for you. "Love Mooch" is the perfect term for these amazing cats. (2)

  4. Sphynx are not completely hairless. The skin should have the texture of chamois, a soft peach or nectarine. The skin may be covered with a very short down. On the ears, muzzle, tail, feet and testicles, there will be short, tightly packed soft hair. (1,2)

  5. A Sphynx' body feels warm and soft to the touch. The lack of a thick insulating coat makes the Sphynx very warm to the touch. (1,2)

  6. Sphynx skin is very wrinkled in kittens and adults should retain as many wrinkles as possible, especially on the head. These wrinkles provide much needed insulation. (1)

  7. DragonheartThe Sphynx is of medium size and body conformation with surprising weight for its size. The Sphynx is firm and muscular with a broad chest, slim neck and pear shaped body. (3)

  8. The Sphynx head is a modified wedge, slightly longer than it is wide, with prominent cheekbones, a distinctive whisker break and whisker pads giving a squared appearance to the muzzle. 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 palpable stop at the bridge of the nose. (3)

  9. Sphynx ears are large to very large. They are broad at the base, open and upright. (3)

  10. Sphynx eyes are large, lemon-shaped, with a wide-open centre while coming to a definite point on each side. (3)

  11. Sphynx legs are medium in proportion to the body. They are sturdy and well muscled with rear legs being slightly longer than the front. Paws are oval with well-knuckled toes; five in front and four behind. The paw pads are thick, giving the appearance of walking on cushions. (3)

  12. DragonheartThe Sphynx tail is slender, flexible, and long while maintaining proportion to body length. It is whip-like, tapering to a fine point. (3)

  13. According to the French breed standard, the Sphynx is part monkey, part dog, part child, and part cat. To say Sphynx are lively is an understatement; they perform monkey-like aerialist feats from the top of doorways and bookshelves. Very devoted and loyal, they follow their humans around, wagging their tails doggy fashion and purring with affection. Sphynx demand your unconditional attention and are as mischievous (and lovable) as children. And despite all that and their unusual appearance, they are completely cats, with all the mystery and charm that has fascinated humankind for thousands of years. While the Sphynx may not be for everyone, its unique appearance and charming temperament has won it an active, enthusiastic following. (4)
References:
1- Canadian Cat Association: Sphynx
2- CFA Breed Profile: Sphynx
3- CFA Breed Standard: Sphynx
4- Animal Planet: Cat Breed Profile: Sphynx


39 comments

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

"The Sphynx is firm and muscular with a broad chest, slim neck and pear shaped body."
We'z not reel firm, but we sher gots da pear shape.
"And despite all that and their alien appearance, they are completely cats, with all the mystery and charm that has fascinated humankind for thousands of years."
Completely cats, huh, I don't think we'z effur seen an incomplete cat. So, dey are saying yoor a cat...duh. See we told yoo beans is weerd.

meh said...

oooh, Dragonheart, you have a very interesting species.
I'd still like to see one of you in real life, though! :)

Christine and FAZ said...

"the Sphynx is part monkey, part dog, part child, and part cat. To say Sphynx are lively is an understatement; they perform monkey-like aerialist feats from the top of doorways and bookshelves" - this is my favourite bit about you. FAZ

p.s. my girl human was in Germany yesterday and she said she waved as she flew over.

Daisy said...

Oh, I never knew the wrinkles helped keep you warm!

I think you fit the breed standard perfectly! Guess what? I am considered a "pet" quality. I think that means I can't be a show cat. Even though the breeder almost kept me, because of my coat.

Parker said...

How interesting! I like the part about you being part monkey, child and cat!
I bet you are fun to be around!
Purrs!

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Would you come over for a visit? We would love to play with you. We used to be wild monkeys and we would love to just watch you play!!

have a happy Thursday Dragonheart!!

The M's said...

Thank you for the wonderful informantion. We enjoy learning more about your species. The girl bean still wants to give you a hug and a kiss.

Monty Q. Kat said...

What did you mean by 'nose break'? You didn't hurt your nose, did you? :(

Forty Paws said...

You are a little monkey the way you play with your toys!!

Luf, Us

Mz Jackson said...

You've probably been asked this, but how are they for people with allergies?

Gattina said...

Arthurs tail is hanging down now, he looks like a horse from behind, tail swings from one side to the other ! I really doubt it will get normal again !

Anna Mary said...

Nice list! Happy TT!

Remember May is Military Appreciation Month!

Mr. Hendrix said...

awwwww, "love mooch" I can see that. You certainly seem like a love to us!

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

I'd love to see you or one of your cousins in purrson! You must be so amazingly soft.
Enjoyed reading your information :)

Tara said...

Thanks for teaching us more about you! You are a wonderful cat!
Tara

=^..^= said...

You sound furry much like me, Dragonheart! 'Cept fur the hairlessness and your pear-shape. My beans say I haf more of a papaya-shape. I fink it is their way of calling me fat.

~Bombay

Mitchypoo said...

I think you are adorable and quite unique. Very interesting list! Happy TT!

http://mitchypoo777.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I love learning about your breed, Dragonheart -- you are a beautiful and regal cat, and you sound like you've got top-notch Cattitude, as well! You make me think of the elegant cats of ancient Egypt.

Purrs and snuggles from Marilyn.

Lyn said...

Well... a Sphynx is ... at least ... hmm. Thanks for your sharing. :-)
Lyn from Bloggin' Outloud

Aloysius said...

I'm pear-shaped, too! It's fascinating that your wrinkles help provide insulation.

Ann M & the Kitties said...

Thanks for telling us all that interesting stuff about yourself, Dragonheart. We love your pictures, too.

Icon Baxter Bentley said...

Very good information, Dragonheart! You are very resourceful. I especially like the last bit that says "perform monkey-like aerialist feats from the top of doorways and bookshelves".
Katie, my little fur sister, wants to try leaping from the top of doorways, too.

purrs,
Icon

The Meezers or Billy said...

wait wait wait wait - MONKEY? you looks like a furry cute and beautiful KITTY to us.

dawnae said...

I never knew much about this breed. they are pretty, very regal looking! Thanks for sharing and informing.

MaR said...

such an interesting, informative TT!
happy thursday :)

Denise Patrick said...

Thanks for the education. Before I found your site, I'd never even heard of your breed.

Happy TT!

Cafe Cats said...

WoW! That was great to learn so much about you, Dragonheart!

I'm up and the update about Samantha is there too. Happy TT!

The Furry Kids said...

Great TT, DH. We liked learning that your wrinkles help with insulation. Plus sphynx kitties sound like great athletes and we all know you are extremely athletic.

Titus, Tazo, & EG

byoc said...

Yer still a cat to me! I have a cat friend named Midnight. He likes to scare little dogs.

Samantha & Mom said...

Great TT 13. You are a very special cat. Thanks for all the information and your pictures were great. I love that we can learn such neat things from others with this meme. Better than searching the net, more person to person. Have a fantastic Thursday.
Be blessed,
Samantha & Tigger

Karen Jo said...

Thanks for the great TT, Dragonheart. I never knew that your wrinkles helped insulate you. Having watched your Sphynx Sports video, I can easily believe the part monkey bit.

Zoey and the furballs said...

Wow! We didn't know any of that. Thanks for sharing!

Lara Croft said...

Adorable and interesting! Look like they would be easy on my allergies too! LC

Mr. Chen and Ollie said...

Wow Dragonheart - you are part monkey!!!??? That is the coolest thing. And, how interesting that your wrinkles provide you insulation. We learn so much about you in these wonderful Sphynx related posts of yours! Great photos, too!
Purrs,
Mr. Chen & Ollie

DK & The Fluffies said...

We just love learning more about you!

Donny and Marie and Casey said...

That's so cool to learn so much about your breed!

The Cats Stephens said...

You are such a great example of a Sphynx Dragonheart! You're always so friendly and knowledgeable!

-Eliot

Unknown said...

Just asking, because I don't know. But are people with cat allergies less likely to be affected by them when around Sphynxes?

JHS said...

Very interesting. I just learned a lot about you! I don't believe I have even seen a Sphynx in person, though.