Last Updated 13/07/2010.
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Sphynx
Standard Of Points for Sphynx (84)
General Type Standard
The most distinctive feature of the cat is
its lack of fur. The Sphynx is of medium size, boning, and body conformation
with surprising weight for its size. The head shape is a modified wedge with
prominent cheekbones and whisker pads. The body is warm and soft to the touch
with a chamois leather like texture to the skin. Males are generally larger than
females. The Sphynx is sweet tempered, lively, intelligent, and amenable to
handling
Head - The head is a modified wedge with rounded contours, slightly longer than
it is wide, with prominent cheekbones and distinctive whisker break with
prominent whisker pads and strong rounded 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 stop at the bridge of the nose. Strong chin, level bite with
the nose leather and chin in a straight line.
Ears - Large, wide open at the base tapering to a rounded tip. They are set at a
slight angle to the head with theouter base of the ears level with the outer
corner of the eye but are not flaring. The interior of the ears is naturally
without furnishings
Eyes - Large and lemon shaped, slanted slightly upwards towards the outer edges
of the ears and set wide apart. Any colour acceptable
Body - The body is medium length, hard and muscular with a broad, rounded chest
and abdomen. The rump is well rounded and muscular. The neck is medium to long
and well muscled. Allowance to be made for heavy musculature in adult males.
Legs and feet - Legs are of medium length but in proportion to the body and are
sturdy and well muscled. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front. Paws
are oval. The toes are long and slender and the paw pads are thick giving the
appearance of walking on cushions.
Tail - Long and slender, in proportion to the body length, heavier at the base
and tapering to the tip.
Down & skin - There is fine down on the skin almost imperceptible to the eye,
giving the overall feel of soft warm chamois leather. Slightly thicker down is
permissible on the bridge of the nose, back of the ears, on the feet, scrotum
and to a lesser extent, the tail. This coat texture creates the feeling of
resistance when stroking the cat. Wrinkled skin may appear particularly around
the muzzle, between the ears and around the shoulders. Any whiskers and eyebrows
should be short and sparse.
Colour - Colour is irrelevant a cat should not be penalised if apparently
wrongly registered as there are no points for colour.
Scale of Points
| Head | |
| Shape and size |
5 |
| Muzzle and chin | 5 |
| Profile | 5 |
| Cheekbones | 5 |
| Eyes | 5 |
| Ears | 10 |
|
Total |
35 |
| Body | 15 |
| Legs and feet | 10 |
| Tail | 5 |
| Neck | 5 |
| Skin and down | 30 |
|
Total |
100 |
Withhold all awards for:
1. The complete absence of down.
2. Excessive fur
Withhold Certificates or First Prizes in Kitten Open Classes:
1. Disproportional small ears
2. Round eyes
3. Lack of prominent cheekbones
4. Lack of whisker break with prominent whisker pads
5. Rounded feet or thin paw pads
6. Delicate appearance
7. Any other defect as listed in the preface to this S.O.P. booklet.
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Breeding Policy for Sphynx (84)
Introduction
This document has been prepared to ensure that breeders observe what is considered ‘Best Practice’ when breeding Sphynx cats and in particular when planning a breeding programme.
Sphynx, as in common with other new breeds owe their origin to a very small number of cats. It must always be remembered that many of the early Sphynx bred were closely related to each other.
Aims
In order to produce and maintain the best quality cats it is necessary at times to have selective outcrossing as other breeds have had to do at the inception.
The Sphynx originally come from a domestic shorthair and it is believed this is the best line for outcrossing. Variants from these matings can be very useful because of their unrelated bloodlines and the ability to select the best points from a particular cat.
Guidelines
All cats used for outcrossing should be thoroughly researched, of sound temperament and free from all hereditary defects.
Breeders should ensure that to the best of their knowledge, any Sphynx or Sphynx Variants which are used for breeding should conform to the above and match the Standard of Points as closely as possible
It is recommended that progeny from any matings not required for breeding purposes should be placed on the Non-Active Register to avoid the introduction into other breeds.
It is recommended any Sphynx used for
breeding should be heart scanned annually. The resulting certificate
should not indicate evidence of "HCM”.
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Registration Policy for Sphynx (84)
Breeds which have been approved for use in outcrossing are: Russian Blue and Domestic Shorthair. In addition, European Shorthair and American Shorthair are permitted in the pedigrees of imported cats.
FULL REGISTER
Sphynx with Full or Provisional recognition which have in the preceding three generations only Sphynx.
SUPPLEMENTARY REGISTER
Sphynx with Full or Provisional recognition which have in the preceding three generations only Sphynx or Sphynx Variants. Any Sphynx Variants appearing in the pedigree must have been bred from cats on the approved list of breeds.
EXPERIMENTAL REGISTER
Sphynx with Preliminary recognition which have in the preceding three generations only Sphynx or Sphynx Variants. Any Sphynx Variants appearing in the pedigree must have been bred from cats on the approved list of breeds.
REFERENCE REGISTER
1. Sphynx Variants produced from cats on the approved list. Previously acceptable crosses to Devon Rex which helped to produce foundation stock win no longer be acceptable. Cats already being used for foundation stock with Devon Rex in their pedigrees will be placed on the appropriate register and their offspring will be eligible to progress. All other breeds are listed as non-approved.
2. Normal coated cats produced from Variant x Variant matings will have no breed number, only colour description and will be overstamped "may carry the Sphynx gene"
3. Any cat of Sphynx appearance which has in its pedigree within the preceding three generations any breed other than those listed above shall be registered on the Reference Register as no recognised breed with no progression.
4. All cats resulting from Sphynx x Devon Rex matings, registered after 21st June 2006 shall be registered on the Reference Register as no recognised breed with no progression.
Note 1. Muscular dystrophy (USpasticity"')
Muscular dystrophy ("spasticity") is known to exist in the Sphynx breed and work is progressing to identify the gene involved. When a DNA test is available, the following shall come into effect Sphynx and Sphynx Variants may be registered on the Active Register only if they have themselves been genetically tested as normal for this gene,. or their parents have been tested normal, or cats on every pedigree line in previous generations have tested normal. Pedigree line means both parents, or 4 grandparents, 8 greatgrandparents, 16 great-great-grandparents and so on, or any combination of the same which is inclusive of both the sire's and dam's ancestors. Sphynx and Sphynx Variants which have not been genetically tested or which have been genetically tested as carriers of this gene shall be registered on the Non-Active Register or the Genetic Register. Any such cats which are already registered on the Active Register shall be moved to the Genetic Register. Offspring of cats registered on the Genetic Register may only be registered on the Active Register if they have themselves been genetically tested as normal for this gene. All other offspring of cats registered on the Genetic Register shall be registered on the Non-Active Register or the Genetic Register.
Note 2: This Registration policy shall not be retrospective. The offspring of cats registered prior to date of recognition as Sphynx or Sphynx Variants shall be registered as directed by the Registration Policy. A Variant is a cat that is normal coated resulting from a Sphynx mating.
For further information please contact the Secretary of the Joint Rex Breed Advisory Committee