How were Sphynx cats bred? - briefly
The breeding of Sphynx cats began in the late 1960s when a hairless kitten named Prune was born in Toronto, Canada. Through selective breeding with other cat breeds such as Devon Rex and American Shorthair, breeders aimed to establish the unique characteristics of the Sphynx, leading to its official recognition by major cat registries in the 1970s.
How were Sphynx cats bred? - in detail
The Sphynx cat, known for its hairless appearance and distinctive features, was not deliberately created but rather occurred as a result of a natural genetic mutation. The breed originated in Canada during the late 1960s.
The story begins with a hairless kitten named Prune, born in Toronto to a black and white domestic shorthair cat. This spontaneous mutation, which resulted in Prune's lack of fur, caught the attention of local breeders who recognized its potential for creating a new breed. Prune was bred with other cats, including domestic shorthairs, to stabilize the hairless gene.
One of these offspring, named Epidermis, became instrumental in further developing the Sphynx lineage. Epidermis's progeny exhibited a range of coat types, from completely hairless to those with fine down or patchy fur. This variability indicated that the gene responsible for the hairless trait was recessive, meaning both parents had to carry it for their offspring to be born without fur.
Breeders continued selectively breeding these cats, crossbreeding them with other hairless cat varieties like the Devon Rex and American Hairless Terrier to enhance the Sphynx's unique characteristics and strengthen its genetic lineage. Over time, careful selection and controlled breeding practices have led to the establishment of the Sphynx as a distinct and recognized breed.
Today, the Sphynx is beloved for its wrinkled skin, large ears, and warm, affectionate nature. The breed's unique appearance and temperament are the result of decades of dedicated effort by cat fanciers and breeders who have worked tirelessly to refine and preserve the genetic legacy of that first hairless kitten, Prune.