When was the Sphinx breed of cat bred? - briefly
The Sphinx breed of cat was first developed in the 1960s. The breed originated from a natural mutation in domestic cats, with deliberate breeding efforts beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The goal was to create a cat with a distinctive hairless appearance. The breed's development involved crossing various domestic cats, including the Devon Rex, to achieve the desired traits. The Canadian Sphinx, as it is officially known, gained recognition and popularity over the following decades. The breed's unique appearance and affectionate nature have made it a favorite among cat enthusiasts worldwide. The Sphinx breed's development was a result of selective breeding practices aimed at enhancing specific physical characteristics. The breed's history is marked by the contributions of several breeders who worked to standardize and promote the Sphinx. Today, the Sphinx is recognized by major cat registries and is appreciated for its friendly and social temperament. The breed's maintenance requires special care due to its lack of fur, including protection from extreme temperatures and regular skincare. Despite these needs, the Sphinx remains a beloved breed known for its distinctive look and loving personality.
When was the Sphinx breed of cat bred? - in detail
The Sphinx cat breed, known for its distinctive hairless appearance, has an intriguing history that dates back to the late 20th century. The development of this unique breed began in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by the efforts of several breeders who aimed to create a cat with a natural hairless mutation. The journey to establish the Sphinx breed involved several key milestones and contributions from various individuals and organizations.
The earliest documented attempts to breed hairless cats occurred in Canada. In 1966, a domestic shorthaired cat in Ontario gave birth to a hairless kitten named Prune. Unfortunately, Prune was the only hairless kitten in the litter, and efforts to breed more hairless cats from her were unsuccessful. Despite this setback, the interest in developing a hairless cat breed persisted.
In the 1970s, a Dutch breeder named Hugo Hernandez independently discovered a hairless cat in his colony of domestic cats. This cat, named Epidermis, was bred with other domestic shorthairs, resulting in several hairless kittens. Hernandez's work attracted the attention of other breeders, including Sheree Franklin, who was instrumental in establishing the breed in North America. Franklin, along with other breeders, worked to standardize the breed and gain recognition from cat registries.
The breed's development involved careful selection and breeding programs to ensure the health and genetic stability of the hairless trait. Breeders focused on maintaining a diverse gene pool by outcrossing with other breeds, such as the American Shorthair and the Domestic Shorthair. This approach helped to minimize genetic issues and ensure the overall health of the Sphinx cats.
In 1983, the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) recognized the Sphinx as a new breed, marking a significant step towards its acceptance in the cat fancy. The breed's popularity grew, and it began to gain recognition from other major cat registries, including the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1992 and the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) in 1995. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) followed suit in 2002, further solidifying the Sphinx's place in the world of pedigreed cats.
The Sphinx breed's development was a collaborative effort involving breeders from different countries and backgrounds. Their dedication and perseverance were crucial in overcoming the challenges associated with breeding a hairless cat. Today, the Sphinx is celebrated for its unique appearance, affectionate nature, and adaptability, making it a beloved companion for cat enthusiasts worldwide. The breed's history serves as a testament to the passion and commitment of breeders who strive to create and preserve unique feline traits.