The Canadian Sphynx Breed

 The Canadian Sphynx breed was started in 1966 in Toronto, Ontario when a hairless male kitten named Prune was born to a black and white domestic short hair queen (Elizabeth).   The kitten was mated with his mother (called back crossing), which produced one more naked kitten as the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation.

 Originally called Canadian Hairless, Canadian Sphynx cats are the only cat breed to originate in Canada. 

How the Sphynx got it name- 'As hairless cats started to become more common, breeders decided to call it the Sphynx, named after the big limestone sculpture in Egypt'.

 By 2002, the Sphynx was recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association, the Cat Fanciers Association, and The International Cat Association (TICA). 

Almost all Sphynx cats born today are descended from three hairless kittens born in Toronto in the late 70s. (Holistapet)

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The Canadian Sphynx breed are hairless due to a mutation in the gene that is responsible for providing hairs with their keratin protein as they emerge from the follicle. The hair is formed, but it has a weaker structure and becomes easily  damaged and dislodged. 

Specifically, the recessive mutation is in the keratin 71 gene (KRT71), which plays a key role in hair formation.'. (BBC Science Focus)

Traits & Characteristics

• Canadian Sphinx are medium-sized, weighing 6 to 12 pounds, with an average lifespan of 8 to 14+ years.
• Energetic and loyal, Sphynx cats are sometimes 'described as being part monkey, part dog and part baby. This illustrates a beautiful picture of what one can expect when sharing their life with a Sphynx.'    (Shauntay Burris)  
• Despite their smooth, hairless appearance they have very fine down/fuzz that makes them feel like warm suede or chamois leather, and downy tufts near their ears, toes, and nose. They also have thicker or paw pads the appearance of walking on “air cushions”. The toes are very long, slender and prominent.  and a whip-like tail.
• A Sphynx cat is 4 degrees warmer then other breeds.  (Pet parent resources, All About Sphynx Cats) 

The Canadian Sphynx has all the colours and pattern variations that other breeds do Including:

• White
• Black
• Red
• Chocolate
• Lavender
• Tabby
• Tortoiseshell
• Calico
• Pointed
• Mink

  (Pet parent resources, All About Sphynx Cats) 

NO they are not Hypoallergenic!! People assume or are wrongfully told that Sphynx cats are hypoallergenic because they are hairless. This is a false misconception. 

Cat allergies are actually caused by a protein called Fel d1, which can be found on the  skin (dander) and in their saliva. 

An Illustrative view of what a Canadian Sphynx should look like.

*We have posted pictures of Beebee and Bhodi to illustrate their stunning coloring.

More in depth charts are posted in the Gallery below.