Don Sphynx and Canadian: so similar and so different

Sphynx cats are amazing creatures. Mostly hairless, they cause delight in some, discourage others. But having taken such a kitten for the first time, the owners understand how wonderful animals they are.

History of two breeds

The Canadian Sphynx was bred in Ontario, Canada in 1966. For several decades, the breed won the hearts of millions of people, becoming popular in the United States, and later around the world. The Don Sphynx, in turn, comes from Russia, from the city of Rostov-on-Don. The first kittens of the breed were born at the very end of the XNUMXth century.

External differences

The Canadian Sphynx: a velor wonder you can’t help but fall in love with. But the difference between the Canadian Sphynx and the Don Sphynx is immediately visible even in kittens.

Eye section. The Canadian has round and large eyes. The Donetsk resident has slightly slanting, almond-shaped.

The presence of a mustache. Canadian Sphynx usually lack whiskers. Mustaches are attached to most of the Don Sphynx.

Muzzle The head of the Don cat is more elongated, with pronounced cheekbones and a sloping forehead.

Wrinkles on the body. The Don Sphynx has much less wrinkles on the neck and in the armpits than the Canadian.

Dominant baldness gene in Donetsk residents. In a Sphynx mother, most of the kittens will be hairless if she comes from Russia. Canadian sphinxes have a recessive gene for baldness, so the offspring can be mixed: woolen kittens mixed with bald ones.

Character and habits 

How does the Canadian Sphynx differ from the Don Sphynx in terms of character?

The Don Sphynx is more sociable, gets along well with all family members, likes to meet guests and is calm about other pets. This is a playful and energetic breed. More information about the nature and upbringing of sphinxes can be found in the article “Communication with the sphinx: features of behavior and education.”

The Canadian is a little more phlegmatic. He will choose his own owner and will spend time with him. If a noisy company comes to visit the owner, the Canadian Sphynx will retire to another room, away from the hustle and bustle. Canadians treat other animals calmly, but try to keep their distance.

When deciding who to choose – the Canadian or Don Sphynx, you need to determine which type of temperament is more suitable for the future owner. In general, representatives of both breeds are quite friendly cats.

Hairless cats health

The difference between the Don Sphynx and the Canadian Sphynx is also noticeable in terms of health.

Canadian sphinxes require more attention in this sense. They are more susceptible to various diseases. Donetsk residents have strong immunity, but they also need special care.

Both breeds do not tolerate cold well, which is due to their lack of wool and undercoat. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the cat does not overcool. The article Hairless cats: how to care for hairless cats will help you understand the nuances of care.

Yes, sphinxes need special care, but this is a very unusual and graceful breed. A Sphynx kitten, Don or Canadian, will definitely not leave anyone in the family indifferent.

See also:

Hairless cats: the right care for hairless cats

Communication with the Sphinx: features of behavior and education

Canadian Sphynx: velor miracle

How to name a kitten