|
 The
Devon Rex is a breed of unique appearance, having large eyes, a
short muzzle, prominent cheekbones and huge, low-set ears. Its
medium-fine frame is covered by a distinctive soft, wavy coat that
comes in a rainbow of colors, including pointed colors. The Devon
is alert and active, and shows a lively interest in its
surroundings.
Other Names
Poodle Cat
Native Country
Great Britain
Breed Description
Build: muscular, chunkier than Cornish
Rex
Head: wedge-shaped with a pronounced
chin and slender neck
Ears: large and wide-set
Eyes: large, almond and wide set
Face: curly whiskers
Tail: long and thicker than the
Cornish Rex
Legs: long and slim
Coat: wavy, not as curly as Cornish
Rex
History
A
funny little guy with a lambswool coat and bat ears In 1960 in
Devon, England, Ms. Beryl Cox found a curly-coated male cat in a
litter of feral cats living in an abandoned mine. This male was
bred with a tricolor female, who gave birth to a curly-coated male
that Cox named Kirlee. Kirlee was then bred with Cornish Rex cats,
the resulting kittens had very straight hair, indicating that the
two genes responsible for these two mutations, that of the Devon
Rex and that of the Cornish Rex, were different and recessive. In
an effort to pin down the mutant Devon Rex gene, Kirlee was
extensively inbred. Unfortunately, this led to the appearance, in
some lines, of a fatal hereditary disease known as “spasticity.”
But the breed has been closely monitored, and American and French
breeders have worked together to breed healthy individuals with
carefully planned pedigrees. The Devon Rex was officially
recognized by the F.I.Fe. in 1967. In the United States, the breed
was not distinguished from the Cornish Rex until after 1979. It is
recognized by the C.F.A. and by T.I.C.A., which published a
standard in 1988.
Behavior
The
Devon Rex is a lively, playful, acrobatic cat but is a bit less
active than the Cornish Rex. Naturally cheerful and independent,
Devon Rexes are friendly toward other cats and toward dogs. They
hate being left alone. Very affectionate and sensitive, they are
pleasant companions with soft, quiet voices. Kittens develop
quickly. The coat does not attain its adult appearance until about
6 months. Daily brushing is enough to maintain the Devon’s coat.
Devons hardly shed at all. They must be bathed regularly, since
they sweat and their ears produce a great deal of wax. The
pedigree should be examined closely in order to avoid the risk of
spasticity. |
