Selkirk Rex is one of the newest natural breeds. Like the other Rex cats, the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex, this breed has a naturally curly coat. Unlike the other Rex breeds, the Selkirk has a rounded, stocky body type and comes in both longhaired and shorthaired varieties. They are similar in body type to a British Shorthair. Brits, Persians, and Exotics have gone into the development of this breed. Also unlike the Devon and Cornish Rex, this gene is dominant, not recessive.

Native Country

United States

Breed Description

Head: Medium-sized, round, and broad. Skull with a gentle curve. Round forehead. Full cheeks in both sexes. Short, angular muzzle. Hooked nose, slight stop. Curly whiskers and eyebrows. Heavy jaws.
Eyes: Large, round, well-spaced. Even color corresponding to that of the coat.
Neck: Short, thick.
Body: Moderately long, rectangular, stout, heavy. Muscular and strong boned.
Paw: Moderately long. Medium to strong bone and muscle structure. Large, round paws.
Tail: Moderately long, thick, with a rounded tip.
Coat: Thick coat with well-separated curls that are especially numerous on the neck and tail and cover the entire body. No hairless areas. Thick undercoat. The curliness of the coat varies with the climate, seasons, and hormonal condition, especially in females. Kittens are born curly-coated. The curls relax and reform around 8-10 months. The coat continues to develop until the age of two. Shorthaired and longhaired varieties. All colors are recognized, with clearly defined shades being preferred. White lockets are allowed.
Fault: Disqualify: break in the nose. Crossed eyes. Kink in the tail.

History

The basis for the Selkirk Rex breed is a mutation that causes a curly coat. The foundation cat for this breed was a shorthaired, curly coated dilute calico female found in a litter of normal domestic cats born in 1987. The straight coated mother and her family of five straight coated kittens and one curly kitten landed in an animal shelter. The unusual kitten was given to Jeri Newman, an experienced Persian breeder, and named Miss DePesto. When she reached maturity she was bred to Jeri's champion black Persian, Photo Finish of DeeKay. The resulting litter of six contained three curly coated kittens. This proved that the gene was dominant, unlike the recessive gene of the Devon or Cornish Rex. Because there was only one kitten with the curly coat in Miss De Pesto's litter, it is presumed that this was a spontaneous mutation that Miss DePesto then passed on to her offspring. Jeri decided to name the breed after her stepfather, although she told people it was named after the Selkirk Mountains in Wyoming, (which are actually in Canada!) near to where the original cat was found.

Behavior

The temperament of the Selkirk reflects that of the breeds used in its development. They have a lot of the laid-back, reserved qualities of the British Shorthair, the cuddly nature of the Persian, and the playfulness of the Exotic Shorthair. They are very patient, tolerant, and loving. This active cat with a debonair, calm character gets along well with other cats and with dogs. The playful Selkirk Rex is an excellent companion for children. Gentle and affectionate, Selkirks are very pleasant to live with. They adapt well to apartment life. They need minimal grooming. Light brushing twice a month is enough. They should be bathed several days before a show.