Most Sphynx cats tend to have oily skin, with dry skin being relatively rare. When choosing a Sphynx, it's essential to look for cats with a medium-sized bone structure, fine and delicate hair, distinct angular features, and a strong chin. This ensures you are selecting a healthy and well-conformed specimen of the breed.
How to Select a Sphynx Cat
1. Physical Characteristics
Sphynx cats are medium in size, typically weighing between 3.5 and 7 kilograms. They possess a medium bone structure and well-developed musculature. The skin should have a fine, velvety down. The hair is sparse, and the skin features distinctive wrinkles and folds.
2. Coat Characteristics
Wrinkles and folds are most prominent on the head, body, and legs, while the skin on other areas is tighter. The "coat" is essentially a very fine down that covers most of the body. A small amount of hair is permitted on the face, paws, tail, and scrotum. Therefore, the term "hairless" is somewhat of a misnomer. All colors and patterns are acceptable. White tends to look pinkish, and black appears as a deep gray.
3. Conformation
The head is of medium size, angular, and slightly triangular, longer than it is wide. The forehead is flat, with prominent cheekbones. The nose is short and pronounced, or with a slight stop. The muzzle is very rounded, wide, and short, with a distinct whisker break. The chin is strong. Whiskers are sparse, short, or may be absent.
4. Ears
The ears are very large, with a wide base and no hair inside. Some down is allowed on the back of the ears.
5. Eyes
The eyes are large and lemon-shaped, set wide apart, with the upper corner slanting towards the ears. The color should complement the coat color.
6. Neck
The neck is long, arched, and muscular. The neck of male cats is particularly strong and well-developed.