Devon Rex basic information

The Devon Rex is a relatively new breed of cat with a sparse, curly, very soft coat similar to that of the Cornish Rex. The Cornish Rex's coat is unusual because only the down layer of hair is present, the other two layers are absent.

The curl in their fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Cornish Rex and German Rex, and breeding of a Devon to either of those cats results in cats without rexed (curled) fur.

Devons, which are medium sized cats, are often called "pixie cats" or "alien cats" because of their unique appearance. Their uncommonly large ears are set low on the sides of their wide heads, their eyes are large, and their noses are slightly upturned. Their body type is distinctly lightly-built.

The Devon Rex is a breed of unique appearance. Its large eyes, moderately short muzzle, huge low set ears and prominent cheekbones, create a characteristic Pixie look. A cat of medium fine frame, the Devon is well covered with soft wavy fur; the fur is of a distinctive texture. The Devon is alert and active and shows a lively interest in its surroundings.

Head: Face to be full cheeked with considerable width between the eyes. Forehead is to curve back to a distinctively flat skull. Muzzle moderately short, well developed. Chin strong and well developed. Moderate wedge. In the front view the wedge is delineated by a narrowing series of 3 distinct convex curves; outer edge of ears; cheekbones; and whisker pads. Nose with a stop in profile.

Neck: Neck should be medium long and slender.

Ears: Strikingly large and set very low, very wide at the base, so that the outside base of ear extends beyond the base of the wedge. Tapering to rounded tips and well covered with fine fur. With or without earmuffs and/or ear-tip tufts.

Eyes: Large and wide set, slightly oval in shape and sloping towards outer edges of ears. Brilliant gold is the preferred in all patterns, however hazel/green or amber eyes are allowable, with the following exceptions: White - blue, gold or odd (one blue and one gold, with equal color depth); Pointed Pattern - deep blue, darker tones preferred; Tonkinese Pattern - blue green. Color should be clear and intense.

Tail: Long, fine, tapering. Well covered with short fur.

Body: Hard and muscular, slender and of medium length. Broad in chest and medium fine in boning.

Legs and Feet: Long and medium fine, but sturdy. Hind legs somewhat longer than front. Cat appears to stand high on legs. Feet small and oval, with five toes in front and four in back.

Coat: The coat is short on the back, sides, upper legs and tail. It is very short on the head, ears, neck, paws, chest and abdomen.