- Devon Rex
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Devon Rex 
Alternative names Pixie cat, Alien cat, Poodle cat Origin England Breed standard FIFe standard CFA standard TICA standard GCCF standard AACE standard ACFA standard ACF standard CCA standard Cat (Felis catus) The Devon Rex is a breed of intelligent, short-haired cat that emerged in England during the 1960s. They are known for their slender bodies, wavy coat, and large ears, similar to the Cornish Rex.
Contents
Breed history
Discovery and relations
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat with a curly, very soft short coat similar to that of the Cornish Rex.
The first Devon was discovered by Beryl Cox in Buckfastleigh, Devon, UK in 1960 amongst a litter of kittens near a disused tin mine. The breed was initially thought to be linked with the Cornish Rex; however, test mating proved otherwise. Cats have three types of hair: guard hair, awn hair, and down hair. The Devon Rex's coat is unusual because there is little guard hair (see Cornish Rex and Sphynx for more information on hair-deficient genetics in cats).
Appearance
The curl in Devon Rex fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Cornish Rex and German Rex, and breeding of a Devon with 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. Unlike most cats their whiskers are very short and often curled to such an extent that it may appear as if they have no whiskers. Their body type is distinctly lightly built. Their long, sturdy legs are well suited for long leaps, and their toes are unusually large. Devon Rex cats come in all colours. The ears are large and slightly rounded.
- Zero from Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure is a Orange Devon Rex
Personality
The typical Devon is active, mischievous, playful, and very people-oriented. They have been described as a cross between a cat, a dog and a monkey (or, more famously, as "a monkey in a cat suit"). They are high-jumpers and will try to occupy any space large enough to admit them. With this trait, they are often found in odd nooks and crannies of a closet, shelf, or laundry basket. Devons prefer to be in high places and will go to great lengths to get to the highest spot in a room. They are relatively easy to take care of. Most Devons also have one central person to whom they devote their love, and on whom they will most often lie and rub[citation needed]. They like to playfully nip, and love to play throughout their lives.
They are a very intelligent breed; the typical Devon Rex can be trained to walk on a leash, fetch or perform all manner of tricks usually associated with canines, like jump, heel and tag to name a few.
Another common trait is their show of affection: they have a particular penchant for being close to the head or neck of their human companions and can often be found mounted upon ones shoulder or nestled into the cranny created by the neck and shoulder when one is prone. The Devon Rex is a faithful companion and will usually follow the object of their affection from room to room, waiting for the opportunity to leap onto their arms, lap, or shoulder.
Gallery
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A "blue smoke" Devon Rex exhibits her unusually big ears.
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A playful male Devon Rex lies in a bag of groceries.
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Devon Rex cats with Siamese colourings are known as Si Rex.
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A Devon Rex with curly, soft coat typical to this breed.
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Female Devon Rex in cat tree.
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Black smoke Devon Rex named Rolex.
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Female Devon Rex named Vilisa
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Male Devon Rex named Frutis
See also
External links
- Rex Cat Club (UK)
- Rex Cat Association (UK)
- Scottish Rex Cat Club (UK)
- Planet Devon - Devon Rex Pedigree database and info
- Polish Devon Rex Site
Categories:- Cat breeds
- Devon
- Rex cat breeds
- Cat breeds originating in England
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