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Bambino vs Sphynx
The Bambino is a small, short-legged, hairless cross of the Sphynx and the Munchkin; the Sphynx is larger, livelier and long established.
Verdict
These two are close in care, since both are hairless, warm to the touch and need regular skin care. The Bambino is a Sphynx and Munchkin cross, small and short-legged, and breeding it sits under the welfare debate over dwarfism. It is very rare. The Sphynx is a larger, longer-established breed with a CFA record since 2002, higher energy and play, and a longer heart and muscle watch-list. Choose the Sphynx for a livelier, established hairless cat and the Bambino only if you accept the debate.
Choose the Bambino if
- You want a small, short-legged, hairless cat for a small flat.
- You accept the welfare debate and can look after joints and skin.
- You are home most of the day.
- You will wait for a very rare cat.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want a livelier, more athletic hairless cat.
- You want a long-established breed that is easier to find.
- You are home most of the day and can bathe it.
- You will ask your vet about its heart, muscle and skin watch-list.
Where they are alike
Both score top marks for affection and the lowest for independence, and both need warmth and bathing. Hairlessness does not remove the allergen, so people who react to cats may still react.
Side by side
| Bambino | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | United States | Toronto, Canada |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | Often quoted at 10-15 years |
| Coat length | Hairless | Hairless |
| Coat | Hairless or with a fine, downy fuzz, with wrinkled skin | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA | Championship breed since 2002 |
| How common | Very rare | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 4 | 4 |
| Shedding | 1 | 1 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 5 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. Being hairless does not remove the allergen, which comes from saliva and skin, and many people who react to cats still react to hairless cats. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The main cat allergen comes from saliva and skin, not only hair, so a hairless cat can still trigger symptoms. |
| Suits | Someone who accepts the welfare debate, is home much of the day, and can look after skin, warmth and joint health carefully. | A person or family at home most of the day that wants a warm, outgoing, attention-loving cat and does not mind regular bathing. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is concerned about breeding for dwarfism, who lives in a cold home, or who is out for long hours. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a cat that can live outdoors, or anyone who dislikes skin care routines. |
| Registries that recognise it | — |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026