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Devon Rex vs Sphynx
Both are warmth-loving, clinging, thin-skinned characters. The Sphynx is hairless and needs regular bathing; the Devon has a short wavy coat and is smaller.
Verdict
The difference is hair and skin. The Devon Rex has a soft, short, wavy coat, sheds little and needs light grooming. The Sphynx is hairless or covered in fine down, and its grooming score is high because the skin needs regular bathing and a warm home. No breed is hypoallergenic, since allergen comes from saliva and skin as well as hair. Their temperaments match closely, and both want a person around all day. Choose the Devon for the lower-effort coat, and the Sphynx for the bare look.
Choose the Devon Rex if
- You want a coat that needs light grooming.
- You prefer a smaller cat of 6 to 9 lb.
- You live in a small home, where the Devon rates top marks.
- You will plan for myopathy, skin allergy and kneecap checks.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want a hairless cat and accept regular bathing.
- You are at home most of the day.
- You want a medium-sized, warm-skinned, outgoing cat.
- You will plan for heart, muscle, skin and gum checks with your vet.
Where they are alike
Both are Common and both score top marks for affection and play. Both score lowest for independence and both want a warm home.
Side by side
| Devon Rex | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Devon, England | Toronto, Canada |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are somewhat larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Often quoted at 10-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Hairless |
| Coat | Soft, short, wavy coat with sparse, curled guard hairs; fragile whiskers | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1983 | Championship breed since 2002 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 4 |
| Shedding | 2 | 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. The Devon Rex sheds less hair than many cats, but allergens also come from saliva and skin. | 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 | A warm, busy home with someone around much of the day and a taste for a clinging, playful cat. | 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 | A cold house, a home left empty all day, or someone who wants a calm cat that keeps its distance. | 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