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Donskoy vs Sphynx
Two hairless breeds from unrelated genes. The Sphynx is far more common, recognised by the CFA and scores higher for grooming; the Donskoy is rarer.
Verdict
These two look alike, and the thing that decides it is availability. The Donskoy is hairless or nearly hairless through a dominant gene unrelated to the Sphynx, and it is Rare and not recognised by the CFA. The Sphynx is Common, a CFA breed since 2002, and scores higher for grooming because of its bathing needs. Temperament is the same: both are clinging, warm-skinned and sociable, and no breed is hypoallergenic. Choose the Sphynx if you want the easier search, and the Donskoy if you want the rarer breed.
Choose the Donskoy if
- You want a hairless cat with a different gene origin.
- You can wait for a kitten and accept a Rare breed.
- You do not need CFA recognition.
- You will ask your vet about ectodermal dysplasia and skin problems.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want a hairless cat that is easier to find.
- You value a CFA championship breed.
- You will bathe it regularly and keep it warm.
- You will plan for heart, muscle, skin and gum checks.
Where they are alike
Both are medium cats of 6 to 12 lb that score top marks for affection and shed little. Both want a warm home with someone around most of the day.
Side by side
| Donskoy | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Rostov-on-Don, Russia | Toronto, Canada |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | Commonly 12-15 years | Often quoted at 10-15 years |
| Coat length | Hairless | Hairless |
| Coat | Bare skin or a short covering of down, flock, velour or brush hair, depending on the cat | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA | Championship breed since 2002 |
| How common | Rare | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 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 | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. Allergens come from saliva and skin as well as hair, and a hairless cat can still trigger a reaction. | 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 home with someone around most days that welcomes a clinging, curious cat and does not mind skin care. | 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 or empty house, or an owner unwilling to manage sunburn and oily skin. | 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