Sphynx Cat Association

Sphynx Breeding Policy

Introduction

This document has been prepared to ensure that breeders observe what is considered ‘Best Practice’ when breeding Sphynx cats and in particular when planning a breeding programme. Sphynx, as in common with other new breeds owe their origin to a very small number of cats. It must always be remembered that many of the early Sphynx bred were closely related to each other.

Aims

In order to produce and maintain the best quality cats it is necessary at times to have selective outcrossing as other breeds have had to do at the inception. The Sphynx originally come from a domestic shorthair and it is believed this is the best line for outcrossing. Variants from these matings can be very useful because of their unrelated bloodlines and the ability to select the best points from a particular cat.

Guidelines

All cats used for outcrossing should be thoroughly researched, of sound temperament and free from all hereditary defects. Breeders should ensure that to the best of their knowledge, any Sphynx or Sphynx Variants which are used for breeding should conform to the above and match the Standard of Points as closely as possible It is recommended that progeny from any matings not required for breeding purposes should be placed on the Non-Active Register to avoid the introduction into other breeds.

Sphynx Registration Policy:

Breeds which have been approved for use in outcrossing are: Russian Blue and Domestic Shorthair. In addition, European Shorthair and American shorthair are permitted in the pedigrees of imported cats.

Full Register
Sphynx with Full or Provisional recognition which have in the preceding three generations only Sphynx

Supplementary Register
Sphynx with Full or Provisional recognition which have in the preceding three generations only Sphynx or Sphynx Variants.  Any Sphynx Variants appearing in the pedigree must have been bred from cats on the approved list of breeds.

Experimental Register
Sphynx with Preliminary recognition which have in the preceding three generations only Sphynx or Sphynx Variants.  Any Sphynx Variants appearing in the pedigree must have been bred from cats on the approved list of breeds.

Reference Register
1. Sphynx Variants produced from cats on the approved list. Previously acceptable crosses to Devon Rex which helped to produce foundation stock will no longer be acceptable.

Cats already being used for foundation stock with Devon Rex in their pedigrees will be placed on the appropriate register and their offspring shall be eligible to progress.

All other breeds are listed as non-approved.

2. Normal coated cats produced from Variant x Variant matings will have no breed number, only colour description and will be overstamped “may carry the Sphynx gene”.

3. Any cat of Sphynx appearance which has in its pedigree within three preceding generations any breed other than those listed above shall be registered on the reference register as no recognised breed with no progression.

4. All cats resulting from Sphynx x Devon Rex matings, registered after (date of recognition) shall be registered on the reference register as no recognised breed with no progression.

Note:
This Registration policy shall not be retrospective.  The offspring of cats registered prior to date of recognition as Sphynx or Sphynx Variants shall be registered as directed by the Registration Policy.

Variant is a cat that is normal coated resulting from a Sphynx mating.