Donskoy

The Donskoy, also called the Don Sphynx, is a hairless cat from Russia, and its story begins in 1987 in Rostov-on-Don. A teacher named Elena Kovaleva rescued a kitten from a group of boys, named her Varvara and found that she lost her hair as she grew. Varvara’s kittens inherited the bare coat, and the breed was born.

The Donskoy is not a Sphynx. The hairless gene in the Donskoy is dominant, while the Sphynx’s is recessive, so the two breeds are separate and are not usually crossed. The Donskoy can be born bald, or with a coat that gradually thins and wears away, and the degree varies.

The coat comes in several types. A rubber bald has no hair at all, a flock has a fine peach-fuzz, a velour has a short, wavy coat that thins with age, and a brush has a short, kinky, wiry coat. Many Donskoys also have wrinkles on the head, neck and body, and the skin is warm and soft to the touch.

The body is medium and muscular, with a wedge-shaped head, large ears, almond eyes and long toes. The look is dramatic, and the wrinkles give the cat a wise, thoughtful expression. Many Donskoys also have a wonderful voice and a habit of standing on their hind legs.

The personality is friendly, loyal and clever. Donskoys are social cats that love company and often follow their people everywhere. They are playful, they get on well with children and other pets, and they enjoy being the center of attention. Many love warm laps and heated beds.

The skin needs care. Without a coat, oils build up, so the cat may need a regular wipe or bath, and it needs protection from sun and cold. Health notes include skin and dental problems and heart disease, so ask breeders about screening. Keep it warm, clean and loved.