At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Sphynx | Donskoy |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Canada | Russia |
| Weight | 6 to 12 lbs | 10 to 12 lbs |
| Life span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Lap cat | Yes | No |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | No |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Sphynx
Developed in Toronto from Prune, a hairless kitten born in 1966, and later from hairless cats found in Minnesota.
It needs regular baths to remove skin oils and protection from cold and sun.
Health to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Skin conditions
- Dental disease
The Donskoy
A hairless breed from Rostov-on-Don in Russia, starting from a rescued kitten in 1987. Its hairlessness is caused by a dominant gene, unlike the Sphynx.
It needs warmth, sun protection and regular baths.
Health to watch
- Skin conditions
- Sunburn
- Dental problems
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Vocal
The Sphynx is more vocal than the Donskoy.
Good with dogs
The Sphynx gets on better with dogs than the Donskoy.
Intelligence
The Sphynx is quicker to learn than the Donskoy.
Affection
The Sphynx is more affectionate than the Donskoy.
Energy
The Donskoy has more energy than the Sphynx.
Good with children
The Sphynx is better with children than the Donskoy.
Which to choose
Sphynx or Donskoy?
Choose the Sphynx if…
- You enjoy a chatty cat (it is more vocal)
- You want a cat that gets on better with dogs
- You want a cat that is quicker to learn
- You want a cuddly cat (it is more affectionate)
Choose the Donskoy if…
- You prefer a quiet cat (it is quieter)
- You’d like a more independent cat (it is more independent)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a cat that tends to have fewer health issues
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Sphynx or the Donskoy?
The Sphynx is generally easier to train than the Donskoy. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Sphynx or the Donskoy?
The Sphynx is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Donskoy can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Sphynx and Donskoy have?
The Sphynx is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skin conditions, dental disease. The Donskoy is prone to skin conditions, sunburn, dental problems. Both share a risk of skin conditions. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
