Cat breed comparison
Sphynx vs Peterbald
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Sphynx | Peterbald |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Canada | Russia |
| Weight | 6 to 12 lbs | 7 to 14 lbs |
| Life span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Lap cat | Yes | – |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | – |
| 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 Peterbald
Developed in St Petersburg in 1994 by crossing a Donskoy with an Oriental Shorthair. Its coat can range from fully hairless to a short brush.
Hairless cats need warmth, sun protection and baths.
Health to watch
- Skin conditions
- Sunburn
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Health issues
The Sphynx tends to have more health issues than the Peterbald.
Energy
The Peterbald has more energy than the Sphynx.
Good with dogs
The Sphynx gets on better with dogs than the Peterbald.
Grooming needs
The Peterbald needs more grooming than the Sphynx.
Vocal
The Sphynx is more vocal than the Peterbald.
Which to choose
Sphynx or Peterbald?
Choose the Sphynx if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a cat that gets on better with dogs
- You want a cat that needs less grooming
- You enjoy a chatty cat (it is more vocal)
Choose the Peterbald if…
- You want a cat that tends to have fewer health issues
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You prefer a quiet cat (it is quieter)
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Sphynx or the Peterbald?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Sphynx or the Peterbald?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. 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 Peterbald have?
The Sphynx is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skin conditions, dental disease. The Peterbald is prone to skin conditions, sunburn. Both share a risk of skin conditions. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
