Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex, originating from Great Britain, resulted from a spontaneous mutation. The founder of the breed is a male named Kallibunker found in the early 1950s in Cornwall. The name of the breed is a reference to its region of origin and its coat similar to that of the rex rabbit. Kallibunker was mated with his mother to create a new lineage which was subsequently exported to the United States. The breed was officially recognized in England in 1967.

The Cornish Rex is often described as a very sociable cat that hates loneliness. It would appreciate the company of other cats and dogs. It is also said to be lively, fidgety and very playful. It would be affectionate and sensitive, constantly seeking caresses and attention. It is usually very attached to its owner, whom it would follow everywhere. It would adapt very easily to apartment life. The Cornish Rex adapts easily to new environments and quickly establishes close ties with its human family. However, these character traits remain perfectly individual and are above all a function of each individual's history.

The Cornish Rex is described as resembling a greyhound, elegant and athletic. Of oriental type, the body is long and fine with an arched back. The long, fine and muscular neck is also arched. The cage is deep. The bone structure is very fine without being fragile. The legs are tall and fine, muscular with small, oval feet, giving the impression that the cat walks on its toes like a dancer. The tail is long and fine, whip-shaped. It is preferably covered with fine wavy hair. The bare base of the tail is considered a tolerated fault in feline exhibition, especially for males. The head is medium-sized, longer than it is wide. The profile is described as 'Roman', that is to say the head is formed by two convex arcs, one starting from the skull to the nose and the other from the nose to the muzzle. The nose is wide and rounded. The skull is egg-shaped with a prominent occiput. The chin follows the extension of the oval of the head, with full pads forming a slight pinch. The whiskers, short and often brittle, must be present. The medium-sized eyes, well open, are oval in shape. Placed at an angle, they must be spaced the width of an eye apart. Their color must match that of the coat. The ears are large, conical and placed high on the head. The wavy hair gives an impression of waves and the coat is compared to Astrakhan. The coat is composed only of guard hair and undercoat, without jarre hair. Guard hair resembles down. The coat is soft and short. It is shorter and denser on the legs and head. Large bare patches are penalized in exhibition. All colors and all coats are admitted.