It’s been a couple of years since I have decided (on my own, without my parents influence) to enter the world of pedigreed cats. I have worked my way up and thriving to survive in the “ever political” and (sometimes) malevolent people involve in the cat fancy. My mentor once warned me that “cat people” are a “unique crowd”; I should have known she didn’t mean well when she said that.
I have worked with different cat breeds: Bicolor Persians and Tonkinese (to name a few). But my recent passion with Devon Rex has brought me to a whole different level. After breaking off from our Bicolor Persian breeding program, there was not a doubt in my mind that the Devon Rex would be the next breed I would like to work with. Although, the financial aspect has cause some delays.
Long before I was gifted with a Red Mackerel Tabby Devon Rex, my brain cells were already working twenty four-seven putting together the puzzle pieces of my ideal cat. It’s a fresco of my dreams, imagination and (future) destination --- my very own panoramic blueprint of a Devon Rex.
The CFA Breed Standard (for the Devon Rex) is divided into three major parts: 35% Head Structure, 30% Body Structure and 30% Coat Quality (5% is Coat Color). The Devon Rex is truly unique in appearance. Its large eyes, short muzzle, prominent cheekbones, and huge, low-set ears create a characteristic elfin look. A cat of medium fine frame, the Devon is well covered with soft, wavy fur; the fur is of a distinctive texture, as the mutation which causes its wavy coat is cultivated in no other breed.
I believe that the Devon Rex calls for an extreme look. I would like my cats to have a nice ear jug and prominent “bell” feature behind the elfin ears. The coat is also an important factor --- the density, waviness and texture should blend well together. It should not be too long (thus reducing the waviness) and no bare patches (as it is a major fault). However, the existence of down on the under parts of the body should not be misinterpreted as bareness. Sparse hair on the temples (forehead in front of the ears) is also not a fault. There are so many nice Devon Rex that I’ve seen in shows and different breeder websites; both local and abroad. The rexes here in the US are just amazing, but European and Australian breeders are also working there way towards perfecting the elfin look. Even some of the lines behind European Devon Rex would go back to some old American and English catteries. I am personally fond of the German, Swedish and Norwegian Rex Breeders. Most of the cats they have bred have very nice ear jugs and the body I extremely adore. The coat is not to my liking, but would blend well if they’re bred to nice coated cats. My future plan is to incorporate European bloodline to American Devon Rex. I think this would produce my ideal cat --- prominent ear jugs, nice coat quality, a fine-dainty body and the extreme head feature/ profile. The European lines would also add some new colors and expand the American gene pool. I’d like to see some nice silver blotched tabbies, dilute calicos, odd-eye whites, silver mink and pointed cats --- quite rare at present time.
