The Don Sphynx, also known as the Donskoy or Russian Sphynx, is a natural mutation breed discovered and developed in Russia. The first cat was found in Rostov-on-Don, Russia in 1987 by a professor who found a kitten being abused on the street. The kitten, named Varvara, lost her coat as she grew up, and no medical treatment worked. When she had her first litter, the reason became clear—her kittens all lost their hair as well. Their new owners, not pleased with this development, returned their kittens, and they came into the hands of a Russian cat fancier who was thrilled to have discovered a new natural breed.

The Don Sphynx has four different coat types: bald, flocked, velour, and brush. Bald are hairless at birth, velour and flocked lose their hair to varying levels, and the brush coat variety maintains some hair throughout its life. The brush coat variety is not permitted for show, but can be used in breeding programs. Uniquely, the Don Sphynx can grow a winter coat and exhibit seasonal levels of hairlessness. They are a highly intelligent, affective, and active breed that is social and soft-hearted.

Type & judging remarks
Elegant and sturdy with strong boning. Pronounced wrinkles on the head, underbelly, and around the joints. The body is almost pear-shaped, and although there is loose skin and a fat pad on the abdomen, the cat should be well-muscled.