Developed in Canada and the USA in the 1960s and
the 1970s , the Tonkinese is a cross between the Burmese and the Siamese.
It is a brown cat of oriental type, possessing the characteristics of both
breeds from which it is derived.
Tonkinese have a lively temperament and they love
being with people; with the quiet, affectionate nature of the Burmese and
the inquisitiveness of the Siamese, they make delightful pets.
The Tonk, as it is sometimes known, was first
recognised in Canada in 1974, then in the USA the following year. It is
a medium-sized cat with a slightly rounded wedge-shaped head. It has a
squarish muzzle, round-tipped ears and almond-shaped, slightly slanted
eyes. The tail tapers to a point and the slim legs have small dainty paws.
The soft coat lies close to the body and the Siamese points merge into
the body colour giving a darker mask, legs and tail.
There are five different colour varieties: Natural
Mink, Honey Mink, Champagne Mink, Blue Mink and Platinum Mink. The nose
and paw leathers are respectively: brown, mid-brown, cinnamon-pink, blue-grey
and pewter-grey. The eye colour should be blue-green.
Authored by Patrick &
Irene Lowe
Text has been taken from various sources and is used solely for the purpose
of
entertainment and not for profit. Graphics are borrowed.
Revised: 8th October 1997.
