The Devon Rex Breed Standard

General Description of a Devon Rex Cat

They have a very playful almost mischievous personality and stay kitten like well into adulthood. They are curious about everything and will follow you from room to room just to see what is going on. They are the kind of cat that greets you at the door and acts more like a little shadow than a typical independent cat.

Their coat is soft and wavy with a suede like feel. It is very low shedding but not maintenance free. Their ears are large and their face has that little pixie look that makes them stand out right away.

They are extremely affectionate and love warmth. You will usually find them under blankets, curled up on your shoulder, or trying to sleep as close to your face as possible. They do best in homes where they get a lot of attention and interaction because they truly thrive on companionship.

Head 

• The head has a small, slightly wedge shaped look with soft curves, but what really stands out is the structure. You get those high cheekbones and that short little muzzle that gives them that signature pixie face. The forehead curves back into a flatter area on top, and overall the head is small but very expressive.

• The ears are one of their biggest features. They are very large, set low on the head, and wide at the base with rounded tips. They almost sit off to the sides and give that open, almost elf like look. When you see them in person, the ears are usually the first thing you notice.

• The eyes are large and oval and can come in a variety of colors depending on the cat. They sit wide apart and give a very alert, almost mischievous expression that really matches their personality.

• The chin is firm and lines up well with the nose. The muzzle is short and defined with a noticeable whisker break, which adds to that unique facial structure Devons have.

• From the side, the profile has a gentle curve. You do not get a straight line like some breeds. Instead, there is a soft break from the nose into the forehead, giving them that slightly rounded, pixie look.

• The neck is slender and flows into a lean but muscular body. Everything about them is light and fine boned, but they are still surprisingly sturdy and athletic.

Body

• The body is medium in length with a lean but muscular build. They are not bulky, but they are not fragile either. They feel surprisingly solid when you pick them up, even though they look light and fine boned. Their chest is a little broader than you would expect, and you may notice a small tummy pouch which is totally normal.

• The legs are long and slender with finer boning, but still in proportion to the body. The back legs are slightly longer than the front, which gives them that lifted, almost springy look when they stand or move.

• The feet are small and oval shaped with delicate toes. They almost look a little dainty compared to the rest of the body.

• The tail is long and thin with a slight taper from base to tip. It is flexible and often carried in a gentle curve.

• Their overall boning is fine, not heavy, but they are still well put together. The musculature is firm and toned, giving them an athletic feel without being bulky.

Coat 

• The coat is short to medium in length and has that soft, wavy texture they are known for. It feels almost like suede or velvet when you touch it, really fine and silky.

• It is not a thick, plush coat like some other breeds. Instead it lays close to the body with loose waves or ripples, especially along the back and sides. Some areas can be a little thinner, which is normal for the breed.

• Overall it has a very soft, warm feel to it and is one of the things people fall in love with right away.

Coat Colors & Patterns

• Devon Rex can come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so there is a lot of variety within the breed.

• For pointed cats, the color is darker on the ears, face, legs, and tail, with a lighter body. The contrast can be soft or more noticeable, but it should look blended and natural, not harsh.

• Solid colors should be even throughout the body. Even with the waves in the coat, the color should still appear consistent overall.

• Tabby patterns will show striping or markings across the body, legs, and face. The pattern may look a little softer because of the wavy coat, but you can still see the design clearly.

• Torties and torbies have a mix of colors that appear more mottled or patchy, and each one is completely unique.

• White can also be present and may appear in different amounts depending on the cat, but it is simply part of the overall pattern rather than something very structured.

• Overall, Devon Rex have a lot of flexibility in color and pattern, so the focus is really on their unique coat texture, type, and personality.

The Devon Rex Cat Breed History