Breed of the Month: Tonkinese

With ancestor that can be traced back to the Burmese and Siamese breeds, Tonkinese owners are often inclined to believe that these pretty kitties combine the best aspects of both breeds. The Tonkinese has a more muscular frame and a less piercing voice than its Siamese relatives. Despite these differences the Tonkinese (often referred to as ‘Tonks’) look more like a Siamese but are more similar to the Burmese in temperament.

History
Before modern Siamese cats developed the signature triangular head and very leggy body, the breed was much more muscular and square-jawed, (much like the modern day Tonkinese, in fact). According to catsinfo.com:

“The Tonkinese was first imported to England in the early 1800s as “Chocolate Siamese” and in the United States, Tonkinese and Burmese can trace their beginnings back to Wong Mau, a small walnut coloured cat imported to California by Dr. Joseph Thompson in 1930.”

Why We Love ‘em…
One of the more outgoing and gregarious of cat breeds, the Tonkinese are often described as having a great sense of humour, often almost ‘doglike’ in their eagerness to please. A Tonkinese is happiest snuggled up in the crook of your arm or demonstrating its substantial intelligence by performing any number of tricks.

That’s right, tricks. Tonkinese can be taught to fetch, jump into your lap on command and even beg for treats. Often described as ‘little monkeys’, the Tonkinese have a special knack for manipulating things with their paws which, coupled with their particular love of all things shiny, can lead to cheeky little thefts around the house…

Appearance

Tonkinese cats come in a wide variety of coat colours, but the perhaps most interesting is the typical relationship between coat colour/pattern and eye colour. The colour and pattern of a Tonkinese coat often dictate eye colour, and the different variations in colours and patterns coupled with the stunningly bright eyes of this breed make for a pretty kitty indeed!

Colours officially recognised within the breed are platinum (where the face is a frosty grey), champagne (where the face is a medium brown), blue (where the face is a greyish tone with a slate-blue shimmer) and natural (where the face is a dark brown).

The Tonkinese coat pattern can be solid, mink or point, with mink being the most desirable for showing. With eyes ranging from green and gold to startling blue and aquamarine, it is easy to see why this breed is adored by pet owners and breeders alike.

Images sourced from: wallpaper.najoomi.com, thecatsblog.com, and seannaber