American Cat Fanciers Association        

Tonkinese Breeders' Directory

 

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  Tonkinese Breed Standard

HISTORY: The Tonkinese breed, although bred in California and New York state, was first accredited by CCA in southern Ontario and as such is generally considered a Canadian breed. The breed was first recognized in Canada in the late 1960's and later also by other registries throughout North America. It has been accepted in championship in ACFA since ???

CHARACTERISTICS and TEMPERAMENT:
Tonks are first and foremost "people cats". That is to say, they are very friendly and affectionate and love to be with their people. They are shoulder riders, often climbing or leaping up on people, so as to be in the thick of things. They seldom use their claws when performing this feat however, since they are generally very gentle cats by nature. In this respect they are excellent pet and show cats, since they do not get overly stressed out by new people or situations. This is not to say that the Tonk is a lackadaisical cat, however. Indeed, they are very playful and in a word, fun - fun to watch, fun to be around and fun to snuggle with. Tonks can sometimes be quite mischievous, with little nips and bites, especially as kittens. (A word to the wise - keep your sock drawer locked!!)

 

Physically, Tonks come in a variety of types and colors. There are four colors; platinum, champagne, natural and blue, and three types; pointed (more like Siamese), mink (the halfway point) and solid (more like Burmese). Tonkinese are especially known for their aqua (aquamarine) colored eyes - this exotic color is one shared by few other breeds. They are of moderate size, weighing (approximately) 7 lbs for females and 9 lbs for males, as adults. Although, some breeders still use the original breeds, (Siamese and Burmese) in their breeding program, and this is still acceptable in ACFA, most breeders breed a minimum of fifth generation Tonkinese to Tonkinese only, in order to obtain a more consistent look and temperament.

 

Debbie Allgire
Cattery: Allese

(419) 438-3112   

Bowling Green, OH 

JoAnn Payfer
Cattery:
Payfurpurrs

(507) 317-3671

Eagle Lake MN



 

 

 

 



 
 

Breed Chair

JoAnn Payfer

(507) 317-3671