Breed comparison

Sphynx or Devon Rex: Which breed should you choose?

Sphynx and Devon Rex are two cat breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Sphynx

Sphynx

Medium3–5 kg€900 – €3,000
+7
Devon Rex

Devon Rex

Medium3–5 kg€800 – €2,600
+6

Key takeaways

  • Sphynx and Devon Rex are a similar size (3–5 kg).
  • Devon Rex costs less to buy: €800 – €2,600 compared with €900 – €3,000 for Sphynx.
  • The monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about €95 per month.
  • Sphynx needs less daily activity (3/5 compared with 4/5 for Devon Rex).
  • For “Families and children,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
  • Sphynx scores higher for “Apartment living”: 5/5 compared with 4/5 for Devon Rex.
  • Devon Rex scores higher for “First-time owners”: 4/5 compared with 3/5 for Sphynx.
  • Devon Rex lives longer on average: 12–15 years compared with 8–14 years for Sphynx.

Our verdict

Choose Sphynx if you’re looking for…

  • Apartment living: It thrives indoors thanks to its adaptability and its need for warmth.
  • Households often at home: It is suitable for people who like a close, demonstrative cat involved in daily life.
  • Families with respectful children: Its sociable and playful temperament often facilitates good family coexistence.

Choose Devon Rex if you’re looking for…

  • Families often at home: He thrives with available people who enjoy interacting often with their cat.
  • Enriched indoor living: He is well suited to a well-appointed apartment with height, games and a stable routine.
  • Lovers of demonstrative cats: His closeness to humans appeals to those looking for a very cuddly and expressive companion.

Detailed comparison

General information
Origin CanadaUnited Kingdom
Build MediumMedium
Height at the withers 20–30 cm25–30 cm
Weight 3–5 kg3–5 kg
Coat Hairless, very fine downShort, fine, wavy
Life expectancy 8–14 years12–15 years
Average price €900 – €3,000€800 – €2,600
Monthly budget ≈ €95≈ €95
Compatibility
Families and children
Excellent
Excellent
Daily exercise needs
Moderate
High
Apartment living
Excellent
Very good
First-time owners
Good
Very good
Other pets
Very good
Very good
Tolerance of being alone
Limited
Limited
Vocalization
Talkative
Moderate
Strengths and weaknesses
  • Highly adaptable
  • Not very destructive
  • Robust health
  • Easy to care for
  • Sheds very little
  • High exercise needs
  • Highly adaptable
  • Not very destructive
  • Good health
  • Sheds very little
  • High exercise needs
  • High-maintenance coat