Revision as of 14:12, 21 February 2025

German Rex

The German Rex is a breed of domestic cat that is known for its distinctive curly coat. This breed is one of the earliest recognized Rex breeds, characterized by a genetic mutation that affects the hair structure, resulting in a soft, wavy coat.

History

The German Rex breed originated in Germany in the 1950s. The first known German Rex was a cat named Lämmchen, which means "little lamb" in German. Lämmchen was discovered in 1951 in a hospital in Berlin. She was a black curly-coated cat and is considered the matriarch of the German Rex breed.

Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin, a physician at the hospital, took an interest in Lämmchen and began a breeding program to establish the breed. The German Rex was officially recognized as a distinct breed in the 1960s.

Characteristics

File:Dr rose.jpg

Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin, the pioneer of the German Rex breed

The German Rex is a medium-sized cat with a muscular build. Its most notable feature is its curly coat, which is soft and plush to the touch. The coat is the result of a recessive gene that causes the hair to curl. Unlike some other Rex breeds, the German Rex has a full coat of hair, with no bald patches.

The breed has a round head, large ears, and expressive eyes. German Rex cats are known for their friendly and playful nature, making them excellent companions.

Genetics

The curly coat of the German Rex is due to a mutation in the KRT71 gene, which affects the structure of the hair shaft. This mutation is similar to that found in other Rex breeds, such as the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, but it is distinct and unique to the German Rex.

Care

German Rex cats require regular grooming to maintain their coat's condition. Despite their curly fur, they do not shed excessively, making them a good choice for people with mild allergies. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hairs and prevent matting.

These cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended to ensure their well-being.

Related pages

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|A breed of domestic cat with a distinctive curly coat}}
+= German Rex =
-The '''German Rex''' is a [[breed]] of [[domestic cat]] known for its unique curly coat. This breed is one of the earliest [[Rex cat|Rex breeds]], characterized by its soft, wavy fur and friendly disposition. The German Rex is a medium-sized cat with a muscular build and a playful, affectionate nature.
+The '''German Rex''' is a breed of domestic [[cat]] that is known for its distinctive curly coat. This breed is one of the earliest recognized [[Rex cat|Rex breeds]], characterized by a genetic mutation that affects the hair structure, resulting in a soft, wavy coat.
-==History==
+== History ==
-The German Rex is believed to have originated in [[Germany]] in the 1950s. The first known German Rex was a cat named Lämmchen, who was discovered in a hospital in [[Berlin]]. Lämmchen's unique curly coat was the result of a [[genetic mutation]], and she became the foundation of the German Rex breed. Breeders began to selectively breed Lämmchen and her offspring to establish the breed, focusing on maintaining the distinctive curly coat and friendly temperament.
+[[File:German_rex_harry_(cropped).jpg|thumb|right|A German Rex cat]]
+The German Rex breed originated in [[Germany]] in the 1950s. The first known German Rex was a cat named Lämmchen, which means "little lamb" in German. Lämmchen was discovered in 1951 in a hospital in [[Berlin]]. She was a black curly-coated cat and is considered the matriarch of the German Rex breed.
-==Physical Characteristics==
+Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin, a physician at the hospital, took an interest in Lämmchen and began a breeding program to establish the breed. The German Rex was officially recognized as a distinct breed in the 1960s.
-[[File:German_Rex_Cat.jpg|thumb|right|A German Rex cat showing its distinctive curly coat.]]
-The German Rex is a medium-sized cat with a well-muscled body and a round head. The breed is known for its large, expressive eyes and prominent cheekbones. The ears are medium-sized and set high on the head, giving the cat an alert appearance.
-The most distinctive feature of the German Rex is its coat. The fur is short, dense, and curly, with a soft texture that is often compared to [[velvet]]. The curls are most prominent on the back and sides, while the fur on the face and legs may be slightly less curly. The coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, and bicolor.
+== Characteristics ==
+[[File:dr_rose.jpg|thumb|left|Dr. Rose Scheuer-Karpin, the pioneer of the German Rex breed]]
+The German Rex is a medium-sized cat with a muscular build. Its most notable feature is its curly coat, which is soft and plush to the touch. The coat is the result of a recessive gene that causes the hair to curl. Unlike some other Rex breeds, the German Rex has a full coat of hair, with no bald patches.
-==Temperament==
+The breed has a round head, large ears, and expressive eyes. German Rex cats are known for their friendly and playful nature, making them excellent companions.
-German Rex cats are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are highly social animals that enjoy the company of humans and other pets. This breed is playful and energetic, often engaging in interactive play with their owners. German Rex cats are also known for their intelligence and curiosity, making them quick learners and adept at solving puzzles.
-==Care and Maintenance==
+== Genetics ==
-[[File:German_Rex_Kitten.jpg|thumb|left|A German Rex kitten.]]
+The curly coat of the German Rex is due to a mutation in the [[KRT71]] gene, which affects the structure of the hair shaft. This mutation is similar to that found in other Rex breeds, such as the [[Cornish Rex]] and [[Devon Rex]], but it is distinct and unique to the German Rex.
-The German Rex requires regular grooming to maintain the health and appearance of its coat. Although the fur is short, the curls can trap dirt and debris, so it is important to brush the cat regularly to prevent matting. Bathing is generally not necessary unless the cat becomes particularly dirty.
-In addition to grooming, the German Rex requires regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise to maintain its health. Providing a stimulating environment with toys and opportunities for play is important for keeping this active breed happy.
+== Care ==
+[[File:German_rex_alana.JPG|thumb|right|A German Rex cat named Alana]]
+German Rex cats require regular grooming to maintain their coat's condition. Despite their curly fur, they do not shed excessively, making them a good choice for people with mild allergies. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hairs and prevent matting.
-==Health==
+These cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended to ensure their well-being.
-The German Rex is generally a healthy breed, but like all cats, it can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the cat's health and catch any potential problems early. Some German Rex cats may be prone to dental issues, so regular dental care is recommended.
-==Related pages==
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Rex cat]]
+* [[Cornish Rex]]
+* [[Devon Rex]]
 * [[Cat breeds]]
-* [[Domestic cat]]
 [[Category:Cat breeds]]
-[[Category:Animal breeds originating in Germany]]
+[[Category:Rex cat breeds]]
+[[Category:Cat breeds originating in Germany]]

German Rex: Difference between revisions