Tonkinese

Tonks are a breed of "acrobatic clowns with purr-fect purr-sonalities". Originally derived from Siamese and Burmese ancestry, the Tonkinese is a sterling example of the best qualities of both breeds. For more information and a glimpse into their world, scroll down.

HISTORY The Tonkinese breed, (although originally bred in both the U.S. and Canada) was first accredited by CCA in southern Ontario and as such is generally considered a Canadian breed. The breed was first recognised in Canada in the late 1960's and later also by other registries throughout North America.

GrCh Yaxian Blue Danube of Klahz Blue Mink Tonkinese Male

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.

Spielzeit Lohengren of Klahz Platinum Point Tonkinese Female

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. They can sometimes be quite mischevious, 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 colours. In ACFA and CFA there are four colours; platinum, champagne, natural and blue, and three coat patterns; pointed (most like Siamese), mink (the halfway point) and solid (most like Burmese). Tonkinese cats with a mink patterned coat are especially known for their aquamarine coloured eyes - this exotic colour is one that few other breeds share. Tonks are of moderate size, weighing approximately 7 lbs for females and 9 lbs for males, as adults. Although, some breeders still use the original foundation breeds, (Siamese and Burmese) in their breeding program, here at Klahz cattery we breed a minimum of fifth generation Tonkinese to Tonkinese only, in order to obtain a more consistent look and temperament.

Ch Klahz Mugles McGuyver Natural Solid Tonkinese Male

Klahz Crida Fran-Geli-Ka Natural Mink Tonkinese Female

Our Tonks

Above, are pictures of some of our Tonks. Danny is an example of a Blue Mink, Rena is a Platinum Point, McGuyver is an example of a Natural Solid and Frankie is a Natural Mink. At times we have had kittens in all four colours (Platinum, Blue, Champagne and Natura) AND in all three patterns (Point, Mink and Solid), but we rarely have them all at once.
In the past, in the show world, a Mink pattern Tonk was said to be an example of the perfect Tonkinese.  That may be in the show world, but we have found that the colour and pattern of any individual Tonkinese kitten or cat, really has nothing much to do with temperament and Tonks of all colours and patterns do make excellent companions!