Peterbald vs Sphynx
Both are almost hairless, warm to the touch and very people-focused. The Peterbald is slimmer and more Oriental in shape, and its coat can change, while the Sphynx is stockier and wrinkly.
Side by side
| Peterbald | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | St Petersburg, Russia | Toronto, Canada |
| Size | Small to medium | Medium |
| Weight | Usually 3 to 5 kg | Usually 3 to 5.5 kg |
| Lifespan | Often 12 to 15 years | Usually 8 to 14 years |
| Coat | Hairless, flock, velour, brush or straight: the amount varies | Hairless or covered in very fine down, like warm suede |
| Energy | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Affection | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 4 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 3 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Shape: the Peterbald is long, slim and elegant, with a wedge head, and the Sphynx is more muscular and rounded, with a wrinkled face.
- Coat: the Peterbald’s can be bald, flock, velour, brush or straight, and can change over time, while the Sphynx is hairless or covered in very fine down.
- Origin: the Sphynx began in Canada in the 1960s, and the Peterbald in Russia in the 1990s.
- Care: both need warmth, sun protection and skin care, and neither is hypoallergenic.
Choose a Peterbald if
- You want a stockier, wrinkly, cuddly cat
- You want the better-known, more widely available breed
Choose a Sphynx if
- You want a slim, elegant, Oriental-shaped cat
- You like the idea of a coat that can range from bald to velvety
Our verdict
Both are warm, chatty, affectionate lap cats who need company and skin care. Choose on the look you love and what you can find, and ask breeders about health testing.
Read the full guides: Peterbald and Sphynx. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Is a Peterbald the same as a Sphynx?
No. They are both nearly hairless, but the Peterbald is a slimmer Russian breed, from a Donskoy and an Oriental Shorthair.
Which is easier to look after?
They need similar care, including warmth and regular skin care.
