Tonkinese Cat - For those who regard the modern Siamese as rather rat like in its sleekness, and the American Burmese as too Persian and heavyweight, the Tonkinese is, perhaps, a compromise.
The breed is also seen as having the points of the Siamese but with a more softly contoured body and a less assertive nature.
Originally the result of a cross mating between Burmese and Siamese, the Tonkinese should not show too much of an inclination towards either of these foundation breeds, but a happy medium of the two, like this Lilac.
The Tonk is the product of mating Siamese and Burmese in America during the 1950s and the following two decades, although the type had occurred spontaneously for a long time. Such mixed parentage means no all Tonk litters. The offspring from a Tonkinese couplings is likely to be two Tonks, one Siamese, and one Burmese. The Tonkinese cat type displays the mingled characteristics of the two breeds, of medium build, it has a gently wedge shaped head rounded at the top, though slightly longer than that of the Siamese.
A blue Tonkinese has the required light aquamarine eyes. Siamese blue or Burmese chartreuse are considered faults.
Like the Burmese, there is an angle on its shortish nose, but it is not as pronouced. Tonkinese legs are slim but muscular, and its body is a perfect balance between the length of the Siamese and the tendency to stoutness of the Burmese. Ears are large with rounded tips.
The mixture of brown, red and cream in a brown tortie tonkinese needs to be well mingled and should darken at the points to meet the exacting standards set for the breed.
Coat color too, is a compromise – paler than Burmese but darker than Siamese. The cat has a calm temperament but with a streak of mischief and the welcome addition of hybrid vigour.
This Blue Tabby is a typical ecample of the Siamese ancestry being too obvious in its extended limbs and slim line. It may not win show prizes, but is nevertheless a beautiful animal. A blue tabby tonkinese has the preferred spectacle like rings around its eyes and spotted whisker pads. However, the M shape on hos forehead could be more distinct.
It is very important for the point color to be definitely darker than the main body color on mask, ears, legs and tail, but without any sharp color changes such as those seen in the Siamese. Underparts should be lighter than the upper body, which in turn should show gradation of tone rather than sudden changes.
The eye color of the Tonkinese is neither the startling amber not chartreuse green found in the Burmese, nor the deep sapphire of the Siamese. It can range from aquamarine blue to greenish blue ot bluish green. It may take some time for eye color to settle. Tonkinese generally mature slowly, reaching their final coloring and peak size at about two years of age.
Tonkinese Cat Breed Information:
Coat – short, close lying, fine, soft, silky with a lustrous sheen
Eyes – almond shaped, slightly slanted, aquamarine
Grooming - easy, regular, gentle brushing
Temperament – equable, lively, inquisitive, relaxed, very friendly
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