The overall impression of the Tonkinese is that of a well proportioned and well muscled cat of medium-foreign type.The Tonkinese should fall squarely between the types of the Burmese and the Siamese from which its own distinctive breed derives

Head -Good width between the ears, slightly rounded skull. Moderate wedge of medium proportions, neither pointed nor square muzzled. Definate but not exaggerated whisker pinch. In profile there should be a slight nose break leading down to a level bite and chin of medium depth.

Ears -Medium size, slightly taller than wide, pricked forward with broad base and oval tips. Base equally balanced between side and top of head, with outer line continuing line of wedge.

Eyes -More open than oriental but not round. Medium-sized, oriental top slanting towards the nose, the lower line rounded. Set well apart. Eye colour pale greenish-blue or bluish green preferred, with a range from green to light blue allowed; but orange, yellow and deep blue or vivid blue are not acceptable. Incomplete development of eye colour may be found in kittens.

Body - Medium to long in length, well balanced, firm and muscular. Chest slightly rounded in profile, flanks level, back rising gently from shoulders to rump. Neck medium length.

Legs and Feet - Legs slim, well muscled and in proportion to the body, the hind legs slightly higher than the front. Feet neat and oval.

Tail - Preferably reaching to the shoulder, neither thick nor whippy.

Coat - Close lying and short. Fine, soft, silky with a lusrous sheen.

Colour - Points on mask, ears, feet and tail should present an unmistakably darker expression of the body colour, merging gently and not sharply contrasted. Body colour even and unmarked, shading gradually to slighly lighter hue on underparts. No barring in self colours, except in Reds and Creams; ghost markings may be found in kittens of all colours. No white hairs.

Temperament - Lively, inquisitive, yet relaxed and very friendly.
Scale Of Points
Head......................20
Ears.......................5
Eye shape..................5
Eye colour................10
Body......................20
Legs and Paws..............5
Tail.......................5
Coat-Pattern and colour...20
Coat-Teture...............10
Total.............100
Withhold all awards for:

1.Failure to show proper Tonkinese points contrast.
2.Miniaturisation
3.White hairs or a white patch

Withhold Challenge Certificate or First Place in Kitten Classes for:
1. Barring on body -excepting Tabby and Tortie Tabby and slight markings on otherwise excellent Reds, Creams and kittens.
2.Orange, yellow, dark blue or vivid blue eye colour.
3.Round eyes
4.Any defects as listed in the 'For the guidance of Judges'
Back to Tonks page
Email Me!