The Selkirk Rex breed originated in 1987 from an Asylum cat in Sheridan (Montana). One of her kittens had a curled coat. Jeri Newman, As a local Persian breeder, the Asylum asked for her opinion on this unusual looking female.

Jeri, who is interested in cat genetics, adopts the kitten and crosses this kitten (Miss DePesto or NoFace) with a press from her cattery.

On July 4, 1988, Miss DePesto of NoFace became the proud mother of 6 kittens. 3 kittens had curls, the other 3 had smooth hair. This 50% kitten with curly hair was exactly what you could expect from a dominant gene.

Because of this, Jeri became even more interested in this gene and started her breeding program and gave the breed its name. Just like the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, the Selkirk Rex is named after the place where this breed originated.

The dominant Rex gene of the Selkirk ensures that the hairs are arranged in separate individual curls. The curls are most evident around the neck, on the tail and on the abdomen. All hair types are present in the fur of the Selkirk. It is still a relatively young breed that is still developing.

The founder of the Selkirk did not want to give the Ras an oriental appearance.

For this reason, the Persian Longhair, Exotic, British Shorthair and British Longhair type were chosen as outcross partners. Until 2010, the Selkirks can still be crossed with the Press and Exotic. The Brit may still be used until 2015, after which it is expected that the breed can continue on its own.

At the moment it is still a fairly rare breed here in the Netherlands. Most Selkirks who now live in the Netherlands come from Austria, Germany, America and Hong Kong. But of course they all have Miss DePesto or NoFace many generations back as a common ancestor.

Evy - photo 2019

The Selkirk Rex has a friendly and gentle nature. They are incredibly affectionate towards people and children and they enjoy playing together. They like to be interested, while strangers are more inquisitive than aloof.

They generally have no problem with other pets and dogs, provided they naturally come in contact with them correctly.

It is an active breed that certainly needs to have enough toys and crab & climbing poles so that they can lose their energy.

The Selkirk Rex are certainly not scrapers and they can have fun indoors. In short, a very nice breed, they are what they look like.

Real hug bears.