Judging Sphynx Across Associations

by Mary Perfitt-Nelson

What are judges looking for when we place our be-loved cats upon their table? What causes them to choose one lovely example over another? Breed standards vary slightly between the major cat associations, but the dif-ferences are fairly insignificant. Point values lend emphasis on some areas and verbiage appears to emphasize others. While cats may vary from one geographic loca-tion to another, one may also assume that the differences are also of little consequence. Theoretically.
The purpose of the poll was to probe judges from CFA, TICA and FIFE regarding their thinking while judging Sphynx. What, specifically, are their eyes look-ing for? What do they find to be unappealing? While Sphynx breeders, as a group, tend to be quite confident and opinionated in their tastes, it is hoped that this mini-poll may bring forth discussion around our breed as it relates to the show world. What should we focus on when we choose to show a specific kitten or cat? What should we avoid? Why judging decisions are made the way they are? Many exhibitors would like to cry ―politics each time their number doesn‘t make it to a final. The writer will not argue this issue, but instead prefers to focus on things we can control: our cats, our breeding program and the choices made prior to show entry.

The Poll

Email invitations were sent to a representative sample of judges from CFA, TICA and FIFE, worldwide. Ex-hibitors from each association assisted in the endeavor. A poll in the form of a Microsoft Word® document was attached, asking judges to name the top five positive characteristics scanned while judging our cats. Addi-tionally, they were asked to list their top five disappointments.

Results

Full responses were obtained from a total of 17 judges in CFA, TICA and FIFE. Separate data will be reported out for CFA and TICA only, due to the in-creased number of respondents in these associations. A summary chart was created using ranks from judges from all three associations.

The Priority: Quality of Skin/Degree of Hairlessness and Ears (size, shape and placement)
The data indicates that judges polled are looking for beautiful, soft skin with the appropriate degree of hairless-ness and large, open ears -correctly placed.
Head type is the next area of focus, followed by a cor-rect profile. Sculpted eye boning and an overall balanced, pleasing expression follow. The skin should be clean and free of dings and bumps and they should be interactive and happy to be handled.

What to Avoid:

Fine-boned, dainty cats with rough skin and/or incorrect amount of fur
The data also indicates that judges are dismayed with finely boned cats and thin bodies. Quality of skin/coat, including degree of hairlessness and texture also made the top three con-cerns, followed closely by cats that were not carefully groomed. Incorrect profiles were listed as displeasing, along with cats who frown in the show hall (or worse yet, aggress the judge). Overweight cats also made the top ten, followed by cats with skin that was not in pristine condition. Narrow heads, weak chins and (goodness) shaved cats were also frowned upon!

CFA‘s biggest concern was for cats with poor skin quality: fur in the wrong places; rough patches and the like. This was followed by difficult temperaments and those that appeared to be finely boned. Lack of grooming and shaving was a no-no, as was a thin cat with poor condition of skin. In TICA, fine boning was at the top, followed by thin bodies with nar-row heads. Incorrect profiles, over-weight cats, weak chins and incomplete grooming were also turn-offs for TICA judges.

Implications
Easier said than done! Health, temperament and type……in that order, we chant amongst ourselves as breeders. The findings indicate that judges appear to assume that health and temperament are a ―given. The apparent assumption is that exhibitors would not consider putting an unhealthy, disgruntled Sphynx in their ring. That said, if we choose to engage in the world of show-ing our Sphynx and are seeking ribbons, we need to focus on the quality of our cat‘s skin and their ears if we wish to pass the first judging litmus test. The head and body follow quickly. Consult your breed standard.
That said, placing a finely boned cat with a thin body and rough or hairy skin on the judges table will take us off the list of potential candidates. Ditto: failing to carefully remove the armpit sweat, nail-bed /ear/eye gunk. We have complete control over this issue.
Discussion
Interestingly enough, differences between the two organi-zations offering the most data (TICA and CFA) seem to be related to their perspective breed standards. Skin quality and degree of hairlessness ranked highest with CFA judges, fol-lowed by ears and then body. In TICA, judges ranked ears above all else, followed by head type/profile and skin quality.
In TICA, the point values place a slight emphasis on the head of the Sphynx with overall head shape and ears dominating the section. The judges‘ poll within TICA supports this view. While point values in CFA are similar, fewer points are dedicated to the head and the body of the standard describes, in detail, the desired coat. CFA Judges‘ responses may, then, reflect this elevated desire for coat and skin perfection.

TICA accepted Sphynx for competition many years prior to CFA. Many long-time Sphynx breeders show(ed) in TICA. Some say we are to be a ―head breed with emphasis on wide, deep heads, wrinkles en mass topped off with tall, large, wide-open ears and a bulky body for balance. TICA‘s standard and judging preferences appear to support the ―head breed belief. Some of these judges handled some of the original Sphynx in competition who were indeed stellar examples of the breed.
Discussions amongst breeders on various forums also revolve around the increased interest in the blue eye color seen in thermal Sphynx. Many feel that this introduction has created a more refined, oriental look to the breed. The judges‘ poll clearly reflects displeasure in thin-bodied cats with refined boning, narrow heads and incorrect, chinless profiles.

There also seems to be the ―show factor. A nicely built cat has to be clean and can‘t arrive with attitude. We all have them and they do their best to let us know they‘d rather be home. It seems in everyone‘s best interest to honor their request! All asso-ciations consider temperament difficulties to be a penalty or dis-qualification. Our cats are supposed to be easily amused!

Conclusion

Ours is a hairless breed, first and foremost. Perfecting the skin and coat appears to be a priority in the show world. A great cat with lousy skin is a great cat with lousy skin. Additional empha-sis appears to be focused on the head and parts attached. This includes ears, profile and eyes. A great cat with lousy ears is a great cat with lousy ears! Still, a soft and clean hairless body with a stunning head will not fare well if it is placed on a dainty cat whose weight does not surprise. The body has to be there!
It may be that the challenge for newcomers to the Sphynx show world (and those seasoned) is to combine the classic, ―old school cat with improved skin and coat, creating a robust animal with surprising weight, widely-base, eye catching ears and that remarkably unique and substantial wrinkled head. A fleshy chin would top it off. The best of all worlds, if they are also clean, happy, healthy and enjoy being handled in the show ring! Getting the moons and stars to align as such is an amazing feat. When it happens, you just know. A great cat should mesmerize the beholder.
A solid breeding program will always be a work in progress. Each generation should be inching its way toward perfection. Getting it ―right for breeding isn‘t always the same as getting it ―right for showing. There are beautiful cats that need to stay home and well-balanced, but fairly average –but balanced-show cats that will soar in the ring.
The two are not always the same, but both have a place in our homes. And most all make beloved pets, above all else.

*A special thank you the following judges who participated in our poll: Larry Adkison, Rachel Anger, Ellen Crockett, Laura Cun-ningham, Rick Hoskinson, Angelika Kneifel, Fate Mays, Nancy Parkinson, Paul Patton, Pascale Portelas, Bobbie Tullo, Gary Veach, Liz Watson, Russell Webb, Hisako Yamada, and two oth-ers who shall remain a mystery!

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