The Tonkinese is indigenous to Burma and Thailand and is genetically similar to the all brown chocolate Siamese of 80 years ago, but this hybrid of the Siamese and Burmese was the first pedigree breed to originate in Canada, and the Canadian Cat Association was the first association to give it full recognition.
The Tonkinese is a medium sized cat whose conformation strikes a balance between the extremes of the long, svelte type and the cobby, compact body type. It should be well muscled with a firm feel and surprising weight for its size. The head is a medium short modified wedge showing clean curved contours with a whisker pinch and slight nose stop. Their almond shaped eyes of a gemstone quality in shades ranging from aquamarine through the blue-green spectrum.
The short, glossy coat displays three patterns: The Sepia - deep body colour that is very close to the point colour with the "points" blending into the body colour instead of remaining distinct. The Mink - the rich mink body colour is a lighter, shaded version of the corresponding darker, distinct point colour. The Pointed - very similar to the Siamese colours, with the lighter body colour a sharp distinct contrast to the deep point colour. Colours included in all 3 patterns are : natural, champagne, honey, blue, platinum and fawn.
A colourful cat with a colourful personality who likes to travel, adapts readily to any environment, is a extrovert who greets guests warmly, answers phones, pushed TV buttons and bonds with children, dogs and other cats. Active, curious and demanding, they need an owner who will tolerate its occasioal mischief.