About Tonks
The Tonkinese is called a hybrid, or man-made, breed of cat. It was created some years ago by carefully mixing Burmese and Siamese to make a moderate cat that has the best of the two breeds. In Thailand, where the breed originated, Tonks are a naturally existing breed! Some argue that it was actually through selective breeding that the Siamese and Burmese were created! Please note that much of this description is CFA-specific and may differ for other associations.
Colors - Tonks come in the same 4 basic colors as many other pointed cats. We Tonk folks, however, have our own naming scheme:
| TONKINESE | SIAMESE | BURMESE |
| Natural | Seal | Sable |
| Champagne | Chocolate | Champagne |
| Blue | Blue | Blue |
| Platinum | Lilac | Platinum |
Contrasts - Just to make matters more interesting, Tonks come in 3 body contrasts. What we call a Point has blue eyes and the most contrast between body and point color. What we call a Solid has green to gold eyes, and the least amount of contrast between body and point color, that is with lots of the point color in the body. Finally, we have the Mink -- exactly between a Solid and Point. Minks have noticeable points and creamy bodies with some point color. Minks have aqua eyes -- which is quite unusual!
So there are 12 Tonks to choose from -- 4 colors, each with 3 contrasts. They are:
| Natural Solid | Natural Mink | Natural Point |
| Champagne Solid | Champagne Mink | Champagne Point |
| Blue Solid | Blue Mink | Blue Point |
| Platinum Solid | Platinum Mink | Platinum Point |
 |
Three
generations of Platinums: On the right is Kenobi Tasha Yar (Platinum Solid), on the left is Tasha's daughter GC PR Kenobi Princess Leia (Platinum Mink), and in the middle is Tasha's granddaughter Kiwendo Kai Winn of Kenobi (Platinum Point). |
Color Changes Over Time - To make matters even more interesting, Tonkinese darken as they age. Tonks are born without point color, and with light body color. And all kittens have blue eyes. Over the first few weeks, the point color starts to develop. After about 6 weeks, the permanent eye color starts to appear. But, the eye color can continue to change for several months. The points also take several months to fully develop. And the body darkens slowly over years!
Body and Head Structure - The Tonkinese body structure is very moderate, regardless of the color or contrast. The body is not stocky and not svelt. But the body is very sturdy -- Tonks weigh more than you think by looking at them. The head is also moderate. The eyes are almond shaped - not round and not oriental.
Temperament - The temperament should be moderate, too. Tonks are lively and playful. Tonks are very affectionate. Many like to sit on your shoulder, hence the nickname "shoulder-riders". That's also why they're called Minks. With a Tonk on your shoulder, you feel like you're wearing a mink collar. Almost all Tonks are lap kitties.
Summary - The Tonkinese is a beautiful, wonderful cat that gives the best of it's parent breeds!
|
For more information on Tonks
|
Copyright © 2006
Barbara Cooper Robb