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By 1960, ten years had
passed since what was to become today's Cornish Rex had first been
seen, and the "Poodle Cat" had become a popular oddity in England.
Many interested breeders and researchers had worked hard developing
early lines and the people of England were familiar with the novel
curly coats of these cats.
About this time, a Miss Cox living in Buckfastleigh, Devon, became
aware of a feral curly tom living in a deserted tin mine near her
home. She was, therefore, not really surprised to find a curly
kitten in a litter born to a stray tortie-and-white female. She felt
that he was quite beautiful, with lots of curls and even ringlets on
his tail. She decided to keep him and name him Kirlee. Miss Cox
contacted Mr. Sterling-Webb, one of the breeders who was working to
establish the rex as a breed, feeling that they might be in need of
an outcross. Mr. Sterling-Webb and the other rex breeders were
indeed very excited to hear the news. They persuaded Miss Cox to
send them Kirlee to use with their rex program.
By 1967, Great Britain's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
recognized the distinction of the two breeds. Standards were written
for the Devon based upon Kirlee's type which was quite different
from the more "foreign" type of the Cornish. Kirlee and his
descendants had a shorter and broader head with ears that sat lower
and to the side of the head. They were also more heavily built than
their forerunners, the Cornish.
The popularity of the Devon grew and many of the early breeders
became dedicated to their cause. Not only did the unique appearance
of these cats cause attraction of many but their endearing
personality was the final ingredient for dedicated captivity with
the new breed. |
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