The Sphynx's distinctive hairless phenotype is governed by a recessive allele (hr) at the Hairless locus, requiring homozygosity (hr/hr) for expression, but this locus is entirely independent of the pigmentation genetics that determine EMS color codes. All pigmentation loci (A, B, C, D, E, O, S, I) function identically in hairless cats, making the Sphynx one of the most genetically unrestricted breeds in terms of permissible EMS codes. Breeders using an EMS color calculator for Sphynx programs must evaluate color expression on the skin pigmentation visible at the skin surface and hair follicle roots, as the absence of a full coat makes colourpoint restriction, tabby pattern, and white-spotting all visible directly on the skin.
Common recessive carriers
All Sphynx are homozygous hr/hr at the Hairless locus. Outcross programs using Devon Rex (re/re) produce all-haired offspring (hr/re) which must not be registered as Sphynx. All color-locus recessives (b, bl, d, cs, cb) can and do occur in Sphynx populations; all are accepted. The Inhibitor (I) locus produces silver/smoke phenotypes visible on skin pigmentation.
Breed-specific restrictions
No color or pattern restrictions apply to the Sphynx under FIFe standard — all EMS base colors, tabby patterns, colourpoint series, and white-spotting grades are permissible. Dominant White (W) is accepted. Amber (e) is technically possible but not explicitly listed in FIFe SPH standards. The hairless gene (hr) must be homozygous; Devon Rex (re) and Sphynx (hr) alleles must not be confused — they are non-allelic.
Pattern quirks
All tabby patterns (22, 23, 24, 25) are accepted. Colourpoint (cs/cs) Sphynx are fully valid, with point restriction visible on skin tone. Smoke and silver patterns are visible as differential skin pigmentation at follicle roots. White-spotting (S locus) is identifiable by unpigmented skin patches, making precise bicolor and van classification straightforward in the hairless phenotype.
SPH nBlack (solid skin)SPH aBlue (solid)SPH f 22Black Tortie Classic TabbySPH n 03Black BicolourSPH n 33Seal ColourpointSPH dRed (solid)Free online tool to predict kitten coat colors based on Mendelian genetics. Select the breed and appearance of sire and dam to see color probabilities.
Enter the appearance of both parents to calculate color predictions.