Origin
The Tonkinese is the result of a cross between the Siamese and the Burmese. This was done intentionally in Canada in the 1960s by breeder Margaret Conroy. The result is a cat that combines the best of both breeds: the slender type of the Siamese with the slightly more robust, rounded character of the Burmese. The name refers to the Gulf of Tonkin in Asia.

Character
Active, intelligent and sociable. Less noisy than the Siamese but communicative. Very attached to its family and gets along well with children and other animals. Curious and playful throughout its life.

Care
The short, silky coat is very easy to maintain. Weekly brushing with a soft brush or the hand suffices.

Body: medium, muscular and robust. Semi-foreign type, between Siamese and Burmese.
Head: wedge with rounded contours, no extreme angles.
Eyes: almond to oval, slightly oblique. Characteristic aquamarine (blue-green) in mink colour; blue or gold also possible.
Ears: medium to large, wide at the base, slightly forward.
Tail: medium length, slightly thicker at the base.
Coat: short, silky and lustrous, lying close to the body.
Colour: three patterns: pointed (like Siamese), mink (intermediate) and solid (like Burmese). All colourpoint colours including seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream.