Compare breeds
Birman vs Sphynx
Birman
Long
Sphynx
Hairless
Choose the Birman if you want…
- less time spent grooming
- a quieter companion
- a calmer companion
Choose the Sphynx if you want…
- a family with children
- a home with other pets
- a dog or cat that learns quickly
- less hair around the house
- an active companion for long walks and play
Side by side
| Trait | Birman | Sphynx |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 3–7 kg (7–15 lb) | 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) |
| Height | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) | 20–25 cm (8–10 in) |
| Life span | 12–16 years | 9–15 years |
| Origin | Burma (developed in France) | Canada |
| Energy | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Suits a flat | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Quick answers
Which lives longer, the Birman or the Sphynx?
The Birman, on average. Birman: 12–16 years; Sphynx: 9–15 years.
Is the Birman or the Sphynx better with children?
The Sphynx scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
Other comparisons
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