The very first Cornish Rex was born in 1950 in the Cornouailles region of Great Britain. The breed was officially recognized in 1967 in Europe and in 1979 in North America.

The Cornish Rex is a medium-sized cat with a long, thin, muscular body. It has large ears and a proportionally small, narrow head. It has long, thin paws and legs, making the Cornish Rex most agile.

The Cornish Rex is probably most recognized for its short, wavy coat which lacks the guard hairs that most cats have. This leaves just the luxurious undercoat which is so soft and warm to the touch. For these reasons, the Cornish Rex is considered hypoallergenic.

The Cornish Rex is a delightful being. With a naturally affectionate and social personality, this breed loves to mix and mingle. Often considered to be somewhat dog-like, the Cornish Rex loves to play and can be taught such tricks as catch and fetch. This often makes him an excellent choice for families with children and/or other domestic animals.