German Rex vs British Shorthair
Discover the differences between German Rex and British Shorthair to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds

German Rex
Affectionate, playful, and curious, this breed thrives on companionship and interaction. Their soft, wavy coat and lively personality make them delightful household friends.

British Shorthair
Round-faced, plush-coated, and calm, this breed charms with its affectionate yet independent nature. Adaptable and gentle, it thrives as a loving companion in any home.
Quick comparison
Medium
3–5 kg
Shorthaired, wavy
9–14 years
2.5–4 kg
Moderately active
Large
5–9 kg
Shorthaired, plush
12–17 years
4–7 kg
Low activity needs
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
German Rex
Enjoys companionship and interaction with people
Quick learner, responds well to stimuli
Generally active and enjoys movement
Loves games and interactive toys
Adjusts well to changes in environment
British Shorthair
Calm and gentle with people and children
Learns routines and commands fairly quickly
Usually low-energy, prefers lounging to running
Enjoys toys but not overly active
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
German Rex
Patellar luxation, dental issues
British Shorthair
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, gingivitis
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
German Rex
Great choice
Adaptable personality and manageable care needs suit inexperienced owners well
Highly suitable
Quiet and playful nature fits well in smaller living spaces
Very adaptable
Enjoys play and interaction, matching active environments
Friendly companion
Tolerant and gentle with respectful children
Good fit
Usually sociable with other friendly pets
Prone to loneliness
Needs frequent human interaction and may get stressed when left alone
British Shorthair
Great choice
British Shorthairs are easygoing and forgiving, making them manageable for new cat owners.
Very suitable
Their calm nature and moderate activity level suit smaller living spaces well.
Not ideal
They prefer a calm environment and may be overwhelmed by constant activity.
Perfect fit
Their gentle and patient temperament makes them safe around young children.
Highly suitable
They usually get along with other pets due to their non-territorial attitude.
May get lonely
Extended solitude can lead to boredom or stress for this affectionate breed.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
German Rex
- Affectionate with family members
- Intelligent and quick to learn tricks
- Playful and enjoys interactive toys
- Generally healthy with few breed-specific issues
- Low-shedding curly coat requires minimal grooming
British Shorthair
- Calm and easygoing temperament
- Tolerates children and other pets well
- Low grooming needs due to dense coat
- Adaptable to indoor living environments
- Generally robust and healthy breed
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
German Rex
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- May demand frequent attention and stimulation
- Sensitive to cold due to thin coat
- Can develop dental issues without care
- Not hypoallergenic despite low shedding
British Shorthair
- Can be prone to obesity if overfed
- May dislike being carried or cuddled
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
- Can develop dental issues without care
- May be reserved with unfamiliar people
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
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