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German Rex vs British Shorthair

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

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German Rex
Germany

German Rex

Rex Group
Medium

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
United Kingdom

British Shorthair

British Shorthair Group
Large

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

Size:

Medium

Male:

3–5 kg

Coat:

Shorthaired, wavy

Lifespan:

9–14 years

Female:

2.5–4 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Large

Male:

5–9 kg

Coat:

Shorthaired, plush

Lifespan:

12–17 years

Female:

4–7 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

German Rex

Friendliness
4/5

Enjoys companionship and interaction with people

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to stimuli

Energy Level
4/5

Generally active and enjoys movement

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive toys

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to changes in environment

British Shorthair

Friendliness
4/5

Calm and gentle with people and children

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines and commands fairly quickly

Energy Level
2/5

Usually low-energy, prefers lounging to running

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys toys but not overly active

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

German Rex

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
20–30 minutes interactive play
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Prefers moderate climates
Health concerns:

Patellar luxation, dental issues

British Shorthair

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
20–30 minutes daily play
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Prefers cool to moderate climates
Health concerns:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, gingivitis

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

German Rex

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Adaptable personality and manageable care needs suit inexperienced owners well

Apartment Living
5/5

Highly suitable

Quiet and playful nature fits well in smaller living spaces

Active Lifestyle
4/5

Very adaptable

Enjoys play and interaction, matching active environments

Kids
4/5

Friendly companion

Tolerant and gentle with respectful children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Good fit

Usually sociable with other friendly pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to loneliness

Needs frequent human interaction and may get stressed when left alone

British Shorthair

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

British Shorthairs are easygoing and forgiving, making them manageable for new cat owners.

Apartment Living
5/5

Very suitable

Their calm nature and moderate activity level suit smaller living spaces well.

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They prefer a calm environment and may be overwhelmed by constant activity.

Kids
5/5

Perfect fit

Their gentle and patient temperament makes them safe around young children.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Highly suitable

They usually get along with other pets due to their non-territorial attitude.

Being Left Alone
2/5

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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