Devon Rex Hybrids
What in the world is a Devon Rex hybrid?

A brief examination of the history of the Devon Rex shows that the Devon gene pool is very small indeed -- in fact, the entire breed was started with one cat (Kirlee) just 37 short years ago... So to maintain health and vigor in the Devon breed, Devon breeders often use other pedigreed cats in what are called "outcross" breedings. In the US associations, the cats used are predominantly the American Shorthair, and it's close relative, the British Shorthair.

American Shorthair -- CactusCat's Red Bug of Busykitty
Red Classic Tabby
Since the Devon Rex "curly coat" gene (aka the "Devon gene") is a recessive gene, the offspring of such matings (referred to as the "F1" generation) are all straight-coated Devon Rex, and all carry the recessive Devon gene. When these "F1" cats are bred again to a curly-coated Devon Rex, the resultant cats (the "F2" generation) are 50% curly-coated Devon Rex, and 50% straight-coated Devon Rex hybrids (who carry the recessive Devon gene).
F2 Devon Hybrid - Busykitty's PetTrick (aka Patrick)
Red Spotted Tabby Straight-haired Devon Hybrid
The straight-coated hybrids are very interesting cats; they largely have all of the personality traits and much of the physical appearance of the Devon, without the curly coat; this increases with each generation (F1, F2, etc.).
Patrick's Mom - Kotickee's Silver & Gold (of Busykitty)
(aka Peaches)
Silver Patched Tabby Straight-haired F1 Devon Hybrid
The Devon hybrids have an interesting coat texture -- instead of the "hard" coat of the American Shorthair, they have a coat that is plush and fuzzy.
Closeup of Patrick showing coat texture
Of course, there is more to a Devon then meets the eye -- Devons are some of the worlds most playful and busy cats, and Devon hybrids are no exception.
Not a Devon? Them's fighting words!
 
Devon Hybrids
The plush version of the Devon Rex
Many Devon hybrids go back into Devon breeding programs, but some kittens and retirees are occasionally available for placement to special pet homes, where new owners get the delight of a Devon, in a special package.