Tonkinese — breed guide
Tonkinese — temperament, grooming, exercise, heat tolerance and care, from the Leash Life breed guide.
At a glance
- Group
- shorthair
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 3–5 kg (7–11 lb)
- Life span
- 15–18 years
- Coat
- Short, close-lying, silky
Living with a Tonkinese
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Almost no grooming.
- Light shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Generally content living with another cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Chatty · Busy · Affectionate · Curious
Health to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Asthma
- Gingivitis
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Tonkinese good with kids?
Generally yes. Tonkineses are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Tonkinese good with other cats?
Usually yes. Tonkineses generally settle well with another cat, given a proper introduction and their own food, bed and tray.
How much exercise does a Tonkinese need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Tonkinese handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Tonkinese's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.