The Peterbald descended from the Russian Don Hairless breed with outcrosses to Oriental and Siamese cats. The first Peterbalds were born in 1994 in St. Petersburg. Being a very new breed, the Peterbald has not yet been recognized by many of the world organizations. At first the Peterbald breed was called the Don Sphynx, but after it was discovered, that this cat was totally different from the Sphynx, the name was changed to the Don Hairless. In 1993 a very oriental looking brown mackerel tabby Don Hairless male, was mated to a tortie Oriental female. These oriental type hairless cats were called Peterbalds. Although one might think that ths new breed will have lots of problems due to inbreeding etc, they are very strong, healthy cats. Peterbalds are super cats to have as companion animals, with this extra bonus that they do not shed! The Peterbald is a very friendly, outgoing, and very intelligent cat. Although they are outcrossed with Siamese they are not as noisy, and also more peaceful cats. A Peterbald cat loves his owner, and does not mind to make friends with strangers. They are graceful cats, that get very well along with other animals in the house. Peterbald cats can easily stay in a small place like a flat, not like their blood brothers, the siamese, who are just too inquisitive to stay in one place.