Is a longhair Selkirk Rex much harder to maintain than the shorthair version?

I have both a longhair and shorthair Selkirk Rex, so I can tell you from experience that the longhair version definitely requires more brushing. You'll need to gently comb that curly coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent mats, while the shorthair can get by with just a weekly once-over. Baths are also more frequent with the longhair to keep those curls defined and free of oils, but it's not overwhelming if you stay on top of it.

From a practical standpoint, the difference comes down to how often you need to check for tangles behind the ears and under the armpits. My longhair needs a quick comb-through every other day, but the shorthair only gets a soft brush once a week. The real hassle with the longhair isn't the brushing itself - it's that loose fur gets caught in those tight curls and turns into felt-like mats if you skip even a couple days. Not a huge extra effort, but definitely more hands-on.

I've had both and the extra work is real but totally manageable if you stay on top of it. The longhair needs a metal comb run through the curls every couple of days to stop mats forming in the ruff and behind the ears, while the shorthair basically just needs a weekly slicker brush. What most people don't mention is that the longhair's coat can get greasy faster because the curls trap oils, so you'll be washing it every 4-6 weeks versus maybe twice a year for the shorthair. That said, I actually prefer the longhair's look and the grooming is kind of a nice bonding routine.

Brushing frequency is not the only difference - the longhair's coat collects litter and food crumbs way more easily, so you have to check her chin and paws daily. My longhair girl gets bits stuck in her curls just from eating kibble, while my shorthair barely needs a wipe. You also have to trim the longhair's bum feathers more often to prevent dingleberries, which the shorthair never has an issue with.

Factor in grooming time for the curly coat, and yes, the longhair does need more attention, but the real difference for me has been the skin care. Those tight curls on the longhair trap moisture and dander against the skin, so I find myself checking for little red spots or flaky patches weekly, especially in humid weather. My shorthair never has that issue-her coat stays airy and dry. A quick baby wipe on the longhair’s belly and armpits after grooming keeps things comfortable, and it’s become a gentle bonding moment rather than a chore.