Munchkin

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General Info: The Munchkin's distinctive short legs developed from an autosomal dominant gene mutation which has occurred several times in the domestic cat. Munchkins are a medium size cat exhibiting shortening of the longbones. Mild bowing will occur in the forlegs. The long bones palpated for judging are the radius, ulna and humerus on the forelegs and femur, fibula and tibia on the hindlegs. The cat often stands higher in the back but
is nearly level at rest. The spine and pelvis are unaffected and similar in form and flexibility to that seen in other domestic cats. The breed has been established from spontaneously occurring domestic cat lines and should have the general look of the domestic cat. Munchkins are outgoing and respond well to being handled.

History:
Although the Munchkins have only recently been discovered by the cat fancy, cats with short legs are not new to the scientific world. In 1944, Dr. H. E. Williams-Jones described four generations of cats with short limbs, including an 8-1/2 year old black female reported as having had an extremely healthy life. Her dam, great dam, and some of her progeny were similar in short-legged appearance. The cat's movements were described as ferret-like, but other than the short legs, the cat was reported to be normal in every way. Unfortunately, these cats seem to have disappeared during World War II, not surprising in that many established feline bloodlines were markedly depleted and some disappeared completely during this period of deprivation. Available stock was apparently altered and the line was not preserved so far as may be determined.

Although the short legged cats from Europe seem to have disappeared, the trait reappeared in New England in the 1970's and in Louisiana in the 1980's. From a pregnant black female short legged cat found by Sandra Hochenedel in 1983, several colonies have been established which now span multiple generations. The breeding data clearly support an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. The cats exhibit shortening and bowing of the long bones similar to that seen in the Dachshund and the Corgi, but no other skeletal changes associated with the gene. The spine is usually indistinguishable from that of other cats.

Head:
Shape: Broad modified wedge with rounded contours.
Size: Medium, in proportion to body.
Profile: Slight stop.
Forehead: Flat.
Muzzle Length: Medium.
Whisker Break: Moderate.
Whisker pads: Rounded, but not overly pronounced.
Top of Head: Slightly rounded.
Nose: Medium in length, slight bump is acceptable.
Cheek Bones: High and moderately pronounced.
Chin: Firm, but not unusually prominent.
Misc: Stud jowls in males. Heads on males may appear broader.

Ears:
Shape: Broader at base, ending in slightly rounded tips.
Size: Medium to medium large (in proportion with head).
Placement: As much on top of the head as on the sides; a continuation of the modified wedge.
Furnishings: Longhair acceptable.

Eyes:
Shape: Walnut
Size: Medium large.
Placement: Rather wide apart, approx. one eye width apart, to give open and alert expression.
Aperture: Slight angle toward the base of the ears.
Color: No relationship between coat and eye color. Deeper, more vivid colors preferred.

Body:
Body type: Thick semi foreign body.
Size: Medium.
Length: Medium.
Back: Slight rise from shoulders to tail when at rest.
Boning: Medium.
Musculature: Medium to substantial.
Chest: Well rounded.
Hips: Firm.
Females: May be smaller than males.
Shoulders Blades: May appear higher than other cats, but should not be prominent.

Coat:
Density: Medium. Solids may have a less dense coat.
Texture: Plush, all weather, resilient.
Undercoat: Medium.
Misc: Lustrous appearance.

Color:
Munchkins come in any color or hair length that can be found in the general cat population, as domestic cats are the background parents of Munchkins.

Personality:
The Munchkin's background is the general cat population, the Munchkin tends to be a pretty regular cat. Although the Munchkin is amusing to watch and the body resembles a ferret more than a cat, the personality is all cat and then some. For some reason, they tend to be very affectionate and people-oriented, seemingly more so than the average non-Munchkin. They readily accept a harness and leash and seem to enjoy taking their owners for walks. The Munchkin is a very sociable creature and enjoys company. Friendly and self-assured, the Munchkin gets along well with other cats, dogs, and people. Despite the short legs, the Munchkin is definitely not shortchanged in either personality or intelligence.