Munchkin (Cat)

The Munchkin's distinctive short legs developed from a spontaneous autosomal dominant mutation which has occurred several times in the domestic cat.

GENERAL: The Munchkin's distinctive short legs developed from a spontaneous autosomal dominant mutation which has occurred several times in the domestic cat. Munchkins exhibit shortening and slight bowing of the long bones. The spine is unaffected and similar in form and flexibility to that seen in other domestic cats.
The short legs do not hamper mobility or survival ability. The breed has been established from spontaneously occurring domestic cat lines with augmentation by outcrosses to other domestic cats. Munchkins are outgoing, intelligent and respond well to being handled.

ALLOWANCES: White lockets or buttons are permitted.

PENALTIES: Cow hocking, excessive bowing, protruding sternum, foreign type, snub or excessively long nose.

WITHHOLD ALL AWARDS: Sway back. See Show Rules, ARTICLE SIXTEEN for rules governing penalties/disqualification's applying to all cats.

ALLOWABLE OUTCROSSES: Any domestic longhair or shorthair not a member of a recognized breed.

HEAD
Shape: Broad modified wedge with rounded contours.
Size: Medium, in proportion to body.
Profile: Slight stop.
Forehead: Flat.
Muzzle Length: Medium.
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.
Miscellaneous: 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; not flaring; alert.
Furnishings: Long hair acceptable.


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

NECK
Length : Medium in length.
Shape : Thick.
Muscle : Firmly muscled.
Miscellaneous : Not extremely long nor overly short and thick.

BODY
Body Type : Thick semi-foreign body.
Size : Medium.
Length : Medium-long.
Back : Slight rise from the shoulders to tail as the back legs are slightly longer than
Front legs.
Boning : Medium.
Musculature : Medium to substantial.
Chest : Well-rounded.
Hips : Firm.
Females : May be smaller than males.

TAIL
Shape : Medium thickness, tapering to a rounded tip.
Length : In proportion to body.
Miscellaneous : Carried erect when in motion.

LEGS
Forelegs : Upper and lower forelegs equal in length.
Hind Legs : Thigh and lower leg approximately equal in length, slightly longer than
Front legs.
Length : Short.
Boning : Medium, may feel slightly heavier.
Miscellaneous : Very slight bowing, in front legs, allowed.

FEET
Shape : Round, compact.
Size : Medium (females), medium large (males).

COAT
(SH) Length : Medium. Solids may have a less dense coat.
Texture : Plush, all-weather, resilient.
Undercoat : Medium.
Miscellaneous : Lustrous appearance.

(LH) Length : Semi-long.
Texture : Silky.
Density : Moderate.
Undercoat : Medium.
Ruff : Slight to moderate ruff permissible.
Britches : Shaggy.
Tail : Flowing, full plume.
Miscellaneous : All-weather coat.

updated ~ May 1, 1999