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Corey 4 months
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Corey 3 years
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Since the breed is
in
the process of development, the standard reflects this growth and is
updated
as the breed gains greater acceptance in the feline fancy.
Typically,
the standard describes a medium cat possessing moderate features,
similar
to those of the Domestic cat -- the Munchkin breed's parent. The
only allowable outcross for the Munchkin is non-pedigreed, non-purebred
cats. In other words, the outcrosses that can be implemented are
Domestic Shorthair and Longhair cats. Outcrossing is important to
a new breed in order to broaden the gene pool. For the Munchkin
to
be recognized and further advance in the cat world, this type of
breeding
program is recommended so that they will be judged on their own merit
for
being a Munchkin and not some other purebred cat on short legs.
Currently,
there is
a movement within the fancy where a smaller cat with more petite
features
is desired by breeders, judges, and the pet-owning public. Our
cattery
is part of this movement; therefore, we work with the smaller type
Munchkin.
Our selection of outcrosses has been made with small size in
mind.
We also select those outcrosses that display other features that we
felt
were more complimentary to the "look" of our Munchkin line. My
desire
for my Munchkins to be more of a toy cat with an ideal weight range of
4 to 7 pounds for show cats (these are cats that are healthy, robust,
and
muscular little guys and gals) probably stems from my years of breeding
and showing the gorgeous little Toy
Pomeranians.
Though we
follow the
guidelines that are set forth by the TICA standard for the Munchkin,
there
is still much room for one's own personal interpretation; therefore,
our
Munchkins, hopefully, will reflect our ideal for this remarkable,
little
breed. In our breeding program, we are striving for a uniform
conformation
in our Munchkins. Our ideal is to breed cats that are more in
proportion
with their short stature -- that is, small cats on small legs.
They
will have a shorter, more level back with the front and back legs
closer
to the same length. More important, we pay special attention to
the
shape of these legs -- specifically, guarding against excessively bowed
front legs and cow-hocked back legs.
As for the
personality
of the Munchkin, it is sweet and outgoing. We like for our cats
to
have characteristics that emphasize this demeanor, for we believe that
the facial features of a Munchkin are as important as the proper
conformation
of the body. After all, the face can embody so much of one's
personality.
The ideal countenance for our cats is one that consists of large,
expressive
eyes; smaller ears that are rounded at the tips and set high upon the
head;
a firm chin; a squared muzzle; and a slight cheekbone definition,
giving
a gentle fullness to the face. We feel that such an openness to
their
visage reflects the true nature of the Munchkin -- one of
curiosity.
For another aspect that demonstrates the inquisitive character of these
cats is their creativity. To overcome what some might think is a
limited point of view, they readily sit on their haunches in order to
see
something from another perspective, a display that underscores their
comical
nature.
All their
characteristics,
both in body and in action, reflect not only a sense of wonder about
their
world but also a spirit of freshness in the way they view it.
Thus,
our goal is for our Munchkins to possess a more "kitten-like" look as
well
as temperament. But this wish does not mean that they do not
become
adult cats. All cats grow up, even Munchkins, to be just as
amazing
and amusing as they were in kittenhood. Furthermore, we feel that
sweet personalities will enhance the overall presence of this new,
wonderful
breed -- called the Munchkin.