ALGEMEEN

The Minskin was developed as a hybrid breed by combining both dominant and recessive, mutation genes. Selectively cross-breeding the hairless Sphynx with the short statured Munchkin with allowable out-crossing to domestic cats which conform to the breed standard but are of unknown or unregistered ancestry. (Thus promoting a large gene pool) The Minskin is NOT to be mistaken as a Sphynx with short legs OR a Munchkin without fur. But rather an extraordinarily, unique cat that appears to have a hairless torso with short, soft velvety fur on the outer points and distinctive short legs. The Minskin should be an overall well rounded, solid, healthy but unusual looking cat. Both adults and kittens may have some wrinkling to the skin; being much more apparent in kittens. The lack of a full coat is the result of a natural spontaneous recessive gene. The body is covered with very fine down giving the appearance of hairlessness. The cat feels quite warm to the touch. Short, soft, velvety fur should be present on the mask, ears, tail, feet, legs and scrotum. Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, sparse, broken or absent. The distinctive short legs occurred from a natural spontaneous autosomal dominant mutation. This gene causes the desired shortening and mild bowing of the long bones in the front and rear legs. Their short stature does not hamper mobility or quality of life. Minskins are sweet tempered, outgoing and respond well to being handled.