Munchkin cat breeding information

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They weren't originally

called Munchkins

Kittens for Sale

Library of publications

I am going to explain this in layman's terms: for a more detailed genetic discussion you can search the web.

Each kitten being created in the womb receives chromosomes from each parent, since there is no name for the allele that causes dwarfism I am going to call it the "Dwarf" gene just to make it easy. When two cats are bred together, one of them being a Munchkin, or dwarf, the kittens that receive a "dwarf" gene from both parents is unable to survive and dies before it can develop. In order for this to happen both parents must be dwarfs. A non-standard Munchkin, does not have the "dwarfing" gene, therefore if you breed standard to non-standard you will not lose kittens in the womb due to a double (homozygous) allele. If you breed standard to standard all of the kittens have the possibility of being homozygous and those embryos that receive two dwarf genes on a single allele are unable to progress and die. So breeding standard X standard usually results in smaller litters of kittens. When you breed NS X S there is NO opportunity for a double "dwarf" allele and all kittens will develop. However this does NOT mean you will get more standards, there is still a 50/50 chance for both leg lengths.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can long legged Munchkins produce short legged kittens? No, not on their own, two long legged Munchkins bred together will NEVER produce a short legged kitten. One of the parents must have short legs.

How do I know if I have a pure Munchkin kitten? You should ask your breeder to provide a pedigree. Just because a kitten has short legs, that does not mean it has nothing but Munchkins or domestics in the background. It may or may not be "purebred" or "traditional" There are new breeds that use one Munchkin parent and another recognized breed in an effort to produce short-legged kittens with a different look than that of the original Munchkins. Original Munchkins are supposed to have a domestic look, not like any other purebred, however, these hybrid kittens are known for their outstanding look and make wonderful pets.

What if there is an unacceptable outcross in the pedigree? As long as the unacceptable outcross breed is three generations, or more, from the cat you are considering it will not make any difference in breeding or showing UNLESS there is a dominant trait that has been passed on.

Is it safe to breed standard (short) to Standard: Yes, some kittens might receive a double gene for dwarfism and will not develop in the uterus, but it is not detrimental to the kittens that are born.

BEFORE YOU BUY A MUNCHKIN FOR BREEDING

Have a clear goal in mind, what you want to produce Traditional or Hybrid?

Get, at least, a three generation pedigree from the breeder

SEE the blue slip before completion of payment

This will prove the cats eligibility to complete in shows if you are interested in that and/or will show you that there are no unacceptable outcrosses within three generations. Ask to see the "Blue Slip" before making a full payment. Often times we, as breeders, do not register a litter right away as most pet buyers don't care about papers. However, if you are going to purchase a cat for breeding, this assures that they are capable of having papers if you see them and can read the registration number.

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