The Minskin Breed

 

The Minskin is a breed of cat derived from intentional hybrid cross-breedings between the Munchkin and Burmese, with the addition of Sphynx and Devon Rex, characterized by:

  • Small to medium-sized, semi-cobby, muscular body

  • Rounded head

  • Large ears that are wide at the base

  • Short, broad muzzle with prominent whisker pads

  • Large, round eyes that are spaced well apart, giving them an open, alert expression

  • Sparse rex-coat fur that is more dense on the outer extremities, creating a unique coat of "fur points" that defines the mask, ears, legs and tail, with a more sparsely coated cashmere-like torso

Minskins are often described as exotic and alien-like. They are sweet tempered, affectionate and playful, but not destructive.

The Minskin is a healthy, small breed that requires little grooming, gets along with other animals, thrives on human interaction, and is particularly fond of children.

 
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Minskin History

In 1998, the breed founder began the development of the Minskin cat breed in Boston, MA.

Like the Siamese, with its color restricted to points/extremities, the breed founder envisioned a cat with short legs and denser fur restricted to the points (fur points) on the mask, ears, legs and tail, with a more sparsely coated torso, neck and belly.

To accomplish his goal, the breed founder crossed his already established Munchkin show cats with short legs (a physical anomaly caused by a naturally occurring, healthy dominant gene) with a full coat of fur. He then introduced and combined 'fuzzy' Sphynx for the hairless characteristic (a cosmetic anomaly caused by a naturally occurring, healthy recessive gene), but with denser fur restricted to the extremities. When combined, the two healthy mutation genes do not recognize each other and therefore ensure a healthy immune system.

For the appeal of structure, temperament, type and other desired qualities, the breed founder also used his international award-winning Burmese and Devon Rex cats in the development of his Minskin breeding program.

The first standard cat that met the breed founder’s goal was "TRT I Am Minskin Hear Me Roar" Rory, born July 2000.

By early 2005, about 50 cats meeting the Minskin vision had been registered by the International Cat Association (TICA).

In 2008, the Minskin was recognized as a Preliminary New Breed (PNB); the Minskin is currently in TICA's program monitoring the development of new breeds and tracking their progress toward achieving the title of Advanced New Breed (ANB).

When all requirements are met, and with the approval of the TICA Board of Directors, the Minskin breed will receive TICA’s full recognition in the Championship class.