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Skookum |
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TranslationFrancis Vandersteen |
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OriginThe Skookum is a cat breed originating in the United States. |
| This small cat is characterized by its curly coat and very short, Basset-like legs. |
A brief historical overview |
| The Skookum is the result of a cross between a Munckin and a Laperm, with the aim of obtaining a small cat like the Munchkin but with curly hair. It was started in the 1990s by Roy Galusha, and later a few other breeders joined the breeding program. Outside the USA, a few breeders can be found in Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Various independent associations have recognized the breed as experimental. Skookums are allowed to show, but not to compete for prizes. TICA has approved the breed's recognition, but has not yet decided on its name. Indeed, it wants to make sure that elsewhere in the world this name would not have a negative connotation. Only one Australian association, the Waratah National Cat Alliance (WNCA), accepts the breed for championship. |
Behavior / characteristics |
| The Skookum is often described as a very playful, affectionate cat who still seems to be a kitten, even as an adult. However, these traits are completely individual and depend above all on the history of each cat. |
Head |
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Cranial region |
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Head |
The head is rounded, small to medium-sized, but in proportion to the body. | |
Skull |
The top of the skull is flat, becoming rounder as it descends to the nose, which is broad, straight and of medium length. | |
Stop |
There is a slight stop at the birth of the nose. | |
Facial region |
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Muzzle |
Strong, rounded muzzle with rounded cheekbones. | |
Eyes |
Almond-shaped, large and expressive. Any color is acceptable, regardless of coat color. | |
Ears |
Medium to large, rounded ears in line with the shape of the head. They should be well furnished with hair, and feathering is highly desirable in semi-long-haired dogs. | |
Body |
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Generality |
Skookums are well-muscled, medium-boned cats. | |
Tail |
| The size of the tail is proportionate to the body, broad at the base and tapering to the tip. It should be well furnished with hair. |
Limbs |
| The legs are very short, a distinctive feature of the breed. The legs are medium-sized and round. | ||
Forequarters |
Hindquarters |
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Generality |
The hindquarters rise slightly higher than the front legs. | |
Coat |
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Coat and texture |
The coat is either short or medium-length. The short coat should be light, wavy with variations in the intensity of the waves, and is generally coarser than the semi-long coat. Semi-long-haired dogs have a collar and light hair. The coat can be wavy or curly, with a clear preference for curls. All colors and patterns are accepted. | |
English (United Kingdom)