Maltese

The Maltese is a dog breed with ancient and confusing origins. It was bestowed that name "Maltese" during the 19th century, but it actually dates back much farther-- possibly to Greek and Roman times!

Maltese Dogs have always been small. Today they weigh less than 10lbs and stand less than a foot tall. It is believed that their small size came from either Spitz breeds that were bred to be tinier than normal, or from Tibetan Terriers. Either way, by around 500BC there were depictions of Maltese-looking dogs in northern Italy. These dogs were mentioned by writers like Pliny and Strabo, and were said to come from a Mediterranean Island (of which Malta is one).

By the 1800s these dogs were very popular with the upper class, though years of crossing with other breeds led to nearly a dozen different varieties. An official breed club was established, and they were recognized by the AKC in 1888. Official standards came along with the formal recognition, and today all Maltese Dogs are white furred (in the past other colors, and even mixed color dogs were seen).

The Maltese has always been a companion breed, ever since its creation thousands of years ago. They are lively and playful, and do well in small home and apartments. They also do not posses an undercoat, and shed very little. For this reason they are popular with dog owners who suffer from allergies.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Central Europe
Size : Height up to 12in (30cm), Weight up to 10lbs (4.5kg)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris
Image : SheltieBoy

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Ankole-Watusi

Today's animal has some pretty amazing headgear-- just look at it! The Ankole-Watusi breed of Cattle is known for it's massive horns that can grow more than 8ft from tip to tip. Those horns are used both for defense, and for helping to keep the animal cool in the warm climate it originates from.

This particular breed originated in Africa, and pictures of its ancestors (Sanga Cattle) go back to the days of the Pyramids. The reason for the hyphenated name is because groups in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi have different names for the same animal. Hyphenating was the easiest naming option!

Traditionally, Ankole-Watusi cattle were used mostly for their milk. That is because in many places they held more value to their owners alive than dead. Today, there is a registry for the breed in the United Sates, and its purpose is being expanded on. The Registry hopes to promote this breed, and to keep it from extinction.

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IUCN Status : Domesticated
Location : Africa
Size : Weight around 1,200lbs (540kg)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae -- Genus : Bos-- Species : B. primigenius
Image : Beckstei

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Friesian

The Friesian is a breed of horse that originated in the Friesland province of the northern Netherlands. Their ancestors were war horses that could carry men in full suits of armor, but as the centuries went by and the need for heavy armor went away, they lightened in weight and took on uses in agriculture and harness work.

They nearly went extinct a handful of times, as the needs of the people dictated the types of horses needed. This meant that Friesians were crossbred with other breeds, diminishing the pure-blooded genepool. In 1913 an official registry was founded to promote and continue the bloodline, and today all Friesians can trace their ancestry back to a single foundation sire who was born in 1885.

Today, the Friesian is an interesting step between a heavy draft horse and a light riding horse. They are powerful horses, but are remarkably agile and swift on their feet. They are becoming popular in Dressage due to their exceptional movement and easy to train demeanor. Friesians are also incredibly popular in the film industry. Seen a large black horse in a movie recently? It was probably a Friesian!

Friesians stand anywhere from 15 to 17 hands at the shoulder. They should be totally black in color-- only a very small white forehead marking is permitted. Sometimes they are seen in brown, but it is a penalized color in competitions. They have thick, long, wavy manes and tails, and "feathers" at their hooves.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Originated in the Netherlands
Size : Height up to 17 hands (1.7m)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Equidae -- Genus : Equus-- Species : E. ferus-- Subspecies : E. f. caballus
Image : Daisyree Bakker, Just Chaos

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Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a breed of dag that dates back more than 400 years. It's name comes from the German word for "monkey," probably because they have very primate-like faces.

Like many breeds, modern Affenpinschers look different now when compared to their ancestors. They are smaller now, and generally come only in black (some other colors are also recognized, but they are rare to see). The Affenpinschers of centuries past came in many other colors more commonly, and even had white feet and chests.

When it comes to temperament, Affenpinschers are very adventurous and playful. They tend to get along well with other dogs (and other pets in general) and are very active.

Affenpinschers tend to be one of the lesser-known breeds. But last year they got a spot in the limelight when one received the Best in Show award at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Germany
Size : Height up to 12in (30cm), Weight up to 13lbs (6kg)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris
Image : Kennel Imrun

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Texas Longhorn

The Texas Longhorn is a cattle breed known for its impressively large horns-- some bulls have spreads of close to 7ft!

Texas Longhorn

The origins of the breed actually date back to Christopher Columbus. Early trips to "the New World" introduced Spanish Cattle to the continent. Many of these Cattle turned feral in Texas and other eventual southern states for a few hundred years, and were re-domesticated in the early 19th century. Those cattle were interbred with English stock from the East Coast, and the Texas Longhorn breed was born.

Thanks to the mixed Spanish and English ancestry, the Texas Longhorn comes in many, many different color varieties. You'll find them in grey, brown, red, black, and white. Some are solidly colored, others have patches, while others have speckles. Quite the color palette! They also range in size, and can weigh anywhere from 700 to 1500lbs!

Texas Longhorns are primarily bred for their meat, though they are occasionally used for dairy purposes as well.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : North America
Size : Varies, maximum weight around 1,500lbs (680kg)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae -- Genus : Bos-- Species : B. primigenius
Image : Tomballpi, Myrna Spurrier

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Alaunt

Ready for a history lesson? Alaunt is the name given to a now-extinct breed of dog that lived for hundreds, if not thousands of years before vanishing during the 17th century.

The Alaunt originated in Central Asia, being bred by the Alani tribes that were nomadic and spoke an Indo-Iranian language. These people used the large working dogs for many purposes-- hunting, herding, and livestock protection among them.

In the 4th century AD, the Alani tribes were split following a Hun invasion, and they moved in two separate directions. The eastern group eventually merged with the Ossetians, while the western group went with the Vandals who raided Western Europe over time. The Alaunt diverged at this point as well, and interbred with breeds throughout Europe and central Asia, and continued to vary in purpose.

After several hundred years, the name Alaunt referred less to a specific breed, and more to a general working type of dog. Some where lighter, like modern sight-hounds, while others were bigger and more Mastiff-like. By the 17th century the Alaunt as an actual breed was no more, though they helped to influence the creation of several modern dogs, including the Bulldogs. Various Central Asian breeds, like the Caucasian Ovcharka, also share ancestry with the ancient Alaunt, which probably originally looked very similar to a shorter-haired version of the Ovcharka.

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Status : Domesticated, currently Extinct
Location : Europe and Asia
Size : Varied
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis-- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris

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Chartreux

Meet the Chartreux, an old and rare cat breed from France that has popped up in writings and art for the last 500 years.

As with many breeds, its origins are mysterious. We know they were in France by the 16th century, but before that it is unknown. Some say that are descended from cats owned by the Carthusian Monks who settled near Grenoble in the 11th century. Others say the cats originally came from the Middle East, and were brought to France by returning Crusaders. Either way, the cats were recognized as a breed by the 18th century.

During World War I, however, the cats were almost completely wiped out, and it took a handful of very dedicated breeders to bring them back and sustain them through WWII. Today, all French pedigreed Chartreux cats are named in a specific way. Their official names must all begin with a letter that corresponds to their year of birth. For example, 2013 is the "I" year, so all registered names must start with that letter. K, Q, W, X, Y, and Z are not used.

Chartreux cats are large and muscular, and are known for their blue-grey coloration and water-resistant double coats. They are generally quiet, non-aggressive, affectionate, and intelligent. Some have been described as "dog-like" in their ability to learn tricks and problem solve.

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Status : Doemsticated
Location : France
Size : Weight between 10-14lbs (4.5-6.3kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae -- Genus : Felis-- Species : F. catus
Image : 4028mdk09

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Birman

The Birman is a breed of cat that should not be confused with the Burmese (which has a similar name) or the Siamese (which has similar coloration). These cats are a breed all their own, and have been recognized as such since 1925.

Birman Cats have a history that is shrouded in mystery and legend. No one is 100% sure of their true origins, but one common belief is that they came from Burma (the French name is Bimanie) and were originally kept by temple priests. They eventually made their way to France, either as gifts or through smuggling, but by World War II they were almost completely wiped out. Only two cats remained, and the breed was rebuilt using their offspring and by outcrossing to Persian and Siamese cats.

Birmans have medium-long hair that is pale all over the body, with dark points on the faces and feet (called colorpoint). Interestingly, Birmans are one of the few cat breeds that are colorpoint... except for their feet. Though their legs grow dark in color, their toes are white. Birman kittens are born white, and start to develop color around 1 week old.

Personality-wise, Birmans are quiet, but like attention. They tend to follow their owners around are are quite social.They are both calm and playful, and are a good breed choice for those who have small children or other pets

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Status : Domesticated
Location : France, Burma?
Size : Weight up to 12lbs (5.5kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae -- Genus : Felis -- Species : F. catus
Image : D.Maillard

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Sir Barton

Today was the Kentucky Derby, the first of the races that form that American Triple Crown. The elusive award has only been won 11 times, with the last occurrence way back in 1978.

Many of the horses to win this title have names that are remembered by history  Secretariat. Affirmed. War Admiral. Sadly, the very first winner, Sir Barton, has not fared as well in the memory of the sport.

He won the Crown during the 1919 season. And amazingly, Sir Barton was an incredible longshot. As a two year old he entered six races and won none of them, and was eventually sold. His first race as a three year old actually was the Kentucky Derby, and he was entered to be the pacemaker for his much more regarded stablemate Billy Kelly. But being a pacemaker just wouldn't do for the chestnut Thoroughbred. He led the entire race and won by 5 lengths.

Back then, the time between Triple Crown races was far shorter, and Sir Barton entered and won the Preakness that same week! Only a few weeks after that he entered and won the Belmont Stakes as well, setting an American record and obtaining the first Triple Crown in only 32 days.

Sir Barton did actually race as a four year old, including a match race with Man O' War that he lost. He retired after that season and was put to stud for a number of years, ac
hieving moderate success. In the 1930s he ended up at working for the U.S. Army Remount Service in Nebraska, and was eventually sold to a rancher in Wyoming. He died in 1937.

Sir Barton only made $116,000 during his racing career, wining only 13 races of 31 starts. He was certainly not the winning-est of the Triple Crown winners, but he was the first! He was elected to the racing Hall of Fame in 1957.

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Kinder Goat

Kinder Goat

The Kinder Goat is actually a very new breed that has only existed for a few decades. It was created in 1985 when two Nubian Goat does were left without a mate on their farm in Washington State. The farm owners allowed their Pygmy Goat Buck to do the breeding instead, and not long after the first Kinder Goats were born.

This breed is dual purpose-- they can be raised for their milk or their meat, and are ideal for very small farms. They produce large amounts of milk with a high (7%) butterfat percentage, and tend to be more muscular than the dairy-specific Nubian goats. Size-wise, they are right between their two ancestors. They can reach 150lbs, and stand about 2.5ft tall.

Kinder Goats come in many different colors, and have the luxury of being able to breed year-round. They are also known for their multiple births-- triplets and quadruplets are actually very common to the breed.

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Status : Status
Location : United States
Size : Shoulder height up to 28in (71cm), Weight up to 150lbs (68kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae -- Genus : Capra -- Species : C. aegagrus -- Subspecies : C. a. hircus

Image : Herr Beethoven

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Irish Wolfhound

Meet the tallest of the dog breeds-- the Irish Wolfhound. These gigantic canines can stand 3ft tall at the shoulder!

Not only are they the tallest dog, but they are also one of the oldest breeds out there. Their ancestors appear in art and writings that date back to around 300BC, and they could be even older than that! They were bred to be all-purpose dogs, able to be used for war purposes, as well as herding and hunting. For a while they were only be owned by members of the nobility, and were involved in wolf, bear, and elk hunts. As those species became rare and extinct due to over-hunting, the Wolfhound lost part of its purpose and dwindled in number.

The breed was revived in the late 19th century by using the few remaining Wolfhounds and crossing them with Great Danes, Deerhounds, Borzoi, and Mastiffs. The results was the breed we now have, and its first breed club was founded in 1885.

Irish Wolfhounds are very sweet-natured, easygoing dogs. They are very loyal, gentle dogs, and are great with children. The downside to such a gentle giant? They have a very short lifespan (usually only 6-8 years), and are susceptible for bone cancer and heart disease.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Ireland
Size : Height around 32in (81cm), Weight around 120lbs (54kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris
Image : Dux

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Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a very ancient breed of dog, and may actually be one of the very first breeds developed. There are depictions of similar animals within 2,200 year old artwork!

The breed was developed to serve many purposes. They were hunting dogs, herding dogs, and guard dogs. They coats were even used for clothing, and they were also bred to be eaten!

Today, most Chow Chows are simply kept as pets. They have very protective personalities, and can be aggressive if not properly trained. (They are also one of the breeds that are frequently listed by insurance companies as high risk-- and can cause your rent or homeowners insurance to go up).

Chow Chows are best known for their very thick double coats. They come in many colors, including red, black, cream, and brown. They also are notable for their black/blue tongues, a trait only found in Chow Chows. The breed overall is very stocky, with straight back legs, a short face, and a curled tail.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : China
Size : Height up to 22in (56cm), Weight up to 70lbs (32kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris
Image : Juriaan Schulman, Lily M

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Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a Turkish breed (Turkish that has roots dating back over 6,000 years. These large dogs are descended from the multitude of different central Asian breeds that arose to accompany the human civilizations that were emerging.  They are muscular dogs, and are most commonly colored with light bodies and dark muzzles and faces.

Interestingly, Anatolian Shepherds aren't sheep herders at all-- the name is misleading. They are actually livestock guardians, meaning that they protect their flocks rather than move them. They are very independent dogs, due to their work, and they are able to protect their flocks without much human direction. This can make them very challenging pets, however.

One especially neat fact is the Anatolian Shepherds are being used in Cheetah conservation. The Cheetah Conservation Fund breeds these dogs and gives the puppies to farmers. They teach them how to train and care for the dogs, and then the dogs protect the livestock. Because the dogs scare away the Cheetahs, less Cheetahs are trapped and killed by farmers.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Turkey
Size : Height up to 30in (80cm), Weight up to 150lbs (68kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris

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Heck Cattle

Heck Cattle

Way back we talked about the Aurochs, a now-extinct species of Cattle that once lived throughout Europe.  The Heck Cattle are an attempt to recreate the massive Aurochs by back breeding the animals until they resemble their ancestral form.

This project isn't recent... it actually started back in the 1920s in Germany. Two brothers, Heinz and Lutz Heck, developed programs in Munich and Berlin respectively. Interestingly, these programs were, in part, supported by Nazi leader Hermann Göring.

The two brothers used different breeds in their methodology-- Heniz used Friseians, Hungarian Greys, Scottish Highlands, and a handful of other breeds, while Lutz focused more on French and Spanish Fighting Cattle. The results were actually very similar, producing calves in only a few generations that looked like the images of Aurochs from old cave paintings and representations. However, after WWII the Berlin line was lost.

There has always been controversy over the Heck Cattle project, and not only because of its benefactor. Other scientists have criticized the brothers' messy methodology, and their quick proclamation of results. There is also the fact that many other cattle breeds resemble the Aurochs even better than the Heck Cattle do. There is even a newer project, the TaurOs Programme, which is worker to create a better Aurochs.

There are still Heck Cattle today, though most remain in Europe. Of the estimated 2,000 of them, many live in nature preserves. This is because of the Heck's claims that these animals were resurrected wild animal, and thus should be left in nature as the Aurochs were.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Originated in Germany
Size : Height up to 4.5ft (1.4m), Weight up to 1,300lbs (600kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae -- Genus : Bos -- Species : B. primigenius

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Chihuahua

Smooth-coated Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world, and it also has some roots that date back over a millennium. It is believed that this modern breed descended from the Techichi, a dog favored by the Toltecs. Images of these dogs appear around 800CE, with additional possible representations going back a thousand years earlier.

The modern breed comes from the state of Chihuahua, with the progenitor being found near the ruins of Casas Grandes in 1850. Over the next fifty years the breed would be developed, and by 1904 it was recognized by the AKC.

The modern standards describe a dog that stands between 6 and 10in tall, and weighs up to 6.6lbs (3kg). Despite what you may see from some breeders, "Teacup" and "Miniature" are not standard designations-- they are terms often used as marketing gimmicks by those trying to sell puppies.

Long-coated Chihuahua

Chichuahuas come with two different coat lengths-- long-haired and short-haired, and can have just about any color combination you can think of. Many breed clubs do not allow merle dogs, as that gene is linked to a number of health conditions.

Chihuahua temperament varies with the dog. On the whole they tend to be very brave and loyal to their owner, but some can take that protective nature and turn it into aggression if not properly trained. They are also not recommended for people with small children, as their size can put them at risk from rough play, and these interactions can make them nippy and high-strung. However, good training and socialization can lead to a very well-adjusted little dog, and they continue to be one of the most popular breeds in the world.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Mexico
Size : Height up to 10in (30cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris

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Akhal-Teke

Akhal-Teke

Today's animal is one of the oldest breeds of horse in the world. It is also, in my opinion, one of the most stunning. They originated in Turkmenistan, with ancestors dating back over 5,000 years. They share a common bloodline to the Arabians, and have been influential in the creation of several other breeds, including the Trakehner and the Nez Perce.

Though the Akhal-Teke's come in a handful of colors, they are best known in their buckskin and palomino varieties, where their coats have a famous metallic sheen to them. They have very little in the mane and tail department, and posses slim bodies that make them excellent for endurance work.

As mentioned, ancestors of the breed first showed up in Turkmenistan thousands of years ago, and the horses were bred there by tribesman until the country was taken over by Russia in 1881. Members of the Russian government and military took a liking to the striking horses, and they developed a breeding program and produced the first official studbook in 1941. It was from a Russian general that the breed got its modern name-- derived from the Teke Turkmen who lived near the Akhal Oasis.

The horses nearly died out post WWII however, due to the slaughtering of horses for meat. Even today there are only around 3,500 in the world. They remain a national symbol of Turkmenistan today.

Akhal-Teke horses excell in distance running, jumping, and dressage. Several Akhal-Tekes have even medaled in Dressage at the Olympic games. They are very lively horses, but are said to attach themselves to only one owner.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Turkmenistan
Size : Shoulder height up to 16hands (64in, 1.6m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Equidae -- Genus : Equus -- Species : E. ferus -- Subspecies : E. f. caballus

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Rambouillet

Rambouillet Sheep

Meet the Rambouillet, a large breed of dual-purpose domestic sheep that has quite an interesting history and legacy.

Before the late 18th century, the Merino sheep breed in Spain were under close guard. They were protected by the government and exportation was forbidden... Until 1786 when the government finally granted a special request by the French King, Louis XVI (the kings were cousins). 359 carefully selected sheep were sent to a farm in Rambouillet, near Paris.

Once the sheep made it to France, they were kept under royal control for a few years, but that did not last. They eventually spread elsewhere in Europe and added their genes to other breeds both on that continent and abroad. By the mid-1800s they had made it to America.

The Rambouillet breed is a large one, with rams growing up to 300lbs and ewes measuring around 200lbs. They have a high wool yield, and long wool at that-- greater than 3in. They are also great meat producers, and are incredibly adaptable. Rambouillet are farmed in all kinds of environments and climates, from hot Texas and Mexico to the chillier regions in Canada and the northern U.S.

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Status : Doemsticated
Location : France
Size : Weight up to 300lbs (135kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae -- Genus : Ovis -- Species : O. aries

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Araucana

Araucana

The Araucana is a most interesting breed of chicken, one that had three very distinguishing traits-- blue eggs, no tail, and ear tufts. They originated in Chile, and there are numerous theories on how they got the traits that they have, including crossbreeding with pheasants, crossing with European breeds, and genetic mutation.

The blue eggs of the Araucana are not unique among chickens, but they are rare. Only a handful of breeds produce them. One of those other breeds, the Collonca, was a direct ancestor to the Araucana. There is also a theory that way back, Chilean chickens crossed with Pheasants, and that some of the hens remained fertile. The blue eggs were still rare on the whole in late 19th century Chile, but were grew more and more common only a few decades later.

The Araucanas ear tufts are another distinguishing trait, one that may have arisen from a simple genetic mutation. It is also seen in a few other South American birds, including the Quetro, another direct ancestor. This mutation does have downsides-- it causes a higher percentage of fertilized eggs to be non-viable.

Finally, Araucanas have no tails. This trait was most likely bred for because a tailless chicken was harder for a predator to catch! They are sometimes referred to as the South American Rumpless, due to this lack of tail.

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Status : Domesticated
Location :  Chile
Size : Weight up to 7lbs (3.2kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves --   Order : Galliformes
Family : Phasianidae -- Genus : Gallus -- Species : G. gallus

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Dzo

Dzo

Dzo is the Tibetan name for hybrid creatures that are the cross between Yaks and domesticated Cattle. The name technically refers to only the male crosses (females are reffered to as Dzomo), but for the sake of ease we'll use Dzo today for a general term.

Dzo are used as pack animals in Tibet and other mountainous regions because they can survive at high elevations as well as Yaks do, but have more strength and size due to the Cattle ancestry. In general, these hybrids have the faces of Cattle, but the shaggy coats of Yaks.

As with many hybrids, a downside to the Dzo is that the males are sterile. Females are not always sterile though, which means that the animals can be bred back to other Cattle and Yaks, creating 3/4 crosses. It is speculated that many supposed purebred Yaks and Cattle actually have genes from the other species, due to this ability to back-cross.

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Status : Hybrid
Location : Asia
Size : Weight around 1,300lbs (580kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae -- Genus : Bos -- Species : B. grunniens × B. primigenius

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Munchkin

Munchkin Cat

The Munchkin is a very new breed of cat that has only been around for 30 years or so. Its creation has led to controversy, as there are many who believe that significant health issues will arise, and that the breed itself is based completely on a mutation.

Munchkins have very short legs, similar to the Dachshunds and Corgis in the dog world. This trait is genetic, and cats sporting the short legs were reported back in the 1940s. In 1983 in Louisiana, a woman found a pregnant stray and took her in. Half of the resulting kittens had short legs, and it is from that cat that the Munchkin breed descends from.

There was uproar in the early 90s when the breed was first introduced to the cat show circuit. Many believed that these cats would end up having major hip and spine problems, but so far there has been little conclusive evidence for this-- the problems that have arisen are those that can be found across many species of domestic cat. Though there is the issue of breeding-- two crossed Munchkins are likely to have a very small litter size, as kittens with the trait are often non-viable.

The controversy continues, as several cat organizations do not, and will not officially recognize the breed. They cite that it is a cat based upon an abnormality and a genetic disease, and that they are un-sound. There are a handful of registries that do recognize them, including TICA and the United Feline Organization.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : United States
Size : Weight upt o 9lbs (4kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae -- Genus : Felis -- Species : F. catus

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