The DWELF is currently being developed using foundation cats from the Munchkin, Sphynx and American Curl Breeds. Each of  these breeds have a single trait that makes them distinct from all other breeds. The DWELF combines these three independent traits to form a truly uniique breed of cat that is different from each of the contributing foundation breeds. These three traits are independent of each other and when combined pose no harm to the health and well-being of the cats. The DWELF is a small, hairless cat with short legs and slightly curled ears. The short body, neck and legs are heavily muscled giving the cat a solid, stout appearance. The back legs may be slightly longer than the front, raising the backline from the shoulders tapering to a long whip-like tail. The short legs do not hamper the mobility of the cat and where it cannot jump, it can most assuredly climb!

     The broad based ears are not curled back tightly in a horizontal crimp as in the American Curls, but instead are slightly curled in a vertical crimp making them stand more upright and flared open giving the impression of an elf's ears. The ears curve towards each other in smooth graceful lines.

The Name...

     The name DWELF is actually a hybrid in itself. The name was chosen because the cat has short legs like a Dwarf and curled ears like an elf .dwarf (dworf) NOUN:  ;pl. dwarfs or dwarves (dworvz). An abnormally small person, often having limbs and features atypically proportioned or formed.

elf (lf) NOUN: pl. elves (lvz).

     A small, often mischievous creature. A lively, mischievous child. A usually sprightly person.Even if you do not use the actual meanings found in the dictionary above, Dwarves and Elves have been in our cullture ( well, worldwide culture) for hundreds of years. Every child (and adult) knows that Dwarves are short little men or men with short legs. They also know that Elves have curled (in some way) ears. Just watch a Christmas show again and look at Santa's Elves. It is a known fact that the ears are going to be curled or pointed with a curl. That aside, the name DWELF fits the short cat perfectly!

     The Foundation Breeds.......MUNCHKIN

      The Munchkin's distinctive short legs developed from a spontaneous autosomal dominant mutation which has occurred several times in the domestic cat. Munchkins exhibit shortening and may have slight bowing of the long bones. The spine is unaffected and similar in form and flexibility to that seen in other domestic cats. The short legs do not hamper mobility or survival ability. The breed has been established from spontaneously occurring domestic cat lines with augmentations by outcrosses to other domestic cats. Munchkins are outgoing, intelligent, and respond well to being handled. ( Excerpt from the Munchkin Breed Standard)

Sphynx

     The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, although it is not truly hairless. The skin should have the texture of chamois. It may be covered with very find down which is almost imperceptible to both the eye and the touch. On the ears, muzzle, tail, feet and scrotum, short, soft, fine hair is allowed. Lack of coat makes the cat quite warm to the touch. Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, either whole or broken, or may be totally absent. The cat should not be small or dainty. The Sphynx is sweet-tempered, lively, intelligent and above all...Amenable to handling. ( Excerpt from the Sphynx Breed Standard)

AMERICAN CURL

     The American Curl is the result of a spontaneous ear mutation in the domestic cat population of the United States. The first such cat was found in Southern California in 1981 and named Shulamith. The distinctive feature of the American Curl breed is their unique, attractive curled ears. American Curls are a well-balanced, moderately muscled, medium built cat. They are alert and active with gentle, even dispositions. (Excerpt from the American Curl Breed Standard)

The DWELF is a new hybrid breed. It is currently in the developmental stages. The DWELF is a friendly, out-going cat.