The Dwelf Cat
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| Body | Dwelf cats have muscular, medium bones bodies. They are small and stocky with well rounded abdomens. Their necks are in proportion to their bodies - well muscled and short. |
| Legs | They have powerful, very short and well developed legs. Their legs should never hinder their movement. The front legs may be slightly bowed. Their oval-shaped paws have prominent knuckles. |
| Tail | The Dwelf cat's tail tapers from the base to a pointed tip. The tail is slender and long and should be flexible. Hair on the tip is permissible. |
| Head | This dwarf cat breed has a head which is slightly longer than it is wide and is known as a modified wedge shape. Their cheekbones are quite prominent. |
| Ears | The ears are described as alert and large and the tips of the ears should be flexible, round and slightly curled and the cartilage of the ears should be firm. |
| Eyes | Their eyes are set at a slight slant, are large and almond-shaped. Wide open very expressive eyes. |
| Coat | The coat ranges from complete hairlessness to a covering of very fine, short downy-type hair. Whiskers and eyebrows may be absent or very short. They feel like warm, soft and supple chamois or suede. Wrinkles on the legs, shoulders and forehead are preferred. |
To establish the status of the breeds registration and recognition in your country, we would suggest that you visit our All Breeds of Cat page for a list of international cat associations.
Personality and Temperament
If you are lucky enough to own one of these rare cat breeds, you will find that they are wonderful little cats. They adore their humans and are amenable to being handled. They are known to be sociable and friendly, active and playful. Their short legs do not restrict them in anyway. Climbing is not a problem, they will find inventive ways of getting onto beds and cupboards.
Health and Grooming
The Dwelf cat is a medium to high maintenance cat breed. Whilst shedding is minimal, they do need regular bathing to keep their skin soft, clean and supple.
They are robust and healthy cats but there may be genetic issues related to their pseudo-achondroplasia (short-limb dwarfism with normal size head) - i.e. lordosis (exaggerated inward curvature of the spine) and pectus excavatum (a deformity that causes a funnel chest or sunken chest). These conditions can be avoided or 'bred-out' provided a good breeding program is followed. We are not aware if the genetic heart condition Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy (HCM) which is found in the Sphynx is found in the Dwelf cat.
They are sensitive to cold and would require a special diet to regulate their body temperatures. Sunburn needs to be prevented.
Photo of Dwelf courtesy of:
© Emilee McCurley @ Hogarts Photography Breeder/Owner:Nina Adkins-Kruzan of WavorgoNaked & HoBBiTcaTs Cattery - Cat: HoBBiTcaTs' Trilogy Dwelf (Dwelf)
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