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 augmentation by outcrosses to other domestic cats. Munchkins are outgoing, intelligent, and respond well to being handled. They are accepted in both long and short coat lengths. The Munchkin and the Munchkin Longhair are distinguished only by the appearance of the coat, the shorthair having a medium length plush, resilient all-weather coat and the longhair a semi-long silky all-weather coat.
