Felis catus
Lambkin Longhair
The Lambkin Longhair is the semi-longhaired coat-length variety of the Lambkin breed (also called Nanus Rex). The Lambkin was developed by Terri Harris through crossing Munchkin cats with Selkirk Rex cats, combining the Mkmt short-limb gene with the Selkirk Rex's autosomal-dominant curly-coat gene (Se). Both shorthaired and longhaired Lambkin kittens arise in litters; the longhair variety has the same dense, plush, curly coat as the Selkirk Rex Longhair but on the Munchkin's short-legged frame. TICA accepts the Lambkin in its experimental programme.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- 1990s (Munchkin × Selkirk Rex cross, Terri Harris); TICA experimental registration
- Coat type
- Curly
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns recognized
- Size category
- Small
- Average lifespan
- 12-14 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Lambkin was produced by Terri Harris through Munchkin × Selkirk Rex crosses in the 1990s. The Selkirk Rex's dominant Se gene produces the curly coat; the Munchkin's Mkmt gene produces the short limbs. When Selkirk Rex Longhair parents are used, longhaired Lambkin kittens arise.
Standard
The Lambkin Longhair has a plush, dense, curly coat of semi-long length — similar to the Selkirk Rex Longhair — on the Munchkin's compact, short-legged body. The cat is small with rounded proportions. All Selkirk Rex-recognized colours and patterns apply. The overall appearance is described as resembling a small, curly-coated lamb.
Munchkin × Selkirk Rex Cross
The Lambkin (Nanus Rex) combines the Munchkin's Lm (short-limb) gene with the Selkirk Rex's Se (dominant wool-curl) gene. The Selkirk Rex's dominant curl produces a thick, plush, wavy coat distinct from the LaPerm's ringlets. The longhair division expresses fuller, more densely curled long hair. Both Lm and Se are dominant; litters from Lambkin × Lambkin crosses can produce standard Selkirk Rex, Munchkin, Lambkin, or straight-short-legged offspring depending on gene combination.
Sources & further reading (1)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Lambkin and the Skookum?
Both are Munchkin-based curly-coat breeds. The Lambkin is a Munchkin × Selkirk Rex cross (Se dominant curl gene), while the Skookum is a Munchkin × LaPerm cross (Lp curl gene). The Selkirk Rex produces a denser, plushier curl; the LaPerm coat is lighter and wavier. The two breeds have different curly-coat genetics.
What is the difference between the Lambkin and the Skookum?
Both are short-legged curly-coated Munchkin derivatives, but they use different curl genes. The Skookum combines Munchkin (Lm) with LaPerm (Lp), producing loose ringlets. The Lambkin combines Munchkin (Lm) with Selkirk Rex (Se), producing a thicker, plusher, woolier curl. The two breeds have different coat textures and origins, though both are in TICA's experimental programme.
Is the Lambkin Longhair recognized by CFA?
No. CFA does not recognize the Lambkin in any coat-length class. The breed is in TICA's experimental programme only. CFA does not recognize any Munchkin-derived breeds, as the Munchkin's short-limb mutation is treated as a structural fault in CFA breed standards.
