Felis catus
Skookum
Featured photoskookum.jpgThe Skookum is an experimental dwarf curly-coated breed combining the Munchkin's short legs with the LaPerm's curly coat. The breed was developed by Roy Galusha of Washington State in the 1990s. The breed name 'Skookum' is derived from a Chinook Indian word meaning 'mighty', 'great', or 'powerful' — referencing the small but spirited stature of the breed. TICA accepts the Skookum for preliminary registration. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe do not recognize the breed.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- Roy Galusha LaPerm x Munchkin cross from 1990s; TICA preliminary
- Coat type
- Curly
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns recognized (both shorthair and longhair curly varieties)
- Size category
- Small
- Average lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
Roy Galusha of Washington State began developing the Skookum in the 1990s by crossing Munchkin cats with LaPerm cats. The breed combines the Munchkin's dominant short-leg gene (Mk) with the LaPerm's dominant curly-coat gene (Lp). Galusha named the breed Skookum, a Chinook Indian word from the Pacific Northwest meaning 'mighty', 'great', or 'powerful' — referencing the small but spirited stature of the breed.
Recognition
TICA accepts the Skookum for preliminary registration in the new breed category. The breed has not yet advanced to championship status. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published Skookum standards. The breed remains rare. Outcrosses to LaPerm and Munchkin are permitted to maintain genetic diversity.
Standard
The draft TICA standard describes a small, well-balanced cat with the Munchkin's short legs and the LaPerm's curly coat. The body is moderate in length. The coat is curly across the entire body, including whiskers and eyebrows. Both shorthair and longhair curly varieties are recognized. All colours and patterns are accepted. The Munchkin lethal-homozygote constraint applies — all Skookum cats are heterozygous (Mk/mk) for the short-leg gene.
Sources & further reading (3)
- tica-standard — accessed 2026-04-30
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
Frequently asked questions
What two breeds are crossed to produce the Skookum?
The Skookum is a cross between the Munchkin and the LaPerm. The breed combines the Munchkin's dominant short-leg gene (Mk) with the LaPerm's dominant curly-coat gene (Lp). Both genes are autosomal dominant.
Is the Skookum recognized as a championship breed?
No. TICA accepts the Skookum for preliminary registration in the new breed category. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published Skookum standards. The breed has not advanced to championship.
What does Skookum mean?
Skookum is a Chinook Indian word from the Pacific Northwest meaning 'mighty', 'great', or 'powerful'. Roy Galusha chose the name to reflect the breed's small but spirited stature — a Munchkin's small body with a 'mighty' personality and curly coat.
