Felis catus
Skookum Longhair
The Skookum Longhair is the longhaired division of the Skookum, an experimental breed combining the Munchkin's short-limb gene (Lm) with the LaPerm's dominant curl gene (Lp). TICA carries the breed in its experimental programme. The standard describes a small, short-legged cat with a curly semi-long coat.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- 1990s (Munchkin × LaPerm cross, Roy Galusha); TICA experimental registration
- Coat type
- Curly
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns recognized
- Size category
- Small
- Average lifespan
- 12-15 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Skookum was created by Roy Galusha through Munchkin × LaPerm crosses in the 1990s. The longhair variety arises when longhair-carrying LaPerm parents contribute the recessive longhair allele. The result is a small-legged cat with a semi-long, flowing curly or wavy coat — an unusual combination of the Munchkin's compact proportions and the LaPerm's dramatic curled coat.
Standard
The Skookum Longhair standard describes a small-legged cat with a semi-long, wavy to curly coat with a dense plumed tail and neck ruff. The curly coat is soft and resilient. The body is small to medium, moderately muscled, with the characteristic Munchkin short-limb profile. All LaPerm-derived colours and patterns are accepted.
Munchkin × LaPerm Cross
The Skookum combines the Munchkin's Lm (short-limb) gene with the LaPerm's Lp (dominant curl) gene. The result is a short-legged cat with a curly coat. Both genes are dominant; when bred together, approximately one quarter of offspring express both traits. The Lm/Lm homozygous combination remains lethal as in the standard Munchkin. The longhair division has longer, looser curls than the shorthair division while retaining the Munchkin's short-legged conformation.
Sources & further reading (1)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
What breeds make up the Skookum?
The Skookum is a cross between the Munchkin (contributing the Mkmt short-limb gene) and the LaPerm (contributing the Lp curly-coat gene). The longhair variety additionally carries the recessive longhair allele from LaPerm parents that carry it.
Are Skookum Longhairs healthy despite combining two mutations?
The Munchkin's Lm mutation (short-limb) and the LaPerm's Lp mutation (coat curl) are at different loci and do not interact negatively. Heterozygous Lm/+ Skookums with the Lp curl gene are reported to have normal health parameters equivalent to standard Munchkins. The Lm/Lm homozygous combination remains lethal in utero, as in all Munchkin-derived breeds, but this is managed through standard Munchkin breeding practice.
How is the Skookum Longhair different from the LaPerm Longhair?
The LaPerm Longhair has normal-length legs; the Skookum Longhair combines the LaPerm's curly coat (Lp gene) with the Munchkin's short legs (Lm gene). Both breeds have the same distinctive curly, silky coat. The Skookum's low-riding short-legged stance is the key visual distinction from the standard LaPerm Longhair.
