The Lambkin Dwarf cat is an out-crossing between two naturally occurring "mutation cats" (cats whose genetic make up contains a mutated gene) one being a dwarf cat - the Munchkin (opens in separate window) - and the other a non-dwarf cat, the Selkirk Rex.
 The Selkirk Rex was first developed in 1987 by Jeri Newman a persian cat breeder. A kitten in the litter of a rescue cat had an unusual coat. He took the kitten in and called it Miss DePesto (after a TV series character). He crossed DePresto with one of his Persians and discovered that half the litter had the curly coat, meaning the mutant gene was dominant (this link discusses the dominant dwarfism gene). American Shorthairs, Persians, Himalayans, Exotics, and British Shorthairs have been used as out-crosses to develop this breed. The picture is a curly haired British Shorthair by and © copyright Helmi Flick who says that you can "see the Brit in the round face, round whiskers and round eyes".
Having seen the appearance of the two cats that make up the Lambkin, you can understand that the Lambkin is a cat of short stature and curly coated as the pictures in the slide show demonstrate.
The breed is able to be developed because of the dominant mutant gene that exists in both breed parents. This means that both parents pass on their mutant gene to the offspring but not all the offspring.
Munchkinlanes Harrythetalkingcat
He can speak three sentences! He's cute and smart.
Photograph © copyright Helmi Flick Those offspring that are non standard are usually spayed or neutered and re-homed.
The Lambkin Dwarf Cat is registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) and The Dwarf Cat Association (TDCA). Breeders are seeking registration with the CFA as well. This cat breed has been known as the Nanus Rex. Nanus means dwarf apparently. The cat is better known as a Lambkin, however.
A founding member of the TDCA and breeder of this breed is:
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