Last Updated: 11 months ago
Are you curious to learn more about the Dwelf cat breed because you’re smitten by its unique appearance?
Then you’ve come to the right place because we’re going to talk in detail about these cute, hairless felines.
So, keep reading to discover if the Dwarf Sphynx cat is a suitable feline companion for you.
The Dwelf cat breed is a new breed that combines the characteristics of three other cat species to create this new one.
An Introduction to the Dwelf Cat Breed
The Dwelf cat breed is a new breed, combining the characteristics of three other cat species. More about them in a bit.
Similar in appearance to the Bambino cat we discussed before, the Dwelf is a designer breed. It’s bred specifically for aesthetics and personality rather than for a specific function.
And like most hairless dwarf breeds, the Dwelf has a unique appearance and a winning personality that make a perfect combo for anyone who wants a fun, outgoing kitty.
Today, we’ll be talking all about this breed, including its appearance, personality, health care needs, and grooming needs.
Dwelf Cat Breed History
Look at that hairless fur, short legs, and curled ears! If you know your cat breeds, it’s easy to guess how the Dwelf appeared.
These elvish cats share their unique look with the Munchkin, Sphynx, and American Curl, which were used as the foundation for creating the breed in the 2000s.
But breeders also use Minshin, Bambino, and domestic longhaired and shorthaired cats to widen the gene pool.
Since the breed is so new, it’s still in development, and there are no established breeding standards.
The jury is also still out on whether these hairless cats will have skeletal problems due to their short frame or other health issues common in the parent breeds.
As such, it’s important to find a reputable breeder if you want healthy Dwelf kittens.
The International Cat Association (TICA) has accepted the breed into its Experimental New Breed category, but other registries have not.
It’s no coincidence that breeders named this unique cat “Dwelf.” The name combines two words, “dwarf” and “elf.”
We can all agree it’s a proper name because the Dwelf has the small stature of dwarves and the aristocratic appearance of elves.
Physical Characteristics
The Dwelf is an entertaining little cat with lots of spunk and a unique look. Its breeding history makes for an unmistakable appearance as well as a truly charming personality.
The Dwelf is a small, stocky cat with a well-rounded abdomen, curled ears, no hair, and a head that shows its Sphynx heritage.
- These hairless cats have short muzzles, large eyes, high cheekbones, and strong chins. They may or may not have whiskers and eyebrows.
- Their bodies are athletic and medium-boned, and their short necks enhance the stocky look. This muscular appearance extends to their short but powerful legs.
- Their front legs tend to be slightly bowed, and their oval paws feature prominent knuckles. The hind legs are longer, which forces the back to slope upward.
- Their squat bodies end with a long, whip-like tail, pointed at the tip.
- The breed also has large ears with a slight curl.
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature among these cats is their lack of hair. Although they are almost always completely hairless, they can have a covering of fine, short, downy hair.
The lack of hair helps show off their highly desirable wrinkles at the legs, shoulders, and forehead. But the wrinkles’ shapes, patterns, and numbers vary from cat to cat.
Weight and Height
Being a dwarf cat, this breed is small, reaching up to 5-7 inches in height.
In fact, many adults weigh in at about half the weight of their normal-sized counterparts. We’re talking about 6-9 pounds of weight for males and 5-7 pounds for females.
As such, these hairless kittens are an excellent choice if you live in an apartment or want a lap cat.
However, you should know that designer breeds, such as the Dwelf, can vary in appearance and grow bigger or smaller than expected.
Colors
Most Dwelf cats have a natural skin color, such as suede, pink, or black. They can also have darker markings.
If your Dwelf cat has fur, it can come in all colors and patterns.
Lifespan
In general, Sphynx, Munchkin, and American Curls live up to 15 years.
So, you can expect your hairless kitty to live between 9 and 15 years if it doesn’t have any inherited conditions.
Dwelf Cat Breed Personality
Often described as having a dog-like personality, the Dwelfs has a personality far bigger than its size.
- This highly intelligent and inquisitive social butterfly loves to be with its people, and it should never be left alone.
- This cat gets along well with family members young and old and can even be seen playing with the family dog if properly introduced.
- They may be short, but they don’t let that get in the way of their fun. However, Dwelf cats can’t jump as high as other breeds, so you will rarely find them perched on the fridge or the bookshelf.
- Dwelfs are often found finding new and inventive ways to scale large objects, navigate the home, and generally get into all kinds of shenanigans.
Speaking of shenanigans, this breed needs plenty of playtime and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy due to their higher-than-average intelligence and high energy.
Dwelf Cat Breed Health and Care
The cost of a Dwelf cat breed is up to $3000 for a kitten, depending on its gender, color, and appearance.
If you’re thinking about getting a Dwelf cat, you should know a couple of things about its health and care.
Otherwise, you won’t be well prepared to take care of its unique needs. Also, these unique, short-legged, hairless cats aren’t hypoallergenic.
Health Issues
As of now, the Dwelf appears to be a hardy, robust breed.
But it’s a very new breed, and as such, there hasn’t been enough time or research to determine all the potential health problems this breed may have.
That being said, it is a dwarf breed, so there are two major issues to look out for.
- Lordosis: exaggerated, inward curvature of the spine
- Pectus Excavatum: deformity causing a funnel chest or sunken chest
One other issue of note is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Although this has not been seen in the Dwelf yet, it is a common problem in the Sphynx.
You should also watch out for skin problems because the Sphynx is one of the three major contributing breeds.
Ear infections are also a possibility because of the curled ears. And some of these short-legged, hairless cats can develop generative joint disease due to their shortened stature.
Diet
As with other hairless cats, the Dwelf requires a high-calorie diet to help it regulate its body temperature.
Choose a high-quality cat food brand with a named protein as the first ingredient. Avoid any foods with artificial colors, chemicals, or preservatives.
Since these cats have a fast metabolism, you have to provide a sufficient amount of kibble without overfeeding your pet. Consult your vet about how much dry/wet food your Dwelf needs.
Sensitivity to Cold/Heat
Limit sun exposure, as these cats have no fur to protect them from the sun’s rays. They get sunburns if taken outside for too long without sunscreen.
Remember that these cats are vulnerable to the cold, so keep them indoors at all times during the winter months.
Grooming
Although hairless, the Dwelf requires much more grooming than your average domestic cat.
Without a hair coat to naturally wick away its skin oil, this hairless cat becomes grease and sticky. Its wrinkles also collect dirt and microbes, which cause skin problems if not removed.
As such, weekly or bi-weekly baths are crucial to your pet’s well-being and the only way to avoid skin problems. And you don’t want that oily residue all over your house.
When you bathe your hairless cat, remember to dry the wrinkles well to prevent moisture build-up. But never use a hairdryer because it can burn your cat’s sensitive skin.
You should also clean the ears regularly with a cotton ball. Since Dwelfs don’t have hair inside the ear, it’s easy for the wax to accommodate and cause ear infections.
Nail trimming is also necessary to keep your cat’s claws short, and you should establish a regular brushing routine to keep your cat’s teeth healthy.
Conclusion
The Dwelf cat may be a new breed, but it has all the classic characteristics people love in a cat – and then some.
With its high intelligence, loving nature, and energetic personality, this hairless breed fits into almost any lifestyle and is an excellent companion for children, adults, and seniors alike.
They may also be great cats for introverts like the minskin kittens.
However, these hairless cats are still rare, and kittens can be very expensive. But you still can ask shelters/rescue organizations if they have such unique kittens up for adoption.
Do you have a Dwelf cat? Share your thoughts above them below!
