Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Dwelf is a relatively young and rare cat breed that originated in the United States in the early 21st century. It was developed through the selective breeding of three unusual breeds: the Munchkin, the Sphynx, and the American Curl. From the Munchkin, the Dwelf inherited short legs; from the Sphynx — hairlessness and a unique skin texture; and from the Curl — the characteristic backward-curving ears. The goal of breeding was to combine these rare traits in one healthy, friendly, and well-balanced cat. The name “Dwelf” comes from “dwarf” and “elf,” reflecting both its miniature size and elfin appearance. Despite being a young breed, the Dwelf has gained popularity among exotic cat enthusiasts and continues to be refined in breeding programs.
General Appearance
The Dwelf is a small, muscular cat with a strong bone structure and a distinctive, exotic look. The body is compact and elongated, with short, strong limbs. The head is wedge-shaped with smooth, rounded lines; the muzzle is well-defined with a firm chin. The ears are medium-sized, curved backward, giving the breed its characteristic elfin expression. The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and wide-set, with color varying according to skin tone. The tail is long, thin, and flexible, sometimes with a tuft at the tip. The skin is elastic, wrinkled, and velvety to the touch, completely hairless or covered with a fine down. The overall impression is exotic, unique, and graceful in miniature form.
Important Proportions
According to ICCF, the Dwelf must maintain a balance between miniature size and harmonious proportions. The body should be compact but not heavy, muscular yet flexible. The head is wedge-shaped with a strong, proportional chin. The backward-curved ears should be distinctive but not excessive. The eyes are large and expressive, widely set. The limbs are short but sturdy, with oval paws and thick pads. The tail is long and flexible, balancing the compact frame. Skin folds should be visible but not exaggerated. The overall impression must be one of balance, health, and proportional harmony despite dwarfism.
Behavior and Temperament
The Dwelf is affectionate, sociable, and intelligent. Deeply people-oriented, it enjoys attention and close contact, often following its owner around the house. Playful and curious, it adapts well to different environments and interacts easily with children and other pets. The breed’s temperament combines liveliness with calmness. Despite its small size, the Dwelf is active and confident. Its voice is soft and quiet. Highly intelligent, it enjoys interactive play and can even learn simple tricks. A Dwelf is a loyal companion that thrives on human connection.
Head
The head is medium-sized, wedge-shaped with softly rounded contours, giving the breed a balanced and exotic appearance. The forehead is slightly rounded, cheekbones are moderate and define the “elfin” look. The muzzle is wide with a firm, well-developed chin. The nose is straight, of medium length and width, blending smoothly into the forehead. Prominent whisker pads add fullness to the muzzle. The overall impression is one of strength and harmony in miniature proportions.
Facial Features
The face is expressive and harmonious. The cheeks are moderately developed, blending smoothly into the head. The chin is strong and in line with the nose and lips, creating a balanced profile. The muzzle should be rounded, never narrow or pointed. The nose is proportionate, with a gentle bridge. Prominent whisker pads enhance the Dwelf’s friendly and intelligent expression.
Eyes
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and wide-set, slightly slanted toward the nose. The expression is lively, intelligent, and curious. Eye color varies — green, gold, amber, or blue — but should always be vivid and clear. Dull or pale colors are faults. Small, asymmetrical, or closely set eyes are undesirable. The Dwelf’s eyes should convey friendliness, curiosity, and intelligence, forming a key element of its breed identity.
Ears
The ears are one of the breed’s defining features. They are medium to large, set high with a broad base and a gentle backward curve. The tips are rounded, and the bend should be smooth and natural, never extreme. Ears must be proportional to the head, enhancing its wedge shape. Straight, too small, or overly curled ears are considered faults. The correct ear shape and placement give the Dwelf its signature “elfin” appearance.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, strong and muscular, smoothly connecting the wedge-shaped head to the compact body. It should be firm but graceful. In males, the neck is thicker and more powerful; in females, it is finer but still muscular. Gentle folds of skin on the neck are normal and characteristic of the hairless type. The neck should not be too short or long; balance and proportion are essential.
Body
The body is compact and medium-length, with well-developed muscles and a strong skeleton. The chest is broad, the back straight, and the abdomen firm and slightly tucked. The Dwelf should appear strong and solid without heaviness. The silhouette must remain balanced and proportionate. Excessive elongation, frailty, or bulkiness are faults. The body should express stability, strength, and elegance in miniature form.
Tail
The tail is long, thin, and flexible, proportional to the compact body. It tapers gradually to a rounded tip and is highly mobile. A fine down or tuft at the tip is acceptable and adds charm. Kinks, thickened areas, or shortened tails are faults. The tail should contribute to the cat’s balance and complete its graceful silhouette.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are short but strong, with well-developed bone and muscle. The stance is straight and parallel, ensuring stability. Shoulders are strong and blend smoothly into the body. Paws are oval and compact with thick pads. The limbs must be proportionate to the body, emphasizing miniature yet stable conformation. Weak or crooked limbs are faults.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving a gentle rise to the back. They are muscular and strong, with correct angulation and compact, oval paws. The stance must be straight and parallel. Weak joints, crooked limbs, or imbalance are faults. Correct hind limbs ensure strength, stability, and coordinated movement.
Gait and Movement
The Dwelf moves confidently and gracefully, with elastic, coordinated steps. Despite short legs, movement must be free and balanced. The gait is springy and rhythmic, with the tail aiding balance. Stiff, awkward, or asymmetric motion is a fault. Proper movement reflects the breed’s health and agility, combining elegance with energy.
Coat (Skin)
The Dwelf’s skin is its signature feature — soft, elastic, warm, and velvety to the touch. A fine down may appear on the tail, ears, or muzzle but should remain minimal. Wrinkles are characteristic, especially on the head, neck, and limbs, emphasizing its exotic look. Full coats or dense undercoats are disqualifying. The skin must be supple and healthy, without dryness or excessive folding.
Acceptable Colors
All skin colors are accepted by ICCF: solid (black, white, cream, red, blue, chocolate, lilac), tabby patterns, bicolor, tricolor, and tortoiseshell. Solids must be even in tone, without blotches or patchiness. Tabby markings should be clear and symmetrical. White markings are permitted in bicolors and tricolors if well balanced. Eye color should complement the skin tone, enhancing the cat’s expression.
Size
The Dwelf is a miniature breed. Males typically weigh 2.5–4 kg; females 2–3.5 kg. Height is low due to short limbs, but proportions must remain balanced. The body should be compact and muscular without fragility. Cats that appear too tiny or overly heavy lose breed type. The ideal Dwelf combines strength with refinement in a small frame.
Faults
Faults include an elongated or overly massive body, weak bone, narrow chest, or frailty. Head faults include an elongated muzzle, weak chin, or narrow nose. Straight or overly curled ears, small dull eyes, or excess hair are undesirable. Skin faults include lack of characteristic wrinkles, rough texture, or excessive dryness. Faulty movement such as stiffness, imbalance, or weakness, and timid or aloof temperament are also faults, as the breed should be confident and sociable.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include severe skeletal deformities, twisted or shortened limbs, kinked tails, or malformed ears. Straight or fully curled ears that distort the natural curve are disqualifying, as is the presence of a full coat or undercoat. Eye colors that clash with skin tone are unacceptable. Aggression, extreme shyness, or lack of human interaction disqualify the cat. Genetic disorders affecting health or mobility exclude the animal from breeding and shows.
Important Notes
The ICCF classifies the Dwelf as an experimental and rare breed requiring careful breeding control. Key features include hairless elastic skin, short legs, and curved ears. Health is a top priority: breeders must prevent joint or spine issues sometimes seen in dwarf breeds. Only cats with official ICCF documentation — pedigree, microchip verification, and veterinary passport — may participate in breeding or shows. Extreme features such as overly short legs or excessive ear curvature are to be avoided. The goal is to preserve the breed’s uniqueness while ensuring vitality and well-being.
Conclusion
According to ICCF standards, the Dwelf is a unique experimental breed combining traits of the Munchkin, Sphynx, and American Curl. Distinguished by its small size, hairless skin, short limbs, and curved ears, it embodies both strength and elegance in miniature form. Essential traits include a compact, muscular body, wedge-shaped head, expressive eyes, flexible tail, and elastic skin with wrinkles. Coats, straight ears, or skeletal deformities are not allowed. Only ICCF-documented cats (pedigree, microchip, veterinary certification) may be shown or bred. The ICCF ensures the preservation and health of this remarkable young breed. The Dwelf stands as a symbol of modern feline breeding — exotic, intelligent, and irresistibly charming.
