Skookum

Image credit: Roy Galusha
Skookum - Breed Profile:
Origin: USA
Colors: Any
Size: Small to medium
Coat Type(s): Shorthair, longhair; curly haired
Grooming: Little (shorthair); every week (longhair)
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: Average
Attention Requirement: Average
Overall: Easy to handle

Physical characteristics

The Skookum is a dwarf cat breed originated by crossing between the LaPerm and Munchkin. They are very recognizable by short legs and curly coat that can be either long or short. The head is a rounded wedge with walnut shaped eyes. The eyes look a bit large for the head, which makes them very expressive. The feet are rounded and compact. The eyebrows and curly whiskers should be prominent.
Skookums are considered to be one of the smallest cat breeds. Males weigh between 5 to 9 pounds and females weigh 4 to 8 pounds.

Temperament

Skookums are very affectionate and sweet. They are curious, outgoing, and playful. Do not let the size mislead you: Skookums are confident and self-assured, perhaps even more than other breeds. Also, they are fond of jumping and climbing, which may look somewhat unusual for such a short-legged feline. These cats have a very interesting streak: to hide things in secret places.

Coat and grooming

The coat of Skookums can be either long or short. It stands away from the body on fuzzy ringlets and curls or waves. The texture is soft, airy, and springy. Little grooming is necessary for shorthair Skookums, and weekly grooming is required for the longhair variety.
Skookums can come in any colour and pattern.

Health

More research has to be done to define possible health issues.

Other interesting facts

The founder of the breed Roy Galusha gave the following comment about the breed's name:
"...A local Native American word that comes from the Chinook language and was part of the Chinook Trade Language was Skookum (pronounced Skoo Kum). The word Skookum means mighty, powerful or great. It is also used to signify good health or good spirits. If someone really likes something, they might refer to it as being really skookum ("Boy that apple pie is skookum") or if you really like a horse ("that is one skookum horse)..."