munchkins and similar new breeds

Yes Pete, It is true that the gene is domiant and only the short legged or standard munchkins can produce short legged kittens. There is no guarantee that you will always get a short legged kitten. It does not matter if you breed to a domestic,non standard munchkin or standard munchkin. My last litter, mom was a standard, dad was a non standard and I had 2 standard and 1 non standard.
This is true, a few breeder have given these guys a bad wrap. I am certain that once people see more of them and talk to those who are doing a responsible job with them that they will see how normal they really are.
We do have 2 assoiciations that accept the Munchkin for championship. One is UFO and there's not many being shown at this time. Then there's AACE who I am registered and show with. I have an altered Grand Champion Munchkin. I am still trying to find more breeders to show and get them out there.

I am familiar with both of those organizations and have been invited to show my LaPerms in both as well, but until the LaPerm is recognized in one of the major organizations I feel no need to show in either of these at this time. That is not to take away from either of them but when I am the only breeder in a region I need to maximize my exposure. Once one of the majors (CFA, TICA, ACFA) recognize the LaPerm for championship then I might be more inclined to show in the other organizations as well. Getting a new breed off the ground is hard work as I am sure you are aware and time, money and effort need to be utilized in the most efficient manner. Pete

Hattkatts,

I'm interested to know why your waiting until one of the "major" associations accepts your breed? As far as the Munchkins are concerned, I know that everytime i've been to a TICA show, there have been less munchkins showing in NBC, than in AACE. To me, If i'm going to show my Munchkins, I'd like at least more competition than i'm seeing in TICA. Don't get me wrong, Sandie and I have shown in TICA, and done pretty well with the one Munchkin we did show, but these days the cost of showing in TICA and some of their policies, make it prohibitive for us to show there. Although I haven't paid attention to LaPerms are even allowed to show in NBC at any of the big association shows?

I really think that there is an advantage in showing with an association Like AACE. For one, there aren't any political issues there that I've seen in a couple of the "big" ones. There also is just as many cats being shown, generally, sometimes more. I happen to be at the year end show in Hartford and was quite surprised that the number of cats entered was about as many as one of the shows AACE had midseason (thanks again Rene!). Also, Ive yet to see a judge, judge BOTH days at a two day show... Oh and the biggie... the people are great to be with, and we have a great time... all the time.
You're right, getting a new breed off the ground IS hard, and there have been people working with the Munchkin far longer than I, but since the LaPerm isn't even to NBC status yet with TICA at least, (according to their website), you could be talking years until they are accepted. Showing them in UFO, or AACE would give you the exposure that LaPerm owners may need, after all there are quite a few folks that show in AACE and TICA, word gets around. I just think that you should get your babies out there, get some exposure, and perhaps the big ones will pay attention.

Ken

Ken,
As I stated in my previous post cost is the major factor in limiting the associations in which I show. The time frame for TICA recognition is less for us and is a priority for the LaPerm as a group. Yes, TICA is the most expensive for me to show as well. As for not being NBC yet, I am sitting here looking at ribbons my cats have won for Best New Breed or Color in TICA, so something is amiss.
I have had other invitations to join the AACE, but so far I have been hesitant; something just didn't hit me right about the application. I think they wanted my social security number for something and personally that hit me wrong. The only people legally allowed to require that information is the IRS or an employer so I passed on trying to have the LaPerm recognized in AACE. Also, I am in Florida and I only saw one show close enough for me to consider travelling for and I am usually willing to travel quite far. If you want we can continue this conversation privately. My email address is [email protected]. Pete

I guess I could add my own 2 cents now. I agree mostly with what Ken has said about TICA. I really just think it has to do with personal prefrence and your breed. I decided I liked AACE much better and so I stuck with them. It is expensive and very difficult to show in more than one association. We drive to NJ for weekends all the time because there are only about 3 shows a year in CT. We are driving to FL in September for an AACE show as well. TICA is very large and well known. I know a lot of people who show with them and some who show both AACE and TICA. I only do CFF's household pet shows. As for the ss #, on the forms it sais you don't have to use it. It is our membership # and is easy to remember. I will have to ask why they decided to ask for the social. I only know 2 people working on the LaPerm breed. They are both TICA people as well. I beleive TICA is supposed to accept the munchkin next year. I was talking to the person who has been trying to get them accepted and she's pretty confident. She asked me to bring my newest baby to a show in July. I havn't decided yet. If Tampa is anywhere near you, you should stop in as a spectator in Sept.

Hi Sandie,
Yes it can be very expensive to show which is why many do not, I believe. We have to show in more than one organization or we would only be attending a few shows a year, a similar situation to yours. I would be interested in exploring the possibility of showing in AACE, so if you have an application or a URL I can go to to download one I will give it serious consideration. Everything I have heard about AACE has been favorable, it's the SS# that is a sticking point for me.

Pete

Well, with thier website..I will be one of many to tell you it's not the best. Just to go see the site it is www.aaceinc.org.
If you want an application you can call the office Mon,Wed,Fri. She is usually there from 12to3. There is also an info e mail address on the site. I am sure you can request a form. I could also get one and send it to you. I am not sure what the form said when you were first approached. On the forms now they ask for a SS# or any 9 digit #. I really hope to see them grow. I will be the first to admit that I truley enjoy spending the weekend with these people. There's no fighting and everyone is willing to talk to spectators. I am not sure of thier stand on the LaPerms, but I know they still need a Breed Club president for the Norwegians.

Hattkats,

Nothing amiss really, I was just going by what was listed on the TICA website, they don't list Laperms, so I was basing my statement on that... oops. As for the SS thing, I guess I don't get to coaught up in the worry, being in the military im so used to having to use it, it's almost like a phone number now.. ya know, but I do understand your concerns. You are allowed to use whatever 9 digit number you like, though, I think just using a ss would e easier to remember. And I know you wouldn't have to worry, the integrity of the officers and staff of AACE is beyong reproach. As Sandie said, there is a show in Tampa at the end of Sept, and I would lke to see you there as well....

Ken

Ken and Sandie,
Okay, okay, you win. LOL I have requested an application via email after going to their site. Tampa isn't too far, about a 4 hour drive. We'll see. I have tentative plans to show at the next CFA show in Florida and I had planned on entering 12 LaPerms; I think that show is in September as well but I'll have to check.

Pete

Sorry, didn't meant to bombard you..LOL. Like I said, even if you came as a spectator to meet all of us. The AACE show is the 29th and 30th. I believe when he set up the show he tried to work around CFA'a show. We are all looking forward to going. Rene is actually bringing a few LaPerms for sale (not hers). Heck Rene is even brining a Sphynx because we don't have many in AACE. I think I am just concentrating on my Munchkin is FL. I may try and bring a HHP, but we will see what my $ situation is.

Sandie,
Whose LaPerms is Rene bringing for sale, do you know?

Pete

I think she said they belong to Cheri Hazelton. Don't quote me because the arrangement is between those 2. You know...too much talk about other breeders can get you into trouble. One reason I almost didnt become a breeder.

Hi Sandie, Ken, Rene and especially Pete

Just to clarify a little info. First of all, I'm an AACE Allbreed judge. Second, the SS is not a requirement and believe me, you can trust all of the people in the office (actually the office only has 2 people in it). They have been judges and breeders in the "major" associations for many years and have seen what has gone on in those associations. AACE has been around for over 10 years and I've been with them from the beginning. BTW, I forgot to mention that I am also the AACE board member. AACE was formed because of the politics in the other associations. We make sure that the shows are fun and that there are no politics. We have other people from other associations show at our shows and have always stated that they had fun and we see them come back and show at other shows. We were one of the first associations that allowed judges to speak with exhibitors and spectators while judging a cat. We also allow (purebreed and HHPs) to be declawed and shown. Heck, some people get their cats already declawed and some have to have it that way because of medical reasons. I will be judging the Tampa show and hopefully Pete, you can make it. We have also had LaPerms shown in our Jersey shows years ago from Canada but the breeder has trouble traveling now so we don't see them any more. When I first started judging, I had the honor and pleasure of handling them and absolutely loved them. BTW, Sandy, they worked the show around an ACFA show. I enjoy going to shows and seeing my friends. Don't get me wrong, I moved to the west coast and love it but the only thing I miss about the east coast is my friends and the shows. I do get to go back quite often. Anyway, sorry this was so long and if you have any questions Pete, please ask or e-mail me.

Frannie

Hi All Again

I need to clarify something. I have seen LaPerms (Rene's) but for a long time we didn't. So when I mentioned the LaPerms, it was when I first started judging and training and until Rene's came along, I didn' see any for some time. Sorry for any confusion and I wanted to claify this before somebody (Rene) mentioned it to me.

Frannie

Frannie,
With all this positive feedback it would be a shame not to go to Tampa if only to observe. Do the cats have to be registered with the AACE to be shown?

Pete

I am sure Frannie would do a better job of answering, but I am here at the moment. Adult cats have to be registered with AACE to be in a show. Just that particular cat has to be registered. If you include the generations, you can just give them your TICA etc #'s. It took me ahwile to get them all registered, but I think I have them all done now.

Looks like I won't be showing a dozen cats at once anytime soon! VBG

Pete

Originally posted by Sandie
I think she said they belong to Cheri Hazelton. Don't quote me because the arrangement is between those 2. You know...too much talk about other breeders can get you into trouble. One reason I almost didnt become a breeder.

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I don't know that name but I would be interested in finding out what she has for sale. I would love to add to my gene pool if they are good cats.

Pete

Her e mail is down right now, but I will be calling her soon as I have a munchkin of hers. I beleive they are probably out of Solveig's lines. I will let her know you may be interested.

Originally posted by Sandie
Her e mail is down right now, but I will be calling her soon as I have a munchkin of hers. I beleive they are probably out of Solveig's lines. I will let her know you may be interested.

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Thanks Sandie, I would appreciate that.

Pete