Just as the Bengal spawned many obscure, experimental hybrid breeds, the Munchkin has spawned similar dwarf breeds. The Minskin is a more moderate example, combining only two mutated traits: short legs and hairlessness. It was first developed by Paul McSorley in 1998 with the vision of creating a short-legged, partially hairless cat with fur restricted to the point areas – a trait that occurs in Sphynx but is considered inferior quality. McSorley believed that maintaining fur on the points produced a healthier immune system – an odd belief given Sphynx are not known for immune issues. Using Munchkins, Sphynx, American Burmese, and Devon Rex, McSorley began work on the Minskin. It is of a small and stocky type, reflecting the sturdier conformation of the Burmese and Sphynx over the semi-foreign Munchkin and Devon Rex type. Fur points are a defining trait of McSorley’s vision for the breed, although this is not shared by all Munchkin/Sphynx crossbreeders – a long-time source of drama in the breed.

The Minskin was formerly accepted by TICA as a Preliminary New Breed (2008). Typically, this status eventually leads to full acceptance as a Championship breed, but in 2019 TICA chose to rescind this status. This means that currently no major, legitimate association accepts the Minskin. However, PKC does not revoke acceptance of breeds and the Minskin will remain accepted by PKC.

Type & judging remarks
Body is small, short-legged and stocky. Head is round and wide. Presence of fur points is greatly preferred over cats without, as is great contrast between areas with fur and areas without fur.