bambino cat

silly4lilly · Jul 7, 2009

i always wondered if there was a breed of cats that stay small, like toy dogs. i googled it and sure enough there is a breed. i came across this which i thought was really wierd.... its a sphynx breed called bambino. its a sphynx with short legs!! some of the pictures look so deranged.

http://www.bambinocats.com/gallery.html

Brooke · Jul 7, 2009

AH!! There's a breeder near me that has Bambinos. They kinda freak me out a little bit...

ilovemysphynx · Jul 7, 2009

wow its like the hot dog dog version of a sphynx

PitRottMommy · Jul 8, 2009

Some breeders are referring to these as "minskins", crossing a munchkin with a sphynx.

This breed will be predisposed to joint issues, back problems (such as disk compression and intervertebral disk disease, as are daschunds) and a myriad of other concerns related to bone and joint health. They're also going to have poor quality cephalic and saphenous veins because of the structure of their legs, so one would hope they never require hospitalization.

It depresses me to find that alot of well known breeders are getting in on this; Sphynx should be bred for the betterment of the breed. I don't find breeding genetic back and joint issues into the breed doing it any betterment...especially since the Sphynx already had cardiac issues stacked against it.

admin · Jul 8, 2009

I agree, Im not sure I am crazy about crossbreeding for size or a smaller structure. Time will tell if there will be issues of medical problems with this breed. though they are cute little things. But unfortunately this "cuteness" is what will make them flourish.

PitRottMommy · Jul 8, 2009

admin said:
Though they are cute little things. But unfortunately this "cuteness" is what will make them flourish.

I don't think they're cute at all. I think they look like they've been crossed out with a Bassett Hound.

Don't they though, look at those legs? lol

On a more serious note, the website also suggests that Bambino's won't have back problems because of the natural mutation through genes. I'd like to see the research behind this, because it's also through a natural mutation that dauchunds have short legs (not human made, as their site may suggest).

I do agree that cats are of different build than dogs, but it does not keep them from having spinal disorders and cats still get IVDD, although it's more common in dogs. It simply has to do with the "long and thin build" (Bassetts and Corgis are also commonly affected breeds with IVDD), it is not specifically genetically related. Because of the build of the spine (in respects to the legs) more pressure is exerted on the spine, often causing lapse in tissue capability which has been clear diagnostic difference between a ruptured vertebra and IVDD. For them to clearly state on the website that "Cats spines are made differently than dogs therefore they do not have the spinal problems associated with short dogs" is wrong. IVDD is a condition of both dogs AND cats. It's simply seen more frequently in dogs...that doesn't mean it doesn't happen in cats.

Here is more information on IVDD in cats: http://www.petplace.com/cats/intervertebral-disc-disease-thoracolumbar-area-in-cats/page1.aspx. I would highly recommend someone do alot of research (and speak with a veterinarian in person) before purchasing one of these cats. The information on their website is already misleading.

silly4lilly · Jul 8, 2009

they look so wierd!!!! i saw on another website they nicknamed them hobbit cats. it doesnt look like they would be as agile as a normal sphynx with those tiny little legs

kalliee129 · Jul 8, 2009

I ran across these when I was searching for a sphynx cat and when normally I would have fallen in love I was actually horrified. The breeders say they are perfectly healthy, but when I see them they just don't seem to be. The one thing I have found out just owning a sphynx is finding a vet who is able to treat them. I would hate to think about how hard it would be to find one to meet the needs of those little guys. Makes me feel sorry for them :ThumbsDown:

cchloerun · Jul 9, 2009

I have a Bambino- but she's a long legged Bambino! Mischa was my first baby, and after TONS of research on a Sphynx I went through HolyMoly for her. I had no idea when I was getting her that she was actually a Bambino, and when I found out I freaked! I was worried that my new baby wouldn't be as sweet and loving as a full on Sphynx but she assured me they were just as, if not more, fabulous. She was right! Obviously getting 5 more nakeds after my Mischa says it all haha! ;-)
I hate to admit this, but I think the Elf Sphynx is so oddly adorable!
http://kittycatbreeders.com/credentials/free_range_sphynx.htm

kalliee129 · Jul 9, 2009

I've gotta say those ears are so cute. Kinda reminds me of shrek's ears

sydkat7 · Jul 9, 2009

I can appreciate the Elf cats much more than the Bambinos. The flipped-back ears are, like being hairless, a natural mutation, but there is nothing natural about a cat with short legs!

PitRottMommy · Jul 9, 2009

sydkat7 said:
I can appreciate the Elf cats much more than the Bambinos. The flipped-back ears are, like being hairless, a natural mutation, but there is nothing natural about a cat with short legs!

Couldn't agree more.

Moonstone · Jul 9, 2009

ilovemysphynx said:
wow its like the hot dog dog version of a sphynx

I can't say better... :Woo:

Moonstone · Jul 9, 2009

PitRottMommy said:
Some breeders are referring to these as "minskins", crossing a munchkin with a sphynx.

This breed will be predisposed to joint issues, back problems (such as disk compression and intervertebral disk disease, as are daschunds) and a myriad of other concerns related to bone and joint health. They're also going to have poor quality cephalic and saphenous veins because of the structure of their legs, so one would hope they never require hospitalization.

It depresses me to find that alot of well known breeders are getting in on this; Sphynx should be bred for the betterment of the breed. I don't find breeding genetic back and joint issues into the breed doing it any betterment...especially since the Sphynx already had cardiac issues stacked against it.

I agree with this...for me it's not to go in the good way...

Maximus · Jul 9, 2009

The bambinos are like a dashund/Sphynx just wierd to me but the elfs are adorable.

Luvmysphynx · Jul 9, 2009

Those elf cats are cute! The bambinos are in their own way, but I agree about the health problems!

Lisa Dobby · May 14, 2010

Bambino's are a cross between the Munchkin and the Sphynx. Contrary to some of the information that has been provided in this thread there is no evidence of back and joint problems at all. Munchkins are actually noted to be a very hardy and healthy breed. The Munchkin has been around since the 1940's although not officially until 1964. If you are interested Wikipedia has information about the Munchkin [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munchkin_%28cat%29"]Munchkin (cat) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia@@AMEPARAM@@/wiki/File:Chloemunchkinfemalekitten.jpg" class="image"><img alt="Chloemunchkinfemalekitten.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Chloemunchkinfemalekitten.jpg/235px-Chloemunchkinfemalekitten.jpg"@@AMEPARAM@@commons/thumb/6/6e/Chloemunchkinfemalekitten.jpg/235px-Chloemunchkinfemalekitten.jpg[/ame]
The Munchkin are very loving and wonderful pets without any long list of health concerns.
The Bambino are hairless like the Sphynx and short statured like the Munchkin. Bambino's although rare, are a cross between the Sphynx and the Munchkin. Please visit Replacement String: if you would like to see some photos that I had the pleasure to take for my friend who happens to breed Bambinos.
Although they are different from the Sphynx because of their short stature they have the same personality type and are very friendly and affectionate and I would think they would make a most excellent pet.

Lisa Dobby · May 14, 2010

but there is nothing natural about a cat with short legs![/QUOTE]

I actually went back and read the information in this thread and I saw a quote that said... "but there is nothing natural about a cat with short legs!" Come on folks, we all have cats without fur! Is there anything natural about that? Short statured Munchkins appeared just as naturally as the Hairless Sphynx did! The best way to find out information about the various breeds is to research, research, research.... Although you may not like the idea of the short statured version of the Sphynx there are many people out there that do like them. My friend has a long waiting list for the kittens she produces and everyone she sells to are encouraged to do lots of research before making such a important decision. I don't think anyone should be discouraged from purchasing a Bambino if that is what their heart is set on.

admin · May 14, 2010

Thanks for that info Lisa. That is interesting. :ThumbsUp:

gizmo6370 · May 14, 2010

What about this article then ?? They say there are some back problems....

Munchkin Cats and Lordosis

Jinxlover · May 14, 2010

I love them, think they are darling . :Adore:

(but I have always like the look of a Munchkin)

gizmo6370 · May 14, 2010

Jinxlover said:
I love them, think they are darling .

(but I have always like the look of a Munchkin)

I think they are rather cute....i have a friend (breeder) who also has a litter of 4 at the moment....they are so very cute :Adore:

ElGatoLoco · May 14, 2010

Check out the elf cats. They're sphynx/american curl. (I think)

I won't list the web site here but you can google it.

gizmo6370 · May 14, 2010

I've seen those before....it's kinda cute and weird at the same time....but i will stick with the "normal" sphynx :Wink:

Jinxlover · May 14, 2010

I think the elf cats are cute also, but I'm with Gizmo I'll stay with the "normal" ones.

bambino cat

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