Many Napoleons, true to their name, are known for their small stature. With their Persian-esque round faces and Munchkin-like short legs, this adorable breed is truly a little treasure. Nonstandard Napoleons, a variation of the breed with long legs, are as actively sought as their little counterparts for both their beauty and their wonderful personalities.
You will find yourself smiling from the sounds of their quick little “pitter patter” as they run to see you, to the sight of their distinctive little waddle of excitement that accompanies each step! As if that isn’t enough to warm your heart, there will be a gentle nudge to let you know a little cuddling is in order!
A Brief History of the Napoleon Breed
The Napoleon breed is a hybrid, developed by crossing a member of the Persian family (a Persian, Himalayan, or Exotic) with a long- or shorthaired Munchkin. The Napoleon is a relatively new breed, and therefore a “work in progress.”
Developing a new breed of feline isn’t a quick or easy process and takes time and patience. When a Persian and a Munchkin are bred, their kittens are technically Napoleons. However, due to the vagaries of genetics, these kittens will not show the characteristics of “true” Napoleons and must be bred with the Persian family for another couple of generations until their offspring begin to show the characteristics of a Napoleon.