The Highlander breed, although new, has a deep-rooted foundation. In 2006, a group of dedicated, responsible breeders decided to protect and reinforce the value and worthiness they saw in the cats they were breeding. The foundation of the Highlander breed rests specifically on the Highland Lynx, a breed that is currently unaccepted by any recognized professional organization. With their curled ears, short tails, and sometimes polydactyl feet, these cats have captivated the hearts of people nation wide. Highland Lynx have been selectively bred with domestic short hairs to maintain and, in some cases improve, the viability of the breed.

The Highland Lynx is a domestic breed that was produced to reflect the look of a Bobcat. To create this look, an east coast breeder bred what was then called a Desert Lynx, another breed that resembles a wild cat, to what he refers to as Hemmingway Curls. These Hemmingway curls were polydactyl cats that also carried the dominant curl gene in their ears. These cats are believed to have developed a different or at least a spontaneous curl mutation on their own, just as the curled cats that were discovered in Canada in the 1950‘s. There has been no introduction of the American Curl into the bloodlines. According to original documentation, different breeds including domestic shorthair were used to create the Desert and Highland Lynx. Though there have been claims of wild/domestic hybridization being used, there are no documented fertility issues in any of the cats.

As with all good things, the Highland Lynx needed to be protected. In 2006, we united to offer the breed protection and purity. It was at this point, we decided to acquire the name Highlander, to separate ourselves and our cats, and to attempt an advancement into TICA. Although, we do have a permissible outcross of Domestic Shorthair, there shall be no outcrossing to any approved championship breed of any kind in the pedigree of a Highlander. They should have a look all their own and fit our written standard. The Highlander is not a new name for the Highland Lynx, it is a different presentation altogether. We have permissible outcrosses, a written standard, and a working breed group who stands tall and proud of their accomplishments
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It is with great pleasure our Breed Group announces the acceptance of the Highlander by TICA as its newest Experimental Breed. We are very proud and excited to be able to offer you this exciting and fascinating new breed.

cp from : http://www.highlanderbreeders.com/index.htm

ps:: found it last nite while playing guess the breed wif suzy..