At Sun Dandelion, we follow one simple but essential rule: a Scottish Fold must never be bred with another Scottish Fold.
This principle is not only ethical — it’s vital for the health and wellbeing of the kittens.

The Fold Gene and Its Effects

The famous folded ears of Scottish Folds are caused by a natural genetic mutation in the cartilage development gene (FD gene).
This gene affects not only the ears but also the cartilage and bone tissue throughout the body — including joints, spine, and tail.

When a Scottish Fold is bred with a Scottish Straight, kittens inherit the fold gene from only one parent.
That means they can have folded ears without suffering from skeletal problems — this is considered a safe and responsible combination.

However, when two Folds are bred together (Fold × Fold), kittens may inherit two copies of the gene, which leads to a painful and irreversible condition called osteochondrodysplasia.

What Is Osteochondrodysplasia?

Osteochondrodysplasia is a genetic cartilage disorder that causes abnormal bone growth, stiffness, and severe joint pain.
Affected cats often show:

• Thickened, inflexible tails

• Stiff hind legs and difficulty walking

• Pain when jumping or being touched

• Progressive arthritis, even at a young age

There is no cure for this condition — only pain management. That’s why responsible breeders strictly avoid Fold × Fold pairings.

Our Breeding Principles

At Sun Dandelion, we breed only Fold × Straight combinations.
Each parent is carefully selected not only for type and beauty but also for strong health, excellent temperament, and genetic balance.
We work closely with trusted veterinarians and perform regular health checks to ensure every kitten grows up healthy, active, and pain-free.

Our Commitment

We believe that true breeding means protecting the breed, not exploiting it.
Every kitten we raise carries our love, care, and the promise of responsible, ethical breeding.
By following these standards, we help ensure that Scottish Folds and Straights remain a symbol of both beauty and wellbeing — as nature intended.

Our Breeding Ethics

At Sun Dandelion, we follow the highest standards of responsible breeding.
We never cross Fold × Fold, as this combination can lead to serious cartilage and bone problems known as osteochondrodysplasia, which causes pain and mobility issues.

All our Scottish Folds are paired only with Scottish Straights to ensure healthy, strong kittens with beautiful type and gentle temperament.
We carefully select each parent, work with trusted veterinarians, and raise every kitten with love and respect for the breed’s wellbeing.