American Wirehair

The American Wirehair unusual coarse, prickly coat was caused by the spontaneous mutation of a gene. In 1966 on a farm in Verona, New York, the American Wirehair made its debut in a litter of American Shorthairs. Its crimped, coarse coat was the result of the spontaneous mutation of a dominant gene. The first-ever Wirehair was a red-and-white kitten named Adam. Breeder Joan O'Shea began a selective breeding program, crossing the Wirehairs with American Shorthairs to avoid excessive inbreeding and to develop the breed. The American Wirehair was officially recognized in the United States in 1978. Wirehairs were first imported to France in 1972. Still rather uncommon in the United States, this breed is extremely rare in Europe.

Description

Body : Medium to large. Broad chest. Medium in bone. Powerfully muscled.

Paw : Medium in length and bone. Well muscled. Round, medium-sized (n) paws; small and oval (u).

Tail : Length in proportion to body. Heavy from the base to the rounded tip. Carried nearly in line with the back

Coat : Springy, tight, medium in length. Individual hairs are crimped, hooked, or bent, including hair within the ears. The overall appearance of wiring and the coarseness and resilience of the coat is more important than the crimping of each hair. The density of the wired coat leads to ringlet formation rather than waves. That coat, which is very dense, resilient, crimped, and coarse, is most desirable, as are curly whiskers

Head : Medium in size. Broad and fairly round. Rounded skull. Prominent cheekbones. Definite jowls in mature males. Square, well-developed muzzle. Slight whisker break (u). Moderately short nose shows a gentle, concave curve. Square, well-developed chin.

Eyes : Large, round, expressive, and wide set. Color in harmony with coat color is preferred.

Ears : Medium, slightly rounded at tips, set wide and not unduly open at the base.

Nose : A gentle concave curve.

Neck : Moderately short, well-muscled.

Fault : Deep nose break. Long, pointed, or close-set ears. Color of eyes not entirely green in Silver Wirehairs, color other than yellow in Brown Wirehairs. Overly short or long neck. Overly thin or short tail. Tail carried over the back. Fine, long, silky coat. Disqualify: White lockets or buttons.

Character : This solidly built, highly active, agile, and playful cat needs exercise to burn off its abundant energy. The American Wirehair is social, affectionate, and gentle, demonstrating the same excellent character as its American Shorthair relative. Care is simple. The coat should be brushed and combed weekly.

Personality : Quiet, reserved, and somewhat less receptive to strangers than the American Shorthair. Not especially vocal , although it will trill enthusiastically at feeding time. Playful kittens become affectionate, undemanding adults.