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 The
American Wirehair is a breed resulting from a spontaneous mutation
in the 1960s. The coat, which is not only springy, dense and
resilient, but has a coarseness to it, distinguishes the Wirehair
from all other breeds. The American Wirehair is characteristically
a people oriented cat with an interest in its surroundings and is
always looking for a way to amuse itself and its owner.
Other
Names
Wire
Native
Country
United States
Breed
Description
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.
Neck: Moderately short, well-muscled.
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: Short, tight, and even. Coarse and
hard to the touch. Slightly crimped, ending in a slight hook.
Whiskers and ear furnishings are also curly. All colors
permissible except chocolate, lilac, and colorpoint.
History
The Wirehair's
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.
Behavior
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. |
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