American Wirehair basic information

The American Wirehair is a spontaneous mutation. The coat, which is not only springy, dense, and resilient, but also coarse and hard to the touch, distinguishes the American Wirehair from all other breeds. Characteristic is activity, agility, and keen interest in its surroundings.

HEAD: in proportion to the body. Underlying bone structure is round with prominent cheekbones and well-developed muzzle and chin. There is a slight whisker break.

NOSE: in profile the nose shows a gentle concave curve.

MUZZLE: well-developed. Allowance for jowls in adult males.

CHIN: firm and well-developed with no malocclusion.

EARS: medium, slightly rounded at tips, set wide and not unduly open at the base.

EYES: large, round, bright, and clear. Set well apart. Aperture has slight upward tilt.

BODY: medium to large. Back level, shoulders and hips same width, torso well-rounded and in proportion. Males larger than females.

LEGS: medium in length and bone, well-muscled and proportionate to body.

PAWS: firm, full and rounded, with heavy pads. Toes, five in front and four behind.

TAIL: in proportion to body, tapering from the well-rounded rump to a rounded tip, neither blunt nor pointed.

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.