A new breed to show: American Wirehairs
Year 2012 saw another new beginning, a busy one with us. We have a wonderful support from Jim & Jan Rogers (Birjanji Cattery) and Carissa Aschultz (Cacao Cattery) (and special Thanks to Kevin Weber & Mark Zimmerman from KAW / KMWK Cattery for introducing us to the breed) to finally get us on showing a completely new breed for us: American Wirehair.
This is an excerpt from Wikipedia about American Wirehair.
The American Wirehair is a spontaneous mutation of the American Shorthair. It first occurred as a random mutation among a litter of five born to a pair of barn cats in 1966 in Vernon, in upstate New York. This single red-and-white male had wiry fur. The owner of the cats called a local breeder of Rex cats, Mrs. Joan O'Shea, to take a look at the kitten. She bought the kitten for $50, along with one of his normal-coated female littermates, to start a breeding program. The wirehaired male was named Adam, and the female Tip-Top.
American Wirehairs are similar to American Shorthairs, with the exception of a springy, wiry coat, including ear fur, and whiskers. This coat is similar to the wire coats of some dog breeds, such as terriers. Their fur requires little grooming, although lighter cats may require sunblock. Wirehairs are of a moderate, sturdy build, with round heads, high cheekbones, and a pronounced muzzle. Females are generally smaller than males. American Wirehairs display the full spectrum of possible cat coat colors, although Himalayan, Chocolate and Lilac are not accepted for competition. The Wirehair coat trait is dominant, so any breeding between a Wirehair and another cat can produce wired kittens. Wirehairs have golden eyes, except for some white ones that have blue or amber eyes.
The Wirehair has an even, balanced temperament which is essentially identical to that of its American Shorthair relative. Wirehairs are equally content to play or fall asleep in their owners' laps. They have been described as cute and somewhat humorous. They are gentle and quiet, but also playful and active. They have quiet voices. American Wirehairs generally prefer to stay indoors.
GC, RW Birjanji J.R
CFA 2nd Best American Wirehair 2011/2012
And from CFA AWH Breed Profile:
The coat is the characteristic that separates the American Wirehair from all other breeds. Just as there is a wide variety of texture in Persians or Exotics, there is also considerable variation among the Wirehairs. As this is a dominant mutation, approximately half of the kittens will be wirehaired at birth. The most readily apparent wiring is that of the whiskers and ideally, the entire coat will be wired at birth. If the coat appears to be ringlets, it may be too long and may wave or straighten with maturity. Some of the lightly wired coats may continue to crimp during the early life of the Wirehair. The degree of coarseness depends upon the coat texture of the sire and dam. To produce the best wiring, both parents must have a hard coat.
It was felt, at first, that since this mutation had occurred in the domestic American cat, the standard for it should conform to that of the American Shorthair. However, there were unique Wirehair qualities besides the coat that kept cropping up in each litter, and were worth keeping. In addition, breeders felt that this special cat should remain so, to some extent in conformation, as well as coat. Wirehairs were first accepted for CFA registration in 1967 and for championship competition in 1978.
Breeders find them easy to care for, resistant to disease, and good producers. Pet owners delight with their quiet, reserved and loving ways.
The coat is the characteristic that separates the American Wirehair from all other breeds. Just as there is a wide variety of texture in Persians or Exotics, there is also considerable variation among the Wirehairs. As this is a dominant mutation, approximately half of the kittens will be wirehaired at birth. The most readily apparent wiring is that of the whiskers and ideally, the entire coat will be wired at birth. If the coat appears to be ringlets, it may be too long and may wave or straighten with maturity. Some of the lightly wired coats may continue to crimp during the early life of the Wirehair. The degree of coarseness depends upon the coat texture of the sire and dam. To produce the best wiring, both parents must have a hard coat.
It was felt, at first, that since this mutation had occurred in the domestic American cat, the standard for it should conform to that of the American Shorthair. However, there were unique Wirehair qualities besides the coat that kept cropping up in each litter, and were worth keeping. In addition, breeders felt that this special cat should remain so, to some extent in conformation, as well as coat. Wirehairs were first accepted for CFA registration in 1967 and for championship competition in 1978.
Breeders find them easy to care for, resistant to disease, and good producers. Pet owners delight with their quiet, reserved and loving ways.
Fyre (right) and his brother.
NEW GRAND!!
CFA Grand Champion Birjanji Fancy Fyre of Zikhafri
DOB: 11 April 2012
Silver Patched Mac Tabby & White
Sire: GC, RW Cacao Silverado
Dam: GC Birjanji Keturah
Fyre granded at the show weekend 20-21 September 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her daughter, Zikhafri Seraphina, also was awarded with some grand points.
We are happy!
The following links could help you in learning the new breed better:
1. Breed Standard (CFA)
2. American Wirehair profile from Catscenterstage
3. CFA American Wirehair Breed Council Page
1. Breed Standard (CFA)
2. American Wirehair profile from Catscenterstage
3. CFA American Wirehair Breed Council Page