American Hairless Terrier Dogs

Breed Type: Terrier Breed

Weight: 5-16 pounds (2.5-7 kg)

Height: 7-16 inches (18-41 cm)

Coat type: Short and thick coat

 

American Hairless Terrier is a Terrier breed of dog that was formerly considered a variant of Rat Terrier. The breed was coined as a separate breed on January 1, 2004, by the United Kennel Club. However, sometimes, it is often mistaken for hairless Chihuahua. The dog has no hair on tail, head and feet, except for whiskers and eyebrows. This breed of dog is strong and playful, can be trained easily, is eager to please and is very different from the other hairless breeds native to other countries. Unlike its foreign hairless cousins (Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli, and Peruvian Inca Orchid), American Hairless Terriers are gifted with strong teeth and do not have skin problems. Puppies are born with sparse, fuzzy hair, which starts to fall out one week after birth, starting at the nose. By the age of 6 to 8 weeks, all the hair disappears completely. In this article, we bring you details on the history, appearance, grooming, personality and genetic disease of the American Hairless Terrier dog breed.

The known history of American Hairless Terrier Dogs is not very old, as the breed started when a hairless puppy appeared in a Rat Terrier litter, in the state of Louisiana, United States, in 1972. The owners of the dog were Edwin and Willie Scott, who liked the dog's look and temperament and bred her, in hope of producing a hairless quality. A litter produced in 1981 provided the foundation stock for the breed. In January 2001, the breed was recognized as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club.

 

American Hairless Terrier Dogs are similar to Rat Terrier, from whom they are directly descended, in build. They are well-muscled dogs, with solid neck and strong shoulders and legs. They range in size, from small to medium terrier and come in a number of skin colors, coat colors and patterns. The body length and height grows in the ratio of 10:9 and their tail is carried in an upward curve. The tail may be docked in dogs of the coated variety. The ears are carried erect, when the dog is alert and are called bat. Hairless-to-hairless breeding always produces completely hairless puppies.

 

American Hairless Terrier dogs are energetic, curious and intelligent. They are very inquisitive, lively, playful and loving in nature and make excellent companions. They are social dogs and get along well with children, other dogs and even pets, especially if they are raised together from puppy-hood. These dogs enjoy human companionship immensely and will enthusiastically share any activity with their owners. They have a lively, feisty, fearless nature, found in the best of terriers and break out in a sweat when hot or scared. They make wonderful watchdogs.

American Hairless Terrier Dogs are far away from the genetic diseases or skin problems that commonly arise in mixed breed and hairless dogs. The shedding and fleas are non existent in these dogs, as they do not have a coat at all. However, sometimes, they might get a rash on their skin.

 

This breed of dog is good for allergy sufferers. In fact, it is the best breed for people with dog allergies. Since these dogs are hairless, they need protection from sun and cold weather. Hence, sunscreen should be applied while taking them out in the sun or they should be made to wear a shirt. Similarly, a sweater is required in extremely cold weather. As these dogs do not have sweat glands, they tend to have pimples, which fade away on their own. Washing the skin regularly during this time can keep acne at bay.