American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a new dog breed, having been around since the 1970s. Despite their short history, these dogs have become popular in recent years thanks to their unique appearance and friendly personalities. 

The American Hairless Terrier is a direct descendant of the Rat Terrier, originally bred in the United States in the 19th century. The Rat Terrier was created by crossing various terrier breeds with ratting dogs, resulting in a versatile and hardworking breed that excelled at hunting small game. 

In the early 1970s, a hairless mutation occurred spontaneously in a litter of Rat Terriers belonging to Dr. Edwin and Mrs. Connie Scott of Louisiana. The Scotts named this hairless pup "Josephine" and decided to see if they could intentionally breed more hairless dogs like her.

After several years of careful breeding, the Scotts had successfully developed a line of hairless Rat Terriers called "American Hairless Terriers." In 1981, the United Kennel Club (UKC) officially recognized the American Hairless Terrier as a separate breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) followed suit in 2016. 

Today, these dogs are cherished companions and loyal family pets. Thanks to their affectionate nature and easy-to-care-for coats, they are especially popular with allergy sufferers and first-time dog owners. 

The American Hairless Terrier is beloved for its vibrant personality, characterized by playfulness, affection, and intelligence. 

Renowned for their energetic demeanor, these terriers thrive on interactive games and activities with their owners, bringing joy and laughter to every moment. 

Their affectionate nature fosters strong bonds with family members, earning them the nickname "velcro dogs" for their tendency to stay close to their owners. 

• American Hairless Terrier Temperament

Quick learners with sharp minds, American Hairless Terriers excel in obedience training and canine sports, delighting owners with their eagerness to please. 

Their curious disposition drives them to explore their surroundings, showcasing their adaptability to different living environments. With their alert senses, they also serve as excellent watchdogs, adding a layer of security to their role as beloved companions. 

Overall, the American Hairless Terrier's personality is a delightful blend of playfulness, affection, intelligence, and adaptability, making them cherished members of any household.

American Hairless Terriers are highly energetic and require ample daily exercise, ideally 45 minutes or more. Without it, they may develop behavioral issues like destructiveness and excessive barking. However, their exercise needs are manageable for most dedicated families.

The American Hairless Terrier is one of the hairless varieties of dogs. American Hairless Terriers have oval-shaped eyes that are set far apart. Their eyes are usually brown or black. 

However, some dogs may have blue eyes, one blue eye, and one brown eye. This is known as heterochromia. In addition, they have light eyebrows and whiskers.

American Hairless Terriers have small triangular ears. Their ears are erect and point upwards. They have long tails that taper towards the end. The tail is usually carried high and is covered in hair that is short and fine. 

• American Hairless Terrier Size 

American Hairless Terriers come in two size varieties, Standard and Toy. The average weight of American Hairless Terrier puppies lies between 6 to 8 pounds.

Standard-sized weigh between 12 and 16 pounds, while toy-sized weigh in at 10 pounds or less. There is very little difference in height between the two sizes, with Standards standing at about 1 foot tall at the shoulder on average and Toys being slightly shorter at about 8-9 inches tall.

1.    Toy-sized American Hairless Terriers- Source: Pinterest
2.    Standard sized American Hairless Terrier- Source: Pinterest

• Skin Color

Despite being a hairless breed, they are not entirely without any coat. 

They have a fine layer of fuzz on their skin that protects them from the sun and keeps them warm. Their skin is smooth and soft, making them especially good cuddle buddies. 

Some might even have very short but dense coats. They come in various coated varieties and colors, including black, white, blue, gray, red, cream, and brown. You may also find some American Hairless Terriers with spots or other markings on their skin. 

1. Black  American Hairless Terrier- Source: AKC
2. American Hairless Terriers with spots- Source: AKC
3. Cream American Hairless Terrier- Source: AKC

Commonly, there aren’t major differences between male and female AHTs. Here are some of the notable ones:

• Size Differences 

One of the most noticeable differences between male and female American Hairless Terriers is size. 

Males of this breed typically weigh around 15-20 pounds, while females usually only reach 10-15 pounds. This weight difference is partly because males are also typically about 1-2 inches taller than females at the shoulder.

• Temperament Differences 

Male and female American Hairless Terriers are known for being intelligent, friendly, and outgoing dogs. There are some subtle temperament differences between the two genders.

Females tend to be more independent and self-assured than males, who are often more affectionate and prone to forming close bonds with their human companions. Of course, neither gender is better or worse than the other. 

Potential owners need to be aware of these temperamental distinctions to choose a dog whose personality matches their lifestyle and personality.

• Health Differences 

All potential owners should be aware of some key health differences between male and female American Hairless Terriers. One notable difference is that females of this breed tend to live slightly longer than males, with an average lifespan of 14 years compared to 13 years for males. 

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for the health of your American Hairless Terrier, a small- to medium-sized breed with high energy levels. 

To prevent weight gain, feed them on a regular schedule with measured portions twice a day, rather than allowing them to graze freely. 

As your American Hairless Terrier grows older, their dietary requirements also change. Look for high-quality dog food formulated for small to medium breeds of terriers to ensure they receive the proper nutrition to support their active lifestyle.

Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations at each life stage.

American Hairless Terriers may be prone to certain conditions, such as:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This condition affects the hip joint, causing pain and difficulty walking due to bone degeneration. Treatment may involve surgical intervention to remove affected bone tissue.
• Hypothyroidism: This condition arises from an underactive thyroid gland, causing symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Lifelong medication is typically necessary to manage symptoms.
• Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation involves the displacement of the kneecap, leading to lameness and difficulty walking. Severe cases may require surgical correction.
• Demodicosis (Red Mange): Red mange is caused by the overgrowth of Demodex mites, resulting in skin inflammation and hair loss. Treatment involves medicated baths and topical or oral medications.
• Deafness: Deafness in American Hairless Terriers can be congenital, meaning they are born with it due to genetics, or it can develop as they age. Congenital deafness is more common in this breed, making them prone to this condition.

Regular veterinary check-ups and proper grooming are essential for maintaining their health.

Due to their minimal shedding, they are considered a hypoallergenic breed, although it's essential to note that no dog is entirely hypoallergenic due to shedding some dander.

Their short coats require special attention to protect their sensitive skin, especially from sun exposure. Even during colder months, it's crucial to apply doggy sunscreen before heading outside for extended periods, as their lack of fur makes them susceptible to sunburn.

In cold weather, owners should consider providing additional protection for their American Hairless Terriers. This may include investing in coats, booties, and even hats to keep them warm and comfortable during winter walks. 

Several rescue organizations specialize in finding homes for American Hairless Terriers in need.

SaveARescue.org

MaryLandPet.com

The average American Hairless Terrier price range lies between $800 to $1,800. When purchasing an American Hairless Terrier, it's essential to buy from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of the dogs. 

PetFinder.com

AKC Marketplace

• The American Hairless Terrier is one of the few dog breeds that originated solely in the United States. They were developed in the 1970s from a hairless mutation found in a litter of Rat Terriers in Louisiana.
• Despite their name, not all American Hairless Terriers are completely hairless. Some may have a light fuzz or sparse coat. Their coat patterns can vary widely, ranging from solid colors to brindle or spotted patterns.

American Hairless Terriers excel as companion animals and thrive in homes where they receive plenty of love, attention, and exercise.