Dog Breeds - American Hairless Terrier

American Hairless Terrier

ATTRIBUTES: Alert, Curious. Energetic

GROUP: Terrier Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Hairless

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Eager To Please

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds, Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Hypoallergenic Dogs, Hairless Dog Breeds

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The tendency of a dog breed to display warmth and friendliness toward family members or familiar individuals can vary significantly. Certain dog breeds may exhibit a reserved or detached demeanor reserving their loyalty and affection exclusively for their owner. Conversely, other breeds are known for their inclusive and gregarious nature treating all familiar faces as if they were their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The inherent patience and tolerant nature of a dog breed towards the unpredictable behavior of children is an essential attribute to weigh up when seeking a family-friendly canine companion. Continuous supervision is imperative when dogs interact with young children or with children of any age who are not accustomed to the ways of dogs. This vigilance ensures the safety and well-being of both the dog and the children during their interactions.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The natural predisposition of a dog breed towards amicable interactions with fellow canines is a factor worth considering. While it's crucial to oversee any mingling or initial encounters between dogs certain breeds naturally exhibit a greater propensity for harmonious relations with other dogs whether it's within the comfort of your home or out in communal spaces.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The shedding level of a dog breed is a significant consideration especially in relation to the amount of fur you can anticipate finding around your home. High-shedding breeds typically necessitate more frequent grooming including brushing, to manage loose hair. These breeds also have a higher chance of activating allergies in sensitive individuals and may lead to an increased need for regular vacuuming and use of lint rollers to keep the environment clean and hair-free.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The frequency with which a breed needs bathing brushing trimming or other forms of coat upkeep is a noteworthy aspect to ponder over. When evaluating the grooming demands of a dog breed it's important to assess your own availability, patience and financial capacity to meet these needs. Bear in mind that regardless of the breed, regular nail trimming is a necessary part of a dog's grooming routine to maintain good health and comfort.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool is an important factor to consider particularly for individuals who prioritize cleanliness. Some breeds are known to produce copious amounts of slobber which can result in drool trails on your arms or large damp patches on your clothing. If maintaining a spotless environment is your preference, choosing a breed with a lower propensity for drooling might be more suitable for your lifestyle.
COAT TYPE +
Hairless
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
A breed's disposition towards unfamiliar people is a crucial trait to consider especially if you frequently have guests or live in a place with a lot of foot traffic. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved or wary stance with strangers no matter the setting, often requiring careful introduction and socialization. Meanwhile, other breeds might display an exuberant and friendly attitude eagerly greeting new humans with enthusiasm at every opportunity. When selecting a breed it's important to align your expectations with a dog's natural inclination to interact with strangers to ensure a good fit for your social environment.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
A breed's eagerness for play and its persistence into adulthood is another factor to take into account. Some breeds retain their youthful zeal for active games like tug-of-war or fetch well beyond their puppy years maintaining a high level of playfulness throughout their life. Others may display a more laid-back attitude preferring to lounge and enjoy quiet relaxation as they mature. This playfulness trait should be matched with your own lifestyle preferences whether you're looking for an energetic companion to engage in regular play or a more tranquil pet who would be content to simply unwind by your side.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some dog breeds are especially vigilant about notifying their owners when unknown individuals are nearby. They are quick to sound the alarm at any sign of a threat whether that's someone delivering mail or a small animal scampering by the window. These same breeds generally grow more accepting of strangers once they are introduced by the household members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to various alterations reflects their resilience in coping with shifts in their surroundings including the level of noise, climatic conditions, changes in daily routines and other everyday fluctuations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The trainability of your dog and its eagerness to embrace new lessons can vary widely by breed. Certain breeds are inherently inclined to please their owners and are more amenable to training whereas others may display a more independent or stubborn streak choosing to act on their own impulses rather than follow instruction consistently.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Different dog breeds have varying requirements for physical activity and mental engagement. High-energy breeds thrive on constant motion and excitement and they often seek out vigorous activities involving running, leaping and interactive play. On the flip side low-energy breeds are content with a more sedentary lifestyle often preferring to lounge and nap the day away much like a couch potato would.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner in which a dog breed vocalizes can vary greatly. Some breeds are known for their propensity to bark at every unfamiliar sound or movement such as passers-by or birds outside the window. Others typically remain quiet, reserving their barks for specific scenarios that they perceive as important. Moreover, certain breeds that seldom or never bark may still find ways to express themselves through alternative sounds such as whining, whistling or grunting.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The necessity for mental stimulation in a dog breed is essential for maintaining its happiness and health. Dogs that have been bred for specific purposes such as herding, hunting or service often require engaging tasks that demand decision-making, problem-solving and focus. If these intelligent and task-oriented breeds do not receive adequate mental exercise they may resort to self-made activities to occupy their minds which can result in undesirable behaviors or mischief that owners might not appreciate. It's important to provide such breeds with regular opportunities for mental challenge to prevent boredom and channel their intelligence constructively.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The tendency of a dog breed to display warmth and friendliness toward family members or familiar individuals can vary significantly. Certain dog breeds may exhibit a reserved or detached demeanor reserving their loyalty and affection exclusively for their owner. Conversely, other breeds are known for their inclusive and gregarious nature treating all familiar faces as if they were their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The inherent patience and tolerant nature of a dog breed towards the unpredictable behavior of children is an essential attribute to weigh up when seeking a family-friendly canine companion. Continuous supervision is imperative when dogs interact with young children or with children of any age who are not accustomed to the ways of dogs. This vigilance ensures the safety and well-being of both the dog and the children during their interactions.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The natural predisposition of a dog breed towards amicable interactions with fellow canines is a factor worth considering. While it's crucial to oversee any mingling or initial encounters between dogs certain breeds naturally exhibit a greater propensity for harmonious relations with other dogs whether it's within the comfort of your home or out in communal spaces.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The shedding level of a dog breed is a significant consideration especially in relation to the amount of fur you can anticipate finding around your home. High-shedding breeds typically necessitate more frequent grooming including brushing, to manage loose hair. These breeds also have a higher chance of activating allergies in sensitive individuals and may lead to an increased need for regular vacuuming and use of lint rollers to keep the environment clean and hair-free.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The frequency with which a breed needs bathing brushing trimming or other forms of coat upkeep is a noteworthy aspect to ponder over. When evaluating the grooming demands of a dog breed it's important to assess your own availability, patience and financial capacity to meet these needs. Bear in mind that regardless of the breed, regular nail trimming is a necessary part of a dog's grooming routine to maintain good health and comfort.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool is an important factor to consider particularly for individuals who prioritize cleanliness. Some breeds are known to produce copious amounts of slobber which can result in drool trails on your arms or large damp patches on your clothing. If maintaining a spotless environment is your preference, choosing a breed with a lower propensity for drooling might be more suitable for your lifestyle.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Hairless

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

A breed's disposition towards unfamiliar people is a crucial trait to consider especially if you frequently have guests or live in a place with a lot of foot traffic. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved or wary stance with strangers no matter the setting, often requiring careful introduction and socialization. Meanwhile, other breeds might display an exuberant and friendly attitude eagerly greeting new humans with enthusiasm at every opportunity. When selecting a breed it's important to align your expectations with a dog's natural inclination to interact with strangers to ensure a good fit for your social environment.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

A breed's eagerness for play and its persistence into adulthood is another factor to take into account. Some breeds retain their youthful zeal for active games like tug-of-war or fetch well beyond their puppy years maintaining a high level of playfulness throughout their life. Others may display a more laid-back attitude preferring to lounge and enjoy quiet relaxation as they mature. This playfulness trait should be matched with your own lifestyle preferences whether you're looking for an energetic companion to engage in regular play or a more tranquil pet who would be content to simply unwind by your side.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some dog breeds are especially vigilant about notifying their owners when unknown individuals are nearby. They are quick to sound the alarm at any sign of a threat whether that's someone delivering mail or a small animal scampering by the window. These same breeds generally grow more accepting of strangers once they are introduced by the household members.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to various alterations reflects their resilience in coping with shifts in their surroundings including the level of noise, climatic conditions, changes in daily routines and other everyday fluctuations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The trainability of your dog and its eagerness to embrace new lessons can vary widely by breed. Certain breeds are inherently inclined to please their owners and are more amenable to training whereas others may display a more independent or stubborn streak choosing to act on their own impulses rather than follow instruction consistently.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Different dog breeds have varying requirements for physical activity and mental engagement. High-energy breeds thrive on constant motion and excitement and they often seek out vigorous activities involving running, leaping and interactive play. On the flip side low-energy breeds are content with a more sedentary lifestyle often preferring to lounge and nap the day away much like a couch potato would.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The necessity for mental stimulation in a dog breed is essential for maintaining its happiness and health. Dogs that have been bred for specific purposes such as herding, hunting or service often require engaging tasks that demand decision-making, problem-solving and focus. If these intelligent and task-oriented breeds do not receive adequate mental exercise they may resort to self-made activities to occupy their minds which can result in undesirable behaviors or mischief that owners might not appreciate. It's important to provide such breeds with regular opportunities for mental challenge to prevent boredom and channel their intelligence constructively.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Apricot	002
Black	007
Black Sable Red	532
Blue	037
Blue Fawn	036
Chocolate	071
Lemon	114
Lilac Dilute	475
Red	140
Red Sable	155
White & Apricot	200
White & Black	202
White & Blue	288
White & Blue Fawn	334
White & Chocolate	287
White & Lemon	211
White & Red	214
Seal	261

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Brindle Points	046
Brindle	051
Tan Markings	012
Tan Points	029
Sable	026
White Markings	014
White Markings, Tan Points	030
Piebald	025

About The Breed

Born in the heart of Louisiana, the American Hairless Terrier is an intelligent, eager-to-explore and spirited canine companion available in both hairless and fur-covered versions. Allergy-prone individuals will find him an ideal pet blending the pluck and spirit of a true terrier with hypoallergenic benefits.

At a shoulder height of 12 to 16 inches the American Hairless Terrier showcases distinct looks with its hairless form featuring perhaps a smattering of eyebrows and whiskers whereas the coated counterpart boasts a sleek glistening coat. The hairless variety's skin is soft and inviting to the touch. Both types are distinguished by a broad wedge-shaped head and perky V-shaped ears that complement their round inquisitive eyes.

The American Hairless Terrier's lively gait reflects the unmistakable zest of the terrier breed. They are as close to being hypoallergenic as dogs come. However, their hairless condition necessitates certain safeguards against sunburn and the cold. These terriers are naturally protective and serve as vigilant guardians for their families.

Anticipating the Needs of Your American Hairless Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Conscientious dog breeders take great care to ensure the well-being of their animals by rigorously screening for various health issues. These may include hip dysplasia, heart-related conditions and the occasional luxating patella which is akin to the human variant known as a 'trick knee'. They also look out for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a treatable hip disorder that surgery can rectify. It's noteworthy to mention that skin ailments are exceptionally uncommon in this particular breed. Like all dogs the American Hairless Terrier requires some routine grooming to stay in tip-top shape this involves regular ear checks to clear out any debris or excess wax as well as frequently brushing their teeth for optimal dental health.. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam

Grooming

	The American Hairless Terrier presents in dual forms: the hairless iteration and one adorned with a coat. Grooming commitments for both types are notably modest. The hairless variant requires minimal upkeep focusing on ear hygiene and safeguarding the skin against UV rays. Its coated counterpart boasting a sleek lustrous fur demands very little attention; the sparse shedding means a gentle brush stroke weekly and intermittent bathing suffice. Regardless of the variety it's important to maintain routine nail clipping as a part of the American Hairless Terrier's care regimen.

Exercise

	Requiring only a reasonable amount of physical activity the American Hairless Terrier thrives on several short outdoor excursions each day. A daily frolic in a secure backyard or a few leisurely strolls are typically adequate to satisfy their exercise needs. These dogs relish an active lifestyle as much as they treasure lounging beside their humans on the sofa. Known for their sociable nature they take pleasure in interacting with both humans and other dogs. Their impressive aptitude for learning makes them excellent candidates for a variety of dog sports including obedience rally and agility events where they often excel.

Training

	For all dog breeds initiating early socialization and engaging in puppy training courses is highly advised. By introducing your puppy to an extensive array of individual environments and scenarios from roughly 7 weeks to 4 months of age you lay the foundation for your pet to grow into an adult that is both well-adapted to various circumstances and displays good behavior. Puppy classes not only assist owners in identifying and preventing potential behavioral issues but also strengthen the emotional connection with their companion. Given the American Hairless Terrier's sharp intellect and strong desire to satisfy training sessions tend to be straightforward and delightful experiences.

Nutrition

	The American Hairless Terrier will thrive on a diet of high-quality dog food that can either be commercially produced or home-cooked, provided you have the guidance and approval of your veterinarian. It's crucial to ensure that the food is suitable for the dog’s life stage whether it be puppy adult or senior. Since some dogs may have a tendency to gain excess weight it is important to monitor their calorie intake as well as their overall body condition. While treats can be a valuable tool for training it's essential to dispense them judiciously to prevent the risk of obesity. It's beneficial to understand which types of human foods are safe for your canine companion and which should be avoided. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any queries or concerns about your pet's weight or dietary needs. Additionally, it is imperative to make sure that your American Hairless Terrier has continuous access to clean fresh water.

Historiography

The American Hairless Terrier holds the unique distinction of being the sole hairless breed native to the United States having evolved as a distinct variant of the Rat Terrier.

Rat Terriers have a history dating back to the early 19th century in England, where they were among the myriad of terrier breeds developed for the purpose of curbing the rat populations that spread diseases and plundered food stores in both urban and rural settings. Known initially as 'Feists' for their spirited nature, these ancestors of the Rat Terrier were exceptionally adept at ratting. These dogs gained acclaim for their effectiveness on farms (one remarkable Feist reportedly eliminated 2,500 rats in a single day) and in the harsh settings of rat pits where the terriers were matched against rats in a grim spectator sport involving gambling on the terrier's lethal efficacy.

Towards the end of the 1800s Feists were introduced to the American rural landscape by British immigrants searching for new opportunities, particularly miners. Once established in America, the Feist was further refined as a breed through breeding with the Smooth Fox Terrier. President Theodore Roosevelt, who cherished his own Feist named Skip, is often credited with popularizing the term Rat Terrier.

Leapfrogging approximately seven decades from the Roosevelt era we land in 1972 Trout Louisiana where an unexpected event took place: a hairless pup emerged amongst a litter of averaged-sized coated Rat Terriers. Notably hairless pups are born with a transient coat that they lose after a few weeks. Edwin and Willie Scott acquired the hairless pup named Josephine who later mothered Gypsy another hairless female. Eight years later Josephine had two hairless pups Jemima and Snoopy. By 1983, Snoopy was mated back to his sisters and the breeding of hairless puppies commenced. Thus, through these efforts the American Rat Terrier or American Hairless Terrier emerged.

The Scotts meticulously documented their breeding endeavors establishing the first club for this breed. In 2009, the American Hairless Terrier Club of America was formed as the breed's AKC parent club leading to the breed obtaining full American Kennel Club recognition in 2016.