American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a distinctive breed. The American Hairless Terrier comes from United States, typically weighs 7–14 lb, and has a hairless, coated examples have a short dense coat coat. Individual American Hairless Terriers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United States
- Weight
- 7–14 lb (3.2–6.4 kg)
- Height
- 10–18 in (25–46 cm)
- Coat
- Hairless, coated examples have a short dense coat
- Colour
- Variety of colors and patterns with white
About the American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a distinctive breed. Weighing 7-14 lbs, they stand 10-18 inches tall.
Overview
The American Hairless Terrier is a breed of companion dog from the United States that was developed from naturally hairless Rat Terriers .
History
In 1972, a completely hairless bitch pup was whelped in a litter of purebred Rat Terriers and adopted by Willie and Edwin Scott of Louisiana . Named Josephine, the bitch conformed to the Rat Terrier type in every way except for her coat, so the Scotts bred her. Her first litter produced another hairless bitch pup, Gypsy. Neither bitch whelped another hairless pup in multiple litters until, in 1981 at the age of nine, Josephine produced two more hairless pups, a dog and a bitch. In 1983 the dog, Snoopy, was mated to his hairless sisters and many more hairless pups were whelped, establishing the foundation stock for the new breed. Originally registered as a hairless variety of Rat Terriers, eventually the Scotts adopted a different breed name for their unique line and established a separate breed club, the American Hairless Terrier Association. In 2004 the United Kennel Club recognised the line as a breed and in 2016 the American Kennel Club also recognised the breed.
Description
According to the United Kennel Club''s breed standard , American Hairless Terriers typically stand between 10 and 18 inches (25 and 46 cm) ; the breed typically weighs between 7 and 14 pounds (3.2 and 6.4 kg) . The breed has pricked ears and can be born with either a naturally short tail or a long tail, which is never docked. At birth American Hairless Terriers are born with a light fuzz of hair over their entire body which they gradually shed from the nose backwards until they are entirely naked, though they sometimes retain eyebrows and whiskers. This typically occurs by the age of six weeks. The breed standard states the skin can be any color, although they are usually part colored with freckles that enlarge with age. Because of their lack of hair, the breed is particularly susceptible to hypothermia in cold weather and sunburn in sunny conditions. Some American Hairless Terriers are born with coats; they are still recognised as examples of the breed. The breed standard states coated examples of the breed have a short and dense coat that can be solid white or bi-color, tri-color, sable and brindle, always with some white.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the American Hairless Terrier?
The American Hairless Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build. They have a short, smooth coat that can be either hairless or have a short, smooth coat. Their skin can be sensitive, so they require regular skin care. They come in a variety of sizes, including toy, miniature, and standard.
Is the American Hairless Terrier a good family dog?
American Hairless Terriers are generally good with children if socialized properly. They are energetic and require regular exercise, making them a good fit for families who enjoy outdoor activities. However, their sensitive skin requires careful handling, and they may not be suitable for very young children.
What health problems do American Hairless Terriers have?
American Hairless Terriers are prone to skin problems, including sun damage and skin cancer. They may also be susceptible to heart problems, patellar luxation, and eye issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk of these health problems.
How much does an American Hairless Terrier puppy cost?
The cost of an American Hairless Terrier puppy can vary depending on factors such as bloodline, breeder reputation, and location. On average, a puppy can cost between $800 and $1,500. Additionally, there may be costs associated with spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do American Hairless Terriers come from?
The American Hairless Terrier comes from United States. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the American Hairless Terrier, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.