American Hairless Terrier

Despite its temperament and character as a hunter, the lack of fur makes the American Hairless Terrier unable to cope with this role. Therefore, the breed is bred as a companion. The dog has a loyal and open temperament. It is a tame pet that adores its owner. He does not leave him and follows his heels.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The history of the American Hairless Terrier goes back to the 1970s in the United States. It is a relatively young breed. Initially, the breed’s development was identical to the ret dogs found in the British Isles. They were bred solely for work, and no attention was paid to exterior appearance.

When immigrants began arriving in America, they brought dogs with them. The pets blended into one species, doing an excellent job hunting rodents. Ret Terriers had wonderful character and health, which is why they were so popular. But as the technological revolution approached, their popularity began to wane.

And so, thanks to an accidental mutation, an utterly bald puppy was born among the ret terrier puppies. All of the puppies were normal, and only this one was completely hairless. The owners gave him to their friends, Edwin and Willie Scott. They liked the puppy so much they gave him their nickname: Josephine. The pet was wonderful, and the lack of fur just guaranteed that the apartment would be clean.

The couple liked the puppy so much that they decided to create a new breed of completely hairless dogs. They consulted different dog handlers, but the task was not an easy one. It was not until nine years later that two different-sex hairless puppies were born, which marked the American Hairless Terrier breed’s beginning.

The Scotts were so excited about the success that they created their own Trout Creek Kennel.

Despite efforts to create a new breed, many new owners registered the dogs as Ret Terriers. It wasn’t until 1999 that it was recognized, and though it continued to be registered as a Ret Terrier species, it was better than nothing. In 2016, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.

Appearance

The American Hairless Terrier’s appearance is identical to its offspring, the Ret Terrier, except for the complete absence of hair. This dog has a muscular chest, strongly defined shoulders, and a firm neck. The physique is lean. The ears are erect, V-shaped. The tail is long, with a moderately thin tip.

Puppies are usually born of two types: those covered with a soft coat that completely disappears after a couple of weeks. And those with a minimal amount of hair remain forever.

The American Hairless Terrier’s skin is spotted, with the area of spots enlarging when exposed to sunlight. The color can be two or three-color, sable, chocolate.

Character

Despite its temperament and character as a hunter, the lack of fur makes the American Hairless Terrier unable to cope with this role. Therefore, the breed is bred as a companion.

The dog has a loyal and open temperament. It is a tame pet that adores its owner. He does not leave him and follows his heels. Hairless Terrier does not tolerate separation, so he should not be left alone for a long time. Unlike other terriers, this breed is madly fond of children and treats them especially.

The dog treats strangers well and is constantly looking for new acquaintances. Therefore, it makes no sense to use it as a guard, except as a ringing bell, which will inform guests’ arrival. With other pets, the American Hairless Terrier gets along well, but we should not forget that he has the instinct of a rodent hunter in his blood.

Care

Due to the American Hairless Terrier’s peculiarity – the absence of hair – care must be special. The owner must carefully monitor the pet’s skin and treat scratches immediately to avoid the emergence of infection.

The dog has a specific smell, so he should be bathed often or wiped with wet wipes. However, you should pay attention to the composition of the products you treat your pet with. Claws should be trimmed once every few months. Be sure to keep his mouth and ears clean.

Training

The American Hairless Terrier is great to keep in an apartment, but he needs active walks outdoors. Make regular walks more varied and take toys with him. The terrier especially likes ball games.

Due to the developed intelligence, the pet easily learns new commands. Terriers are very good-natured; usually, there should be no problems with education. This breed has well-defined facial expressions so that you can read a lot of emotions on the dog’s face.

Common Diseases

The pet is very sensitive to low temperatures due to its lack of undercoat, so you need to take clothing. The terrier should also not be left in the sun for too long; he can get sunstroke or burn. Always have moist cream in the medicine cabinet to moisturize the skin. Don’t forget his annual vaccinations and anti helminthiasis prophylaxis.

The American Hairless Terrier is prone to these diseases:

• allergies;
• skin pigmentation in the sun;
• skin rash;
• frostbite.

Nutrition

The basis of the American Hairless Terrier’s diet should be meat, such as chicken. Do not forget dairy products. Vegetables and fruits can be given at a separate meal. It is better to establish a feeding schedule to discipline your pet.

The diet should be rich in vitamin supplements. Water must be available at all times.