In the U.S., the breed is known as both the "American Hairless Terrier" (AHT) and the "American Terrier" (AT). In addition, the breed is also sometimes referred to as the "Hairless American Rat Terrier" (HART) or "Rat Terrier, Hairless Variety." In Europe, Breeders use the name "Hairless Terrier" and in Japan and Singapore, the name "American Terrier" is used.
In Canada, the Canadian breed club is pursuing Canadian Kennel Club recognition and, with this goal in mind, the name being used for the breed is "American Terrier, Coated and Hairless Variety."
The American Terrier is a muscular dog with a sleek and elegant look. He is alert, intelligent, high-energy, loyal and loving to his family members.
The American Terrier is a new breed which came about from a female named Josephine who was born in 1972 from a litter of Rat Terriers. The breed was developed by Josephine's breeder, Edwin Scott, from her descendents. The only breed used in Scott's breeding program were Rat Terriers. In 1999, when the United Kennel Club (UKC) first recognized the Rat Terrier, the hairless was included as a variety rather than a separate breed. In January 2004, the UKC officially recognized the American Hairless Terrier as a separate and distinct breed. However, according to the UKC "it will be necessary for the foreseeable future to continue to include some Rat Terrier crosses until there are sufficient hairless dogs to maintain a separate and healthy gene pool."
Unlike other hairless breeds, such as the Chinese Crested or Xoloitzcuintli who may have hair on the head, feet and tail, the Hairless American Terrier is completely hairless except for whiskers and guard hairs on the muzzle as well as eyebrows. Hairless puppies are born with a soft down that covers the body but by the time the puppy reaches 6 to 8 weeks, the down should have diminished to the point where the dog is completely hairless.
In the American Terrier the hairless gene is recessive. In order to maintain a healthy gene pool, new bloodlines are created by carefully planned out-crossings to the Rat Terrier. The breeding of two American Terriers, Hairless variety, always produces hairless puppies. The breeding of a American Terrier to a coated Rat Terrier who carries the hairless gene or a breeding of two coated dogs carrying the recessive gene can produce a mix of coated and hairless offspring.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a American Hairless Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. This should include, among others, hip x-rays to exclude hip dysplasia and eyes should be checked to see that they are normal and PRA clear. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Grooming:
- Grooming — See the Grooming section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs for details.
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Training Resources:
The American Hairless Terrier's natural curiosity and intelligence make him very trainable.
- Training — For information on training your American Hairless Terrier, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Clubs, Sports and Activities — Information on various dog sports and activities as well as non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (For breed specific clubs, please see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Information on the working dog, including Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, SAR Dogs, and much more. Plus lists of organizations from across Canada.
- AHT Forum— The place to talk about one of the rarest breeds of dogs...a truly American made dog.
- canadahairlessterrier@yahoogroups.ca - Mailing List for AHTs in Canada
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