American Hairless Terrier

The lively and distinctive American Hairless Terrier is a breed that exudes personality. This breed, which originated from the Rat Terrier, is unique in that it has no fur, which makes it a fantastic choice for those who have allergies. They are interesting and endearing companions because of their lively disposition and silky skin.

Feature	Description
Breed Name	American Hairless Terrier
Origin	United States
Size	Small to medium
Coat	Hairless or short-haired
Temperament	Playful and friendly
Exercise Needs	Moderate; enjoys playtime
Good With Kids	Yes, very sociable
Common Health Issues	Skin problems, allergies

The American Hairless Terrier is a distinctive and active breed that is well-liked by people who have allergies or who enjoy unusual pets because of its playful nature and hairless appearance. This breed is a great option for both active people and families because it not only has a unique appearance but also demonstrates intelligence and loyalty. The American Hairless Terrier adds happiness and coziness to any home, whether you’re searching for a loyal companion or an energetic playmate.

Characteristics of the breed

History of origin

The breed happened by accident. Rat Terriers gained popularity in Great Britain at first for their use in rat trapping on farms. Animals were later bred by nobles. The dogs were transported to the open continent during the start of the New World migration in the early 1930s.

A fully nude puppy was spotted in the RET TERI lane in 1972. When he was introduced to the Scott family, they chose to breed bald dogs in addition to not being afraid of them. The girl Josephine was crossed with her father Ret following an analysis carried out in collaboration with seasoned breeders. This led to the birth of several more curious puppies.

The kennel expanded and became a club by the middle of the 1980s, at which point the first breed standard was developed. The American Hairless Terrier (AGT) was regarded as a Ret breed in the 1990s. However, enthusiasts succeeded in separating their groups in 2004, which had no bearing on the World Cynological Association’s ruling. Although the AHT is well-liked and respected in Europe, America, and Russia, it is not yet recognized globally.

Distinctive features

Getting a nude puppy is still challenging; breeders must cross-pollinate pets with their closest relatives. As a result, there were two sizes of growth: small (20–25 cm) and large (up to 46 cm).

One hairless baby in the litter or all of the dogs will be hairless, depending on the type of baldness gene (recessive or dominant).

ATGs may have a short, soft coat, or they may be entirely hairless (with only a little amount of fluff or feathering). The requirements for the terrier’s color vary based on this.

• Head proportionate to the body, shaped like a blunt wedge. The skull is wide, not flattened, with a prominent occipital bone and a soft stop.
• Muzzle equal in length to the skull, the jaws are well developed, powerful and mobile. A full set of teeth, a scissor bite (straight is also allowed). Cheekbones are clearly defined. Lips are thin.
• Nose small, sensitive. Color depends on the color of the coat or skin pigmentation.
• Eyes medium in size, round, set high, wide (slightly slanted). The iris is predominantly dark (in pubescent). In hairless dogs, the color of the eyes depends on the pigmentation of the skin.
• Ears long, set high, wide, slightly inclined to the forehead. Pointed, standing on hard cartilages. A direct position, half -imperious or raised is permissible.
• Body rectangular format, strong, muscular. Back short, loin slightly convex, croup sloping. Top line in motion is almost straight. Chest voluminous, lowered to the middle of the elbow, ribs rounded. Neck short, wide, straight with a slight bend.
• Tail medium length, saber-shaped (carried with the end upward, above the line of the loin). Dropped in a calm state. Can be docked.
• Hair short or absent altogether. All puppies are born with hair, but the hair falls out completely by 6-8 weeks. In an adult, feathering on the eyebrows and sideburns is allowed. If the coat is present, the hair is short, soft.
• Colors. Skin can be of any color (wide spots are allowed). Hair: white, two-color or three-color, sable, apricot, black, brown, chocolate, blue, lemon, variegated.

Photo of an adult dog

Photo of puppies

Characteristics and behavior

The AGTs are now only used as companions, even though they were bred to be working dogs.

• Firstly, because this role is good for them;
• Secondly, because due to the lack of fur, the skin of animals is sensitive, this does not allow them to be hunters. Although the instincts of terriers are developed no worse than those of their Rat counterparts.

Dogs are easygoing creatures. Instead of being hostile, they are loving and playful. This practically makes them perfect pets.

Advantages

All breeders adore the AGTs because of the breed’s numerous benefits:

1. Activity, energy, mobility, playfulness;
2. Loyalty to the owner and the whole family;
3. Fearlessness, developed guard instinct (spontaneous aggression is absent, the terrier will notify the owners about guests with a loud bark);
4. Good physical shape, developed sense of smell, vision, hearing;
5. Love for others (AGT adore children, treat cats well, quickly get acquainted and get used to strangers and dogs);
6. Openness, sociability.

Disadvantages

Drawbacks are unique to each person because personality is influenced by a breed’s traits as well as living circumstances and educational attainment. Although American Hairless Terriers have certain drawbacks, they are not as great as their benefits.

1. Dogs do not like loneliness, do not survive long separations from the owner;
2. Terriers single out one leader in the family (despite this, animals love all household members);
3. AGTs are vulnerable to cold and heat;
4. Sometimes they are annoying, do not feel the mood of the owner;
5. Need long walks and training.

Care and maintenance

The mismatch between two AGT traits—excessive activity and intolerance for both frost and direct sunlight—makes this breed difficult to maintain. The pet cannot live in the yard; it requires a large amount of space and the ability to go outside whenever it pleases. As a result, the terrier will thrive in a country home. The dog will be happy living in an apartment as long as it gets regular walks.

It’s crucial to organize the house before purchasing a puppy. A house or a soft bed is placed in a draft-free corner away from the sun. Adult pets’ heights are taken into consideration when choosing a bowl, or else a special stand is bought. For the dog, toys, combs, a leash, and a harness are all required.

Nutrition

Owners of AHT pets are aware that allergies and skin irritations can occur in them. As a result, they choose food that is free of allergenic microelements. You can follow the breeder’s recommendation and keep feeding the puppy the food that was provided for him in the kennel. You must smoothly transition to a new diet by introducing new items little by little.

The simplest method for introducing dry food to a dog. Such food does not need to be cooked or heated, making it convenient to use, store, and transport. Furthermore, high-quality products include all the vitamins and minerals that your pet needs.

Age, size, activity level, and common diseases can all be taken into consideration when choosing food, but you should only focus on pricey items. AGT is appropriate for super-premium food for tiny animals with high levels of activity and skin issues.

Natural food is still preferred by some dog breeders. Although it is healthier, it does not include all the microelements, so you must develop the menu with greater care and professionalism. Vitamin supplements are also introduced.

The following items must be included in the diet:

• Processed and raw meat (lamb, turkey, rabbit) 30-40% of the menu;
• Other proteins: eggs (no more than 2 times a week), dairy products, fish (boneless sea fish).
• Carbohydrate part – buckwheat, rice, oatmeal and vegetables.

Feeding spicy and fatty foods, sausages, smoked meat, pig, lamb, or chicken to your pet is prohibited (causes allergies). Dogs are intolerant of bones, butter, sugar, flour, exotic fruits, potatoes, and legumes.

Puppies fed four to six times a day, three to four months of age, are fed five times a day. Dogs are switched to two meals a day at six months of age. An adult terrier typically consumes 500–800 grams of food a day. The weight and level of activity of the pet determine the portion size. Reduce the portion if there is still food in the bowl.

Health

Because too little time has passed since the breed’s appearance, it is still difficult to assess its health. Breeders are certain that AGTs do not have any predispositions, even though the genotype has not been thoroughly investigated. Dogs can live 12–16 years.

Dogs’ skin is their weak point. It is also advised to keep a close eye on the condition of the teeth and oral cavity. Naturally, the animal should receive vaccinations based on age and be regularly examined by the veterinarian.

Vaccinations

Vaccination is a must for all animals in order to prevent infectious diseases. Without vaccination, treating the pet will be extremely difficult because dog immunity is unable to defeat certain viruses. There is a misconception that says pets who stay indoors are exempt from vaccinations. However, the animal can still contract the illness at home if it licks human shoes or clothing.

In most cases, the first vaccination takes place in the nursery. Allocate two to three months utilizing strains:

• plague;
• parvovirus enteritis;
• leptospirosis;
• hepatitis;
• flu.

All of the puppy’s injections are recorded in its passport. After two weeks, the same strains are used for the subsequent vaccination. After that, the shot is given again after six and twelve months, along with an annual revaccination.

The second injection that is required is a rabies shot. It is performed every seven months and then once every two years, depending on how the medication acts.

The dog cannot be transported across the border without these required vaccinations (per Russian Federation legislation).

The pet is dewormed two weeks prior to adoption using ectoparasites (internal or external medications) and pills. Typically, vaccinations are administered in a vet clinic where the animal can receive assistance in the event of an unanticipated allergic reaction.

The puppy cannot go for walks until after its second vaccination. It’s crucial to endure a 14-day quarantine following any procedure. During this time, you shouldn’t interact with new dogs, go on lengthy walks in unfamiliar areas, or use antibiotics as they will negate the benefits of the vaccination.

Diseases

Currently, Hairless Terriers are registered for a number of diseases, which are noted in breed books:

1. Problems with the cardiovascular system;
2. Skin diseases (predisposition to demodicosis);
3. Diabetes mellitus, thyroid insufficiency;
4. Deafness;
5. Hip dysplasia, congenital clubfoot;
6. Epilepsy;
7. Poor blood clotting;
8. Weak bones and joints.

To get a broad idea of the prevalence of AGT, defects are documented. This does not imply that every person will have a specific abnormality from birth.

Walking

Following the second vaccination, they begin walking dogs. Puppies are first carried out in their arms and given a brief introduction to the environment. You can walk your pet in peaceful parks and acclimate them to a leash and harness (or collar) after three to five days. In order to prevent limb strain, you should walk your three to four-month-old baby three times a day for twenty minutes. The pet is not permitted to go up and down stairs in order to prevent dysplasia.

Adult AGTs are removed for one to one and a half hours twice a day. You must play and run with your terrier in order for it to let off steam. Dogs are welcome to go jogging. This breed does well in dog sports and agility courses.

Establishing regular communication with other pets is equally important. The socialization process starts early, acclimating the puppy to public transportation, noisy environments (streets, train stations), and new people.

Walking and group exercise are beneficial for socialization. If the dog is not socialized, it may eventually exhibit cowardice and anger as negative traits.

Grooming

Dogs don’t have fur, but their coat still requires maintenance. Animals often perspire excessively. As a result, bathe pets once a week using natural dog shampoos and use baby wipes as needed to clean their skin. A glove brush is used to brush short-haired AGTs a few times per week. You’ll need sunscreen in the summer and warm clothing in the winter.

Although terriers have powerful jaws, they frequently develop inflamed gums. As a result, at least once a week routine oral examinations should be performed. Due to increased lacrimation, the eyes should be cleaned with a damp cotton swab once every three to four days. The ears should also be checked and cleaned of sulfur deposits on a regular basis. As they get bigger, claws are clipped.

Smooth-haired terriers are vulnerable to ectomyparasites; therefore, you should treat your pet’s fur during the warm season to avoid their appearance. Animals are treated with tablets or suspensions to rid them of helminths every three months.

Mating

It is only possible to mate with sexually mature individuals who are at least 2-2.5 years old. Until this age, boys are incapable of becoming pregnant and girls are physically incapable of giving birth to healthy puppies. The first heat in females starts at about eight months.

To find a suitable partner who will compensate for the girl’s shortcomings, the owner of the female must register with the club at the start of the heat. The owners agree on the precise date of mating and sign certificates. It is thought that the 13th and 15th day of the cycle is ideal. The signs of a soft, loose loop, light discharge, and playful, unstable behavior manifest at this time.

The dogs are taken to a neutral area (or to the male) on the scheduled day, and they are either walked together or given ten to twenty minutes to acquaint themselves. The animals need assistance when the male mounts; hold the boy by the waist and the girl under the belly. This is your first opportunity to invite a specialist.

Ideally, a lock would be used to end a sexual encounter. However, there is still a chance of becoming pregnant without it. Mating again in 48 hours. A girl’s pregnancy status can be ascertained in as little as two to three weeks. Puppy ultrasounds are only available between 20 and 25 days; tests do not yield reliable data.

Key points in training

These dogs are easy to train and possess remarkable mental abilities. They genuinely trust and obey their owner, as if they were made for competitions. However, the animal needs to be raised and trained from birth in order to get such a result.

From the puppy’s early days in the home, it is raised. Owners need to be tough and uncompromising, but not mean. Using force is not permitted. The dog is able to comprehend tone. The animal needs to know who is in charge, who to obey, and who to pay attention to. It is not permitted for the pet to beg, sleep on furniture, or play with human objects.

A professional training program starts after roughly three months. It is preferable to get in touch with dog handlers and select a program that will facilitate mutual understanding between the owner and the dog.

"Dog in the City" training is appropriate for pets living in apartments. Along with the general socialization, it also covers the activities of the four main teams: "Sit," "next," "voice," "place," and "impossible."

By four to five months, the animal should be familiar with your nickname and some basic cues. Unaccounted for during its early years, the puppy receives a worse education as an adult.

The American Hairless Terrier is a unique and vibrant breed that stands out for its lack of fur and energetic personality. This playful dog is not just about looks; they are also known for their intelligence and adaptability. They thrive in active households and love to be involved in family activities. If you’re looking for a companion who will keep you on your toes, this breed could be the perfect match.

While taking care of an American Hairless Terrier is not too difficult, there are some particular things to keep in mind. They require protection from severe weather and sunlight since they lack fur. To maintain healthy, moisturized skin, regular skin care is essential. These dogs have the potential to live happy, healthy lives with a little more care.

In addition, the American Hairless Terrier fills the house with love and happiness. Their amiable disposition makes them excellent with children and other animals. They also have a talent for developing close relationships with humans, which makes them devoted friends. This breed is definitely something to think about if you’re ready for a playful and loving companion.

Among the many dog breeds in the world, the American Hairless Terrier is unique. They have an irresistible charm, exuberance, and distinct look. Regardless of your level of experience with dogs, this breed has the potential to enrich your life with endless joy. You’ll make lifelong friends if you embrace their eccentricities.

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