Description

The American Hairless Terrier is a rare breed of dog that was derived as a variant of Rat Terrier. As of January 1, 2004, the United Kennel Club deemed the AHT a separate terrier breed, granting it full UKC recognition. An intelligent, social and energetic working breed, the American Hairless Terrier is often listed as a potential good breed choice for allergy sufferers.

The American Hairless Terrier is a smoothly muscled, active, small-to-medium terrier.

• Height: 7-18 inches (18–45.7 cm.)
• Life Span: 14–16 years.
• Weight: 7-25 pounds (2.5–12 kg.)
• Skin Color: White (to varying degrees) with a variety of colors including black, blue, pink, brown, tan, and sable. Skin color darkens with sun
• Eye Color: Brown, blue, grey, amber and turquoise
• Pattern: near-solid (with some white), brindled, spotted (piebald) and saddled
• Tail/Ears: Tails must be left long on the hairless variety, coateds may be docked or left undocked
• Type: Working Breed

The American Hairless Terrier's origins are unique in that the entire breed originated from a single hairless Rat Terrier female born in 1972. The AHT is therefore very similar to the Rat Terrier and the coated AHT is almost indistinguishable from its Rat Terrier cousin.

However, since the first litter born in 1982 from the originating hairless female, the AHT has continued to be developed as a distinct breed (see "Breed Recognition") with several characteristics that distinguish the AHT from its Rat Terrier origins. These differences include smaller sizes, more refined features, new eye colors, new patterns, new (skin) colors and, of course, a complete lack of fur on the hairless variety.

Other breeder choices have further differentiated the AHT. AHT breeders and clubs promote the undocked tail appearance on hairless, unlike the more traditionally docked appearance of the Rat Terrier. To date, the hairless trait has not been bred over to the other types of Rat Terrier such as the Decker Giant Terrier or the Type B Rat Terrier (also known as the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier).

Group

Rare

Country Of Origin

USA

Size

 

Color

White (to varying degrees) with a variety of colors including black, blue, pink, brown, tan, and sable. Skin color darkens with sun

Coat

 

Life Expectancy

14–16 years.

AKC Group

Rare

UKC Group

Terrier

Height

7-18 inches (18–45.7 cm.)

Weight

7-25 pounds (2.5–12 kg.)