The American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) originated in 1972 from a litter of mid-sized Rat Terriers. The hairlessness gene in the AHT is an autosomal recessive and is not the semi-lethal dominant as in other hairless dog breeds.

Height: Toy: 7.5 - 10" (19 - 25.5 cm) Miniature: 10 - 15" (25.5 - 38 cm)

Weight: Toy: 3.5 - 7 lbs (1.5 - 3 kg) Miniature: 7 - 14 lbs (3 - 6.5 kg)

Coat Type: There is no coat! The skin is soft, smooth, and with no hair except for the whiskers and eyebrows. Although the AHT is born with hair, it begins losing it in about a week, and complete hairlessness is reached between 6 and 8 weeks.

Temperament: The American Hairless Terrier is loving, playful, lively, alert, and an intelligent dog. It makes a very loving and delightful companion.

Health Problems: The AHT does not have the skin problems commonly seen in hairless dogs. However, because of their lack of hair, they do need protection from the sun (sunscreen, shirt), and the cold (sweater required).

Special Interest: The American Hairless Terrier, unlike other dog breeds, will break out in a sweat when hot or scared.

Classifications:
AKC: Not recognized
CKC: Not recognized
KC: Not recognized
FCI: Not recognized
ANKC: Not recognized