American Hairless Terrier

Breed Description

The American Hairless Terrier, also known as the American Naked Terrier, is the only hairless dog breed originating from the United States, with a fascinating history. These dogs, notable for their bare skin and lively personality, attract the attention of dog lovers around the world. The origins of the American Hairless Terrier are closely linked to Mexico, where this breed is believed to have emerged. AHTs are derived from local Mexican hairless dogs that were cultivated and refined to create a more robust and adaptable breed. As a result of crossing with various other breeds, including Chinese Crested dogs and Chihuahuas, American Hairless Terriers acquired their distinctive traits. This breed is known for being a very energetic and active companion dog. The AHT breed was developed for hunting small rodents and other pests. The lack of fur in the hairless variety makes them less suited for other types of hunting. However, they possess the instinct of a hunter and excel in various active pursuits and sports. Representatives of this breed are quite vigilant, energetic, curious, playful, and intelligent. The appearance of the American Hair

Appearance

The American Hairless Terrier is a dog breed that grabs attention with its unique and distinctive appearance. They stand out due to their hairless skin and elegant shapes, giving them a refined and appealing look.

One of the most notable features of the American Hairless Terrier is, of course, its bare skin. They have smooth, elastic skin that covers most of their body, with the exception of small areas on their head, tail, and limbs. This distinctive trait makes them one of a kind among dog breeds.

The American Hairless Terrier is an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. Despite its name, this American hairless dog breed can be either hairless or have a slight covering of fur. The hairless variety may have whiskers and eyebrows, while individuals with fur have a thin, short, and shiny coat, which may not cover the entire body but only certain areas. The skin of hairless terriers is smooth, and its warmth is pleasant to the touch.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the American Hairless Terrier is usually elongated and refined, with distinctive features and proportions. The head is proportional to the overall structure of the body.

Морда

The American Hairless Terrier has a long and narrow muzzle with a straight profile. The jaws are well-developed, ensuring a strong bite. The lips fit tightly against the jaws, preventing tooth loss. This shape of the muzzle is essential for active play and hunting small game.

Уши

The ears of the American Hairless Terrier can be either upright or semi-erect, with rounded tips. They are positioned high on the head and are of medium size. The ears should be mobile, helping the dog to better capture sounds, which is important for hunting activity.

Глаза

The eyes are usually bright and lively, reflecting the dog's intelligence and kindness. The beautiful, intelligent eyes of a terrier are typically brown in hue but can come in a wide range of colors, from dark brown to blue.

Зубы

The teeth and jaws of the American Hairless Terrier are typically strong, sturdy, and healthy, corresponding to their size and build. They have a proper bite, which provides them with comfort and efficient digestion.

Корпус

American Hairless Terriers are athletic in appearance with well-developed musculature. They have a beautiful, graceful body that is usually slim and compact, featuring a straight, slightly curved back and strong limbs. Their chest is broad and slightly protrudes forward. These dogs possess an elegant and flexible posture, which gives them grace and ease in movement.

Конечности

The front and hind limbs are well-muscled and powerful. The paws of this breed are strong and straight, with well-structured bones.

Хвост

The tail of the American Hairless Terrier is of medium length, with a slender base that tapers to a point. The tail is typically held at the level of the back or just below it and may rise when the dog is excited. It serves as an important means of communication and helps maintain balance during active movements.

Шерсть

American Hairless Terriers lack fur, except for certain areas. The breed is characterized by its hair coat, which does not exceed one millimeter, and soft, pleasant-to-the-touch skin. However, the standard allows for a dog to have denser fur.

Окрас

The American Hairless Terrier comes in different colors, including white, apricot, blue fawn, dark liver, pink and blue sable, pink and brown with freckles, pink and dark liver, pink and light blue fawn, liver sable, and pink and tan with freckles.

Character

The character of the American Hairless Terrier is a true cocktail of intelligence, energy, and loyalty, making these dogs unique and irreplaceable companions. American Hairless Terriers have a high energy level and love to be on the move. They enjoy active play, walks, and physical exercises, making them perfect for active families or individuals who prefer a lively lifestyle.

These dogs are highly intelligent and learn quickly. They easily grasp commands and tricks and adapt rapidly to new situations and environments. Their curiosity and intelligence make them excellent learners and companions.

American Hairless Terriers are very attached to their owners and love to spend time in their company. They are true loyal friends who will always be there during tough and joyful moments. AHTs are very enthusiastic about children, so proper training and socialization are necessary to teach them how to behave well around young children. They are also ideal companions for pet lovers who suffer from allergies.

These dogs often have a good social nature and are friendly towards other people. They can easily interact with new acquaintances and quickly find common ground with other dogs.

American Hairless Terriers have a vibrant sense of humor and love to have fun. They often come up with various amusing antics and bring joy and laughter into their owners’ lives.

At the same time, they can be cautious and alert, especially towards unfamiliar or suspicious situations. With appropriate training and socialization, they can become excellent watchdogs.Overall, the character of American Hairless Terriers is marked by bright individual traits that make them wonderful companions for active and caring owners. These dogs will happily offer their loyalty and affection, inspiring their owners with their intelligence and energy, making their lives more vibrant and fulfilling.

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of the American Hairless Terrier requires attention to their specific needs, including skin care, stimulation, and socialization. The main aspect of caring for an American Hairless Terrier is looking after their bare skin. Due to the lack of fur, the dog’s skin is exposed to sunlight, cold, and other external factors. It is important to regularly apply sunscreen to their skin when going outside on sunny days and to protect the dog from temperature fluctuations. Additionally, it is essential to monitor the cleanliness of the skin and treat especially sensitive areas.

American Hairless Terriers are very active and need a sufficient amount of physical activity. Regular outdoor walks, playtime, and exercises will help keep them healthy and happy. It is also recommended to engage the dog in sports or training activities to meet their physical needs.

These dogs are very intelligent and learn quickly, so it is important to start their training from a young age. Regular training will help them develop good manners and control. Furthermore, socialization with other dogs and people is an important part of their upbringing, allowing them to behave confidently in various situations.

It is crucial to provide the dog with balanced and high-quality nutrition that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Attention should also be paid to dental care, regularly brushing their teeth with dog-specific toothpaste.

Equally important is to schedule regular preventive visits to the veterinarian to check the dog’s health and carry out necessary vaccinations and procedures.

American Hairless Terriers are amazing and wonderful pets, known for their vibrant personalities and unique charm. Proper care and attention will help them remain healthy, happy, and active throughout their lives.

Training and Education

Training an American Hairless Terrier is an exciting and important endeavor that helps develop skills and abilities in the dog, strengthens the bond between owner and pet, and makes dogs more balanced and happy.

It’s important to be consistent and systematic in the training process. Break the desired skills into small steps and gradually work towards your goal. Consistency and patience will help achieve the best results.

American Hairless Terriers are extremely intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement. Use praise, treats, and play as motivation for the dog when executing commands. This will help them better grasp the material and strengthen the bond between you.

Training an American Hairless Terrier also includes socialization with other dogs, people, and various situations. Positive encounters with new individuals and animals will help the dog become confident and calm in different environments.

Create a special training environment free from distractions to focus the dog’s attention on the learning process. This can be a designated training area or simply a quiet spot in your home.

Conduct regular training sessions and review learned commands to reinforce skills and ensure their durability. Gradually increase task difficulty and introduce new commands to stimulate the dog’s mind and activity.It’s important to remember that each dog is unique, and some may learn faster than others. Be patient and understanding, maintain a positive attitude, and believe in your pet’s success.Systematic and positive training of the American Hairless Terrier will lead to a smart, obedient, and balanced pet that delights you with its accomplishments and loyalty. Reliable breeders offer healthy puppies with documentation and pedigree.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a puppy of the American Hairless Terrier breed is an important and responsible step that requires careful consideration and knowledge of the breed’s characteristics. Before you start searching for a puppy, familiarize yourself with the traits of the American Hairless Terrier. Learn about their temperament, needs, care, and housing requirements. This will help you determine if this breed is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

Currently, there are very few breeders of American Hairless Terriers in Russia. As a result, you may encounter unscrupulous sellers who can easily substitute an American Hairless Terrier puppy. The federal portal Zoounika features verified breeders from all over Russia. You can find them on our website.

Look for reputable dog breeders who care about the health and proper mental development of their pets. The breeder should provide you with complete information about the puppies, their pedigree, health, and living conditions.

Visit the dog kennel (prices and other information can be found on the kennel’s website) to see the puppies’ parents and their living conditions. They should appear healthy, active, and friendly. The overall appearance of the puppies should be healthy. Puppies are naturally curious, playful, and energetic. A key health indicator is clean and dry eyes and ears. Pay attention to the behavior and temperament of the parents, as this can give you insight into what your future puppy may be like.

Make sure the puppies look healthy and active. Their skin should be clean and free of irritation, and their eyes and nose should be clear and bright. Ask the breeder about vaccinations, deworming, and any other medical procedures the puppies have undergone.

Observe the personality of each puppy and choose one that matches your lifestyle and preferences. If you are an active person, a livelier and more playful puppy may be suitable for you, whereas if you are looking for a companion for calm strolls and cozy evenings at home, you might prefer a quieter and more thoughtful puppy.Ensure that the breeder (kennel) provides all necessary documents, including veterinary certificates, a sales contract, and the puppy’s pedigree.Choosing a puppy of the American Hairless Terrier breed is a significant decision that will affect your life for many years to come. Approach this process thoughtfully, carefully, and with love, and you will find the perfect pet for yourself and your family.

Health and Diseases

The health of American Hairless Terriers is a key aspect that requires special attention and care from their owners. Although this breed is generally known for its excellent health and endurance, all animals can encounter certain diseases and issues.

The health of American Hairless Terriers has not been fully studied, but breeders assure that genetic diseases are absent. The only weak point may be the pet’s sensitive skin. Terriers can be prone to sunburns, chapping, and skin irritations. Regular use of sunscreen, moist wipes, and specialized skincare products will help maintain its health and shine. Therefore, the dog requires thorough care.

Like other dog breeds, American Hairless Terriers can experience dental and gum problems such as tartar, periodontitis, and gum diseases. Regular oral hygiene and preventive visits to the veterinarian will help prevent these issues.

Some American Hairless Terriers may suffer from allergies to dust, pollen, food ingredients, or chemicals. Allergy symptoms may include itching, skin rashes, redness, and inflammation. It’s important to consult a veterinarian to identify the cause of the allergy and to prescribe appropriate treatment.

Medium and large breeds, such as the American Hairless Terrier, can be prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce the risk of developing these issues.

Due to their lack of fur, American Hairless Terriers may be more susceptible to overheating or hypothermia in extreme temperatures. It’s essential to provide them with access to cool water in hot weather and protection from the cold during winter.Overall, the health of American Hairless Terriers depends on proper care, regular veterinary visits, and attentive treatment from their owners. Timely identification and treatment of diseases, as well as providing the dog with a healthy lifestyle, will help them remain happy and healthy for many years. Want a purebred pet? At Zooinika, you can find them with documentation from trusted breeders.