Facts at a glance:
Country of origin: Southern United States
Breed Group: Terrier
Purpose: Companion
Average Size: 12 to 16 inches, 12 to 18 pounds
Average life span: 12-15 years
Acceptable colors: Any except merle or albino
Brief description: A natural variation of the Rat Terrier, this completely hairless dog (some may have eyebrows and whiskers) is a lively, intelligent and friendly companion that is often the perfect answer for those with allergies.
Brief description: The hairless variety is completely hairless with the exception of possible eyebrows and whiskers. The Coated variety has a short shiny coat. It is a lively, intelligent and friendly companion. The hairless variety is often the perfect answer for those with allergies. Sometimes you will get a hairy hairless that gets some wiry hair with hormones. These usually fall out around 2-3 years of age.
Good with children: The AHT generally gets along very well with children. One caution is with very young children. As a puppy especially, the AHT is small and can be accidentally injured by a well-meaning but overly enthusiastic or careless child. Also any dog can growl or snap if pushed too far by any child. It is important that parents take precautions to prevent accidental injuries to the puppy, teach the children proper handling and interaction with dogs, as well as supervise young children at all times with any dog, regardless of breed. As puppies AHT can be very mouthy and have sharp teeth.
Can live in apartment or city: Yes, does very well in apartments and cities. They are strictly an indoor dog. They do need a place where they can run and blow off steam.
Grooming needs: Relatively minimal. Regular bathing, nail trims and keeping ears clean.
Climate needs: Can live in any, with precautions against extreme conditions.
Outdoors Vs Indoors: MUST live indoors, NOT an outdoor or yard dog. Sunscreen is needed for prolonged skin exposure.
Trainability: Intelligent, trainable and enjoys activity such as obedience & agility
Compatible with other dogs: Yes- when socialized properly
Exercise needs: Minimal. Regular walks, indoor play time. Enjoys activity but content to be a lap dog as well.
Watchdog ability: Many will alert to a stranger by barking, but not generally protection dogs.
Breed Group: Terrier
Purpose: Companion
Average Size: 12 to 16 inches, 12 to 18 pounds
Average life span: 12-15 years
Acceptable colors: Any except merle or albino
Brief description: A natural variation of the Rat Terrier, this completely hairless dog (some may have eyebrows and whiskers) is a lively, intelligent and friendly companion that is often the perfect answer for those with allergies.
Brief description: The hairless variety is completely hairless with the exception of possible eyebrows and whiskers. The Coated variety has a short shiny coat. It is a lively, intelligent and friendly companion. The hairless variety is often the perfect answer for those with allergies. Sometimes you will get a hairy hairless that gets some wiry hair with hormones. These usually fall out around 2-3 years of age.
Good with children: The AHT generally gets along very well with children. One caution is with very young children. As a puppy especially, the AHT is small and can be accidentally injured by a well-meaning but overly enthusiastic or careless child. Also any dog can growl or snap if pushed too far by any child. It is important that parents take precautions to prevent accidental injuries to the puppy, teach the children proper handling and interaction with dogs, as well as supervise young children at all times with any dog, regardless of breed. As puppies AHT can be very mouthy and have sharp teeth.
Can live in apartment or city: Yes, does very well in apartments and cities. They are strictly an indoor dog. They do need a place where they can run and blow off steam.
Grooming needs: Relatively minimal. Regular bathing, nail trims and keeping ears clean.
Climate needs: Can live in any, with precautions against extreme conditions.
Outdoors Vs Indoors: MUST live indoors, NOT an outdoor or yard dog. Sunscreen is needed for prolonged skin exposure.
Trainability: Intelligent, trainable and enjoys activity such as obedience & agility
Compatible with other dogs: Yes- when socialized properly
Exercise needs: Minimal. Regular walks, indoor play time. Enjoys activity but content to be a lap dog as well.
Watchdog ability: Many will alert to a stranger by barking, but not generally protection dogs.
History:
by Teri Murphy and Bonnie Turner
In the autumn of 1972, a small hairless female puppy was born into a litter of midsized Rat Terriers. She had silky, pink skin with large black spots. Not knowing exactly what to do with this different puppy, the owners decided to give her to their friends, Willie and Edwin Scott. Little did they know at the time that this unusual little pup would be the beginning of a new and unique breed.
The Scotts named their new pup Josephine, and she quickly caught the hearts of the entire family. She proved to be the perfect pet with her intelligent, lively and loyal manner. Being hairless also meant there were no fleas and no dog hair to vacuum up or brush off. This was a definite plus for the new family addition. They did find out that Josephine's smooth and silky skin would need protection from the hot Louisiana sun. She turned out to be a very bright little dog that loved to travel and make new friends wherever she went.
The Scotts treasured Josephine and became interested in breeding her and producing more hairless puppies. They had owned dogs in the past, but were not familiar with breeding. That wasn't going to stop them, though. With her clean nature, alert and loving personality, Josephine was the perfect house dog and they couldn't imagine owning any other kind of dog. They began to talk about their plans to anyone who would listen, including university scientists. They received the same answer each and every time: "You'll just be wasting your time, it can't be done..." They were told that Josephine was simply a freak of nature and that there was no way that she would reproduce the hairless trait. But Willie and Edwin couldn't take no for an answer and went ahead with their plans to breed her.
At the age of one year, Josephine was bred to a Rat Terrier (her sire) and she produced a litter of four puppies. Three of the pups were coated, and one was a hairless female named Gypsy. In the years that followed, Josephine had several litters, but none with any hairless puppies. On December 30, 1981, when Josephine was nine years old and still in good health, she had her final litter after being bred to her son. She whelped a hairless male, a hairless female, and two coated female puppies. This successful litter produced Snoopy, Jemima, Petunia, and Queenie.
The Scotts' dreams were becoming a reality, and on that day they witnessed the birth of the American Hairless Terrier breed.The Scotts were now ready to embark on a full scale breeding program with help from veterinarians. Snoopy was bred to all of his littermates once they reached one year of age. Jemima produced a litter of all hairless pups and the Scotts were overjoyed when Petunia's and Queenie's litters produced both hairless and coated. They kept all of the pups and the house was quickly becoming crowded. They had no choice but to build the kennel that adjoins their house. The Scotts were now on their way and named their kennel "Trout Creek Kennel".
Interestingly, the American Hairless Terriers are actually born with hair. The puppies' sparse hair is short, fuzzy, and noticeably different from the hair on a coated Rat Terrier. Shortly after birth they begin to lose this hair, starting at the head and working its way toward the back. By the time the puppies are 6 to 8 weeks old, they are totally hairless with soft, smooth, and silky skin. Their pink skin is warm and usually covered with freckles or small spots. These spots will enlarge with age and darken in the sun. The delicate pink skin does need to be protected from long periods of sun exposure.
The American Hairless Terrier is a small to medium sized, well-balanced, muscular dog with a sleek and elegant look. It comes in two sizes, miniature and standard. The miniature stands under 13inches tall. The miniature is 13inches to 18inches tall. They are alert, intelligent, and loving dogs. Their high energy makes them good playmates for children, and their intelligent and loving nature makes them loyal family members.
The American Hairless Terrier is different from the other hairless dog breeds native to other countries. The breeds most often seen are the Chinese Crested, the Xoloitzcuintli, and the Peruvian Inca Orchid. These breeds all have a few things in common: most evident is the hair on the head, feet, and tail on the hairless variety; missing, poor, or weak teeth; and skin problems. The American Hairless Terrier has a strong , full set of teeth, a totally hairless body (except for whiskers and eyebrows), and does not have the skin problems associated with the other hairless breeds. Another difference found between the breeds is that in the American Hairless Terrier the hairless gene is recessive, while the gene for hairlessness found in the ancient breeds is a lethal dominant.
New American Hairless Terrier bloodlines are created by carefully planned "out-crossings" to the Rat Terrier. The breeding of two American Hairless Terriers will always produce hairless puppies, while the breeding of an American Hairless Terrier to a coated hairless gene carrier will produce a mixture of coated and hairless offspring. Two coated dogs carrying the recessive hairless gene can produce a mixture of hairless and coated, as well.
In the history and "lore" of most breeds were events that became a recognized part of a breeds history. There may also have been some things that happened so rarely they were overlooked and forgotten. In the history of the rat terrier breed, there have been, and continue to be, sporadic reports of hairless puppies born to normal coated rat terrier parents. In more recent history, they might be explained as being related to the very first reported hairless rat terriers, reputed to be the result of a rare spontaneous mutation. Or, they could be a result of hairlessness being a seldom seen, but nonetheless inherent, trait in the rat terrier or one of its parent breeds. However they got here, the history of the American Hairless Terrier as we know it, began in 1972, when Edwin Scotts neighbor gave him a little hairless female. This hairless puppy was born in a litter of normal looking coated puppies, and was produced by coated mid-sized rat terrier parents. In a previous litter, the same two parent dogs had produced a hairless puppy, which was lost, probably from exposure. This second puppy, however, was very vigorous, and grew just as well as her siblings. Mr. Scott named her Josephine.
As he and his family lived with her, and her progeny, they came to realize what a gift this hairlessness would become. Because these hairless dogs are so easy to keep clean and pest free, people who don't want to be bothered with fleas and hair can experience "dog joy" free of those annoyances. But even more important than "convenience" is the true joy experienced by a family that could never before have a dog. Allergies keep millions of people from being able to live with coated dogs. Those of us who have not been denied this pleasure have no idea what a loss that can be. Almost every breeder of these hairless dogs has come to know their true value through an association with the families who need them. It is very difficult for non-allergic family members to be denied a much wanted pet because another family member cannot tolerate living with it. The situation for the allergic individual can be even more painful! Not only are they unable to have the pet they want, but they might also feel responsible for the loss the rest of the family must endure. Happily for them all, it appears that a higher percentage of sensitive persons can tolerate this hairless breed, than any other breed in the world!
These hairless dogs produce a normal amount of lubricating skin oil, the same as do coated dogs. With no coat to disperse onto, the oil serves another purpose, most important to sensitive people. Between baths, the oil stays on the surface of the skin, and traps the normal dander that all skin produces, thus keeping the dander out of the environment, and making it less of a threat to an allergic person. When the dog is bathed, the dander goes down the drain. This breed appears to be well able to tolerate being bathed two or even three times weekly. Their skin is surprisingly durable, even though it lacks the protection of a haircoat. That same lack of a haircoat, however, does make the skin very susceptible to sunburn. They must be protected by clothing or sunblock.
As far as how the weather affects them, these dogs are very similar to their coated counterparts. They are able to tolerate limited exposure to cold better than prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. Overall, they are every bit as tough and active as their coated brethren.
The personality of this hairless terrier is that of any terrier. Given the opportunity to hunt squirrel, dig for moles, catch vermin or chase a ball, these dogs will be right in the middle of the hunt or the chase! They are now also being proven in the agility ring.
There are numerous accounts of our hairless friends working a tree, killing vermin, and digging for underground treasures. For most owners, nothing is more pleasurable than watching them do what comes naturally.
But when it is time to settle in their owners lap or sit by their side, they are right there, ready to enjoy the companionship of their humans. There are numerous accounts of our hairless friends working a tree, killing vermin, and digging for underground treasures. For most owners, nothing is more pleasurable than watching them do what comes naturally. But when it is time to settle in their owners lap or sit by their side, they are right there, ready to enjoy the companionship of their humans.
They do tend to bond closely with their families, so early socialization is important. This hairless terrier is different from all other hairless breeds in several ways. Most evident is the quality of its "hairlessness". The skin is so much softer and smoother than that seen in any other hairless breed. With the exception of some whiskers and eyelashes, it is totally hairless. Some individuals when viewed at an angle, in good light, may exhibit a very fine, downy "peach fuzz".
Another notable difference from all other hairless breeds, is their normal dentition. There are no missing premolars, and the canine teeth are of normal size and set in a correct angle within the jaw. Very important to breeders is the fact that this hairlessness is a recessive trait, with no lethal gene, as is found in the other hairless breeds. Breeders may breed hairless to hairless without danger to the developing puppies. This most useful trait is what most of today's breeders are using to add new genetic material to the breed.
As was reported by Mr. Scott, ( and is presently being confirmed by other breeders), it appears to work this way:
A.) When a hairless is bred to a hairless, all the puppies will always be hairless.
B.) When a hairless is bred to a normal coated (that does not carry the hairless gene), all the puppies will always have normal coats and all will carry the hairless gene. (coated carrier)
C.) When a hairless is bred to a coated carrier, both hairless and coated carriers can be produced.
D.) When a coated carrier is bred to a coated carrier, the resulting puppies could be hairless, or coated carriers, or coated non-carriers.
On average, when a litter is produced that contains hairless and coateds, the numbers range around 50/50. (Half hairless and half coated carriers)
The breed owes Edwin Scott a great deal of gratitude for having the foresight and tenacity to foster this hairless trait for so many years. He was the one who started exploring and learning some of the genetic information we still use today. He named his new breed the American Hairless Terrier, and most of what we know of them came from his observations.
In January 1999 the Rat Terrier was fully recognized by UKC. At the same time, these hairless "cousins" became recognized as the hairless version of the more familiar coated rat terrier. Since the foundation hairless lines had been inbred for so many years, it was very important to introduce new, unrelated rat terrier lines to the foundation hairless dogs.
UKC has implemented extremely useful pedigrees to help all rat terrier breeders keep track of certain traits within a dogs pedigree. For example, by reading a pedigree, a breeder can decide whether or not they wanted to include the trait for a natural bob tail. So too, by reading a pedigree, may a breeder decide whether or not they want to include the trait for hairlessness. Both traits are part of rat terrier heritage, and both traits can be selected for, or against. They are clearly recorded in all the generations listed on a dogs UKC pedigree.
Most breeders of the hairless are keenly aware of the responsibility they have to this variety and are strongly in favor of health testing, DNA profiling and placing all pets on a spay/neuter contract. In their quest for even further improvement of this most delightful member of dogdom, most breeders are working together, sharing knowledge and a firm commitment to future members of this breed, and the families who will love them.
Our most sincere and heartfelt Thank You to UKC for allowing us the opportunity to preserve our pedigrees in a safe environment and within the ranks of this highly respected registry. Without your help and guidance, the progress we have made would not have been possible. Thanks also, to the Rat Terrier community for being instrumental in the preservation of this unique trait. Not many new breeds have been fortunate enough to have so much help during their development. Many future owners will come to know and benefit from this breed because of your help.
In the autumn of 1972, a small hairless female puppy was born into a litter of midsized Rat Terriers. She had silky, pink skin with large black spots. Not knowing exactly what to do with this different puppy, the owners decided to give her to their friends, Willie and Edwin Scott. Little did they know at the time that this unusual little pup would be the beginning of a new and unique breed.
The Scotts named their new pup Josephine, and she quickly caught the hearts of the entire family. She proved to be the perfect pet with her intelligent, lively and loyal manner. Being hairless also meant there were no fleas and no dog hair to vacuum up or brush off. This was a definite plus for the new family addition. They did find out that Josephine's smooth and silky skin would need protection from the hot Louisiana sun. She turned out to be a very bright little dog that loved to travel and make new friends wherever she went.
The Scotts treasured Josephine and became interested in breeding her and producing more hairless puppies. They had owned dogs in the past, but were not familiar with breeding. That wasn't going to stop them, though. With her clean nature, alert and loving personality, Josephine was the perfect house dog and they couldn't imagine owning any other kind of dog. They began to talk about their plans to anyone who would listen, including university scientists. They received the same answer each and every time: "You'll just be wasting your time, it can't be done..." They were told that Josephine was simply a freak of nature and that there was no way that she would reproduce the hairless trait. But Willie and Edwin couldn't take no for an answer and went ahead with their plans to breed her.
At the age of one year, Josephine was bred to a Rat Terrier (her sire) and she produced a litter of four puppies. Three of the pups were coated, and one was a hairless female named Gypsy. In the years that followed, Josephine had several litters, but none with any hairless puppies. On December 30, 1981, when Josephine was nine years old and still in good health, she had her final litter after being bred to her son. She whelped a hairless male, a hairless female, and two coated female puppies. This successful litter produced Snoopy, Jemima, Petunia, and Queenie.
The Scotts' dreams were becoming a reality, and on that day they witnessed the birth of the American Hairless Terrier breed.The Scotts were now ready to embark on a full scale breeding program with help from veterinarians. Snoopy was bred to all of his littermates once they reached one year of age. Jemima produced a litter of all hairless pups and the Scotts were overjoyed when Petunia's and Queenie's litters produced both hairless and coated. They kept all of the pups and the house was quickly becoming crowded. They had no choice but to build the kennel that adjoins their house. The Scotts were now on their way and named their kennel "Trout Creek Kennel".
Interestingly, the American Hairless Terriers are actually born with hair. The puppies' sparse hair is short, fuzzy, and noticeably different from the hair on a coated Rat Terrier. Shortly after birth they begin to lose this hair, starting at the head and working its way toward the back. By the time the puppies are 6 to 8 weeks old, they are totally hairless with soft, smooth, and silky skin. Their pink skin is warm and usually covered with freckles or small spots. These spots will enlarge with age and darken in the sun. The delicate pink skin does need to be protected from long periods of sun exposure.
The American Hairless Terrier is a small to medium sized, well-balanced, muscular dog with a sleek and elegant look. It comes in two sizes, miniature and standard. The miniature stands under 13inches tall. The miniature is 13inches to 18inches tall. They are alert, intelligent, and loving dogs. Their high energy makes them good playmates for children, and their intelligent and loving nature makes them loyal family members.
The American Hairless Terrier is different from the other hairless dog breeds native to other countries. The breeds most often seen are the Chinese Crested, the Xoloitzcuintli, and the Peruvian Inca Orchid. These breeds all have a few things in common: most evident is the hair on the head, feet, and tail on the hairless variety; missing, poor, or weak teeth; and skin problems. The American Hairless Terrier has a strong , full set of teeth, a totally hairless body (except for whiskers and eyebrows), and does not have the skin problems associated with the other hairless breeds. Another difference found between the breeds is that in the American Hairless Terrier the hairless gene is recessive, while the gene for hairlessness found in the ancient breeds is a lethal dominant.
New American Hairless Terrier bloodlines are created by carefully planned "out-crossings" to the Rat Terrier. The breeding of two American Hairless Terriers will always produce hairless puppies, while the breeding of an American Hairless Terrier to a coated hairless gene carrier will produce a mixture of coated and hairless offspring. Two coated dogs carrying the recessive hairless gene can produce a mixture of hairless and coated, as well.
In the history and "lore" of most breeds were events that became a recognized part of a breeds history. There may also have been some things that happened so rarely they were overlooked and forgotten. In the history of the rat terrier breed, there have been, and continue to be, sporadic reports of hairless puppies born to normal coated rat terrier parents. In more recent history, they might be explained as being related to the very first reported hairless rat terriers, reputed to be the result of a rare spontaneous mutation. Or, they could be a result of hairlessness being a seldom seen, but nonetheless inherent, trait in the rat terrier or one of its parent breeds. However they got here, the history of the American Hairless Terrier as we know it, began in 1972, when Edwin Scotts neighbor gave him a little hairless female. This hairless puppy was born in a litter of normal looking coated puppies, and was produced by coated mid-sized rat terrier parents. In a previous litter, the same two parent dogs had produced a hairless puppy, which was lost, probably from exposure. This second puppy, however, was very vigorous, and grew just as well as her siblings. Mr. Scott named her Josephine.
As he and his family lived with her, and her progeny, they came to realize what a gift this hairlessness would become. Because these hairless dogs are so easy to keep clean and pest free, people who don't want to be bothered with fleas and hair can experience "dog joy" free of those annoyances. But even more important than "convenience" is the true joy experienced by a family that could never before have a dog. Allergies keep millions of people from being able to live with coated dogs. Those of us who have not been denied this pleasure have no idea what a loss that can be. Almost every breeder of these hairless dogs has come to know their true value through an association with the families who need them. It is very difficult for non-allergic family members to be denied a much wanted pet because another family member cannot tolerate living with it. The situation for the allergic individual can be even more painful! Not only are they unable to have the pet they want, but they might also feel responsible for the loss the rest of the family must endure. Happily for them all, it appears that a higher percentage of sensitive persons can tolerate this hairless breed, than any other breed in the world!
These hairless dogs produce a normal amount of lubricating skin oil, the same as do coated dogs. With no coat to disperse onto, the oil serves another purpose, most important to sensitive people. Between baths, the oil stays on the surface of the skin, and traps the normal dander that all skin produces, thus keeping the dander out of the environment, and making it less of a threat to an allergic person. When the dog is bathed, the dander goes down the drain. This breed appears to be well able to tolerate being bathed two or even three times weekly. Their skin is surprisingly durable, even though it lacks the protection of a haircoat. That same lack of a haircoat, however, does make the skin very susceptible to sunburn. They must be protected by clothing or sunblock.
As far as how the weather affects them, these dogs are very similar to their coated counterparts. They are able to tolerate limited exposure to cold better than prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. Overall, they are every bit as tough and active as their coated brethren.
The personality of this hairless terrier is that of any terrier. Given the opportunity to hunt squirrel, dig for moles, catch vermin or chase a ball, these dogs will be right in the middle of the hunt or the chase! They are now also being proven in the agility ring.
There are numerous accounts of our hairless friends working a tree, killing vermin, and digging for underground treasures. For most owners, nothing is more pleasurable than watching them do what comes naturally.
But when it is time to settle in their owners lap or sit by their side, they are right there, ready to enjoy the companionship of their humans. There are numerous accounts of our hairless friends working a tree, killing vermin, and digging for underground treasures. For most owners, nothing is more pleasurable than watching them do what comes naturally. But when it is time to settle in their owners lap or sit by their side, they are right there, ready to enjoy the companionship of their humans.
They do tend to bond closely with their families, so early socialization is important. This hairless terrier is different from all other hairless breeds in several ways. Most evident is the quality of its "hairlessness". The skin is so much softer and smoother than that seen in any other hairless breed. With the exception of some whiskers and eyelashes, it is totally hairless. Some individuals when viewed at an angle, in good light, may exhibit a very fine, downy "peach fuzz".
Another notable difference from all other hairless breeds, is their normal dentition. There are no missing premolars, and the canine teeth are of normal size and set in a correct angle within the jaw. Very important to breeders is the fact that this hairlessness is a recessive trait, with no lethal gene, as is found in the other hairless breeds. Breeders may breed hairless to hairless without danger to the developing puppies. This most useful trait is what most of today's breeders are using to add new genetic material to the breed.
As was reported by Mr. Scott, ( and is presently being confirmed by other breeders), it appears to work this way:
A.) When a hairless is bred to a hairless, all the puppies will always be hairless.
B.) When a hairless is bred to a normal coated (that does not carry the hairless gene), all the puppies will always have normal coats and all will carry the hairless gene. (coated carrier)
C.) When a hairless is bred to a coated carrier, both hairless and coated carriers can be produced.
D.) When a coated carrier is bred to a coated carrier, the resulting puppies could be hairless, or coated carriers, or coated non-carriers.
On average, when a litter is produced that contains hairless and coateds, the numbers range around 50/50. (Half hairless and half coated carriers)
The breed owes Edwin Scott a great deal of gratitude for having the foresight and tenacity to foster this hairless trait for so many years. He was the one who started exploring and learning some of the genetic information we still use today. He named his new breed the American Hairless Terrier, and most of what we know of them came from his observations.
In January 1999 the Rat Terrier was fully recognized by UKC. At the same time, these hairless "cousins" became recognized as the hairless version of the more familiar coated rat terrier. Since the foundation hairless lines had been inbred for so many years, it was very important to introduce new, unrelated rat terrier lines to the foundation hairless dogs.
UKC has implemented extremely useful pedigrees to help all rat terrier breeders keep track of certain traits within a dogs pedigree. For example, by reading a pedigree, a breeder can decide whether or not they wanted to include the trait for a natural bob tail. So too, by reading a pedigree, may a breeder decide whether or not they want to include the trait for hairlessness. Both traits are part of rat terrier heritage, and both traits can be selected for, or against. They are clearly recorded in all the generations listed on a dogs UKC pedigree.
Most breeders of the hairless are keenly aware of the responsibility they have to this variety and are strongly in favor of health testing, DNA profiling and placing all pets on a spay/neuter contract. In their quest for even further improvement of this most delightful member of dogdom, most breeders are working together, sharing knowledge and a firm commitment to future members of this breed, and the families who will love them.
Our most sincere and heartfelt Thank You to UKC for allowing us the opportunity to preserve our pedigrees in a safe environment and within the ranks of this highly respected registry. Without your help and guidance, the progress we have made would not have been possible. Thanks also, to the Rat Terrier community for being instrumental in the preservation of this unique trait. Not many new breeds have been fortunate enough to have so much help during their development. Many future owners will come to know and benefit from this breed because of your help.
Registries:
UNITED KENNEL CLUB:
The American Hairless Terrier Association, AHTA, was formed by a group of dedicated owners and enthusiasts of the American Hairless Terrier (AHT). Prior to January 1, 2004, the breed was recognized as the Rat Terrier - Hairless Variety. In 1999, when the Rat Terrier was seeking breed recognition with the United Kennel Club (UKC), the AHTA members felt they could best accomplish their goals by aligning themselves with their parent breed, the Rat Terrier, the UKC Parent Club (ARTA), and the UKC. In so doing, they had agreed to present the Hairless Variety of the Rat Terrier according to the guidelines of UKC. Effective January 1, 2004, the American Hairless Terrier became its own BREED and no longer competes directly against the Rat Terrier in the breed ring in UKC.
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB:
The American Hairless Terrier was recognized as distinct breed by the kennel association American Kennel Club in 2016. They are in the Terrier group.
FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE:
Under the patronage of FCI this breed is still classified as a non-recognized breed.
The American Hairless Terrier Association, AHTA, was formed by a group of dedicated owners and enthusiasts of the American Hairless Terrier (AHT). Prior to January 1, 2004, the breed was recognized as the Rat Terrier - Hairless Variety. In 1999, when the Rat Terrier was seeking breed recognition with the United Kennel Club (UKC), the AHTA members felt they could best accomplish their goals by aligning themselves with their parent breed, the Rat Terrier, the UKC Parent Club (ARTA), and the UKC. In so doing, they had agreed to present the Hairless Variety of the Rat Terrier according to the guidelines of UKC. Effective January 1, 2004, the American Hairless Terrier became its own BREED and no longer competes directly against the Rat Terrier in the breed ring in UKC.
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB:
The American Hairless Terrier was recognized as distinct breed by the kennel association American Kennel Club in 2016. They are in the Terrier group.
FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE:
Under the patronage of FCI this breed is still classified as a non-recognized breed.
The Genetics behind the AHT:
Puppies with birth coat
The American Terrier is the only breed in which the hairlessness trait is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. It is expressed only if a dog inherits this particular gene from both parents. Homozygosity in American Hairless Terriers is not lethal as is the case in other hairless breeds. The gene for hairlessness is not associated with any health issues that affect the teeth quality or dog´s fertility. The dogs of hairless variant are born healthy with a sparse coat that is lost completely within the first month after birth (so-called hypotrichosis).
In 2017, a specific gene responsible for the hairlessness of the American Hairless Terriers was identified. It is a gene coding for protein kinase 3 controlled by serum and glucocorticoids (SGK3), where four bases were deleted and the reading frame shifted (c.283_286delttag).
It has been developed a genetic test that distinguishes dogs by the number of mutation copies – the coated dogs either do not carry any copy of the mutation or can be carriers of this trait. If two carriers are mated, theoretically 75% of the puppies will be born coated (without mutation or with one mutation copy) and 25% of puppies will be born hairless having both two copies of the mutation.
.Reference:
Parker, H.G., Harris, A., Dreger, D.L., Davis, B.W., Ostrander, E.A. :The bald and the beautiful: hairlessness in domestic dog breeds. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 372:, 2017. Pubmed reference: 27994129. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0488.
In 2017, a specific gene responsible for the hairlessness of the American Hairless Terriers was identified. It is a gene coding for protein kinase 3 controlled by serum and glucocorticoids (SGK3), where four bases were deleted and the reading frame shifted (c.283_286delttag).
It has been developed a genetic test that distinguishes dogs by the number of mutation copies – the coated dogs either do not carry any copy of the mutation or can be carriers of this trait. If two carriers are mated, theoretically 75% of the puppies will be born coated (without mutation or with one mutation copy) and 25% of puppies will be born hairless having both two copies of the mutation.
.Reference:
Parker, H.G., Harris, A., Dreger, D.L., Davis, B.W., Ostrander, E.A. :The bald and the beautiful: hairlessness in domestic dog breeds. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 372:, 2017. Pubmed reference: 27994129. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0488.
UC Davis Statement:
Hairlessness in the dog has evolved independently at least twice. One form of hairlessness present in several breeds (Peruvian Inca Orchid, Chinese Crested, Mexican Xoloitzcuintle) is inherited as a dominant trait and is lethal in the homozygous state (two copies of the mutation). A second, recessive form defines the American Hairless Terrier, a breed thought to be derived through selective breeding from the Rat Terrier. Contrary to the dominant form, there are no adverse effects on dentition or fecundity associated with the recessive Terrier hairlessness.
Although the trait breeds true in the American Hairless Terrier, outcrosses are performed to systematically introduce variation and create a healthier, more diverse gene pool. These crosses benefit from DNA test results, which will assist breeders in identifying the coated dogs that carry the hairless mutation.
A DNA test for the recessive Terrier hairless trait is now available through the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. This test distinguishes dogs with respect to the mutation: coated and clear (no mutant copy), coated and carrier (one mutant copy), or hairless (two mutant copies). Order Test here.
Here is a link to a portion of Dr. Neff Seminar explaining the hairless mutation in AHT’s.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jlH1szFZo0c&feature=youtu.be
Articles:
The bald and the beautiful: hairlessness in domestic dog breeds (pdf)
Investigating Coat Color Inheritance and Hairless Breeds (pdf)
Investigating Coat Color Inheritance and Hairless Breeds (pdf)
Here is the Illustrated Breed Standard (pdf)
AKC is allowing UKC AHT’s to be registered via Open Registration (3 generations of AHT) or FSS Registration (Rat Terrier out cross).
If the UKC pedigree does not have Registration numbers for all the ancestors, submit via FSS. The registered dog cannot be shown in Conformation but can compete in sports. The grand children of the registered dog will be able to complete in AKC Conformation.
American Hairless Terrier AKC Process
They are eligible through Open until Jan 1, 2026.
AKC will accept dogs registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC)
Foreign born American Hairless Terriers will be registered through the Foreign Registration Process
Foreign born American Hairless NOT recognized in other countries will be eligible to be registered through Foreign using the UKC pedigree.
The customer must contact the UKC directly and follow their process regarding registering their dog.
Once the customer receives the UKC pedigree, they can apply for AKC registration through foreign.
The pedigree should list the dog’s information, Breeder’s name and foreign address, owners name and address
2 pictures are required on the dog.
If the dog lives in another country (not from birth country) the certificate/pedigree of ownership from that country is not required. This is because since the country of birth does not recognize the breed the interim country will not accept the pedigree. However, by going through the parent club, they are the ones who verify all information up front and will provide the pedigree so they can be AKC registered and once registered they can be register in the country where the dog now resides.
The fee will be at the reduced price of $125.00
DNA for future litters will be reviewed and will be handle individually. For the most part customers will require to DNA their foreign registered dog but because these dogs are not imported into the USA, the DNA requirement can be overridden.
If the Dog has less than 3 generation then they will be eligible to record their dog through FSS instead. The customer should be made aware of this.
Impact of having less than 3 generations
Dogs with information missing from their three generation pedigree will be enrolled in AKC/FSS with fewer than 3 generations verified. Dogs enrolling in AKC/FSS may have 1, 2 or 3 generations verified in their pedigree. Dogs that have fewer than three generations verified will remain in FSS. These dogs are eligible to participate in all companion and performance events and may be used in a breeding program if breeding rights have been given. However, these dogs cannot participate in the conformation show ring and therefore cannot earn conformation titles. Their offspring can move to full recognition once three generations of pedigree have been established.
Christine Weisse
Senior Subject Matter Expert – Sport Services
Foundation Stock Service Program
Juniors Program
PAL Program
Colors Program
Impure Breeding Program
Canine Officer Program
AKC will accept dogs registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC)
Foreign born American Hairless Terriers will be registered through the Foreign Registration Process
Foreign born American Hairless NOT recognized in other countries will be eligible to be registered through Foreign using the UKC pedigree.
The customer must contact the UKC directly and follow their process regarding registering their dog.
Once the customer receives the UKC pedigree, they can apply for AKC registration through foreign.
The pedigree should list the dog’s information, Breeder’s name and foreign address, owners name and address
2 pictures are required on the dog.
If the dog lives in another country (not from birth country) the certificate/pedigree of ownership from that country is not required. This is because since the country of birth does not recognize the breed the interim country will not accept the pedigree. However, by going through the parent club, they are the ones who verify all information up front and will provide the pedigree so they can be AKC registered and once registered they can be register in the country where the dog now resides.
The fee will be at the reduced price of $125.00
DNA for future litters will be reviewed and will be handle individually. For the most part customers will require to DNA their foreign registered dog but because these dogs are not imported into the USA, the DNA requirement can be overridden.
If the Dog has less than 3 generation then they will be eligible to record their dog through FSS instead. The customer should be made aware of this.
Impact of having less than 3 generations
Dogs with information missing from their three generation pedigree will be enrolled in AKC/FSS with fewer than 3 generations verified. Dogs enrolling in AKC/FSS may have 1, 2 or 3 generations verified in their pedigree. Dogs that have fewer than three generations verified will remain in FSS. These dogs are eligible to participate in all companion and performance events and may be used in a breeding program if breeding rights have been given. However, these dogs cannot participate in the conformation show ring and therefore cannot earn conformation titles. Their offspring can move to full recognition once three generations of pedigree have been established.
Christine Weisse
Senior Subject Matter Expert – Sport Services
Foundation Stock Service Program
Juniors Program
PAL Program
Colors Program
Impure Breeding Program
Canine Officer Program
From: Registration <[email protected]>
Date: August 8, 2019 at 12:56:32 PM CDT
Subject: RE: outcross program for American Hairless Terriers
Thank you for contacting United Kennel Club.
It sounds like you already know the correct process. If you have a litter out of an American Hairless Terrier and a Rat Terrier, you can Single Register the pups as American Hairless Terriers. We still require pictures of the pups with the Single Registration and you will want to include the Sire and Dam’s UKC numbers. The only change is that pedigree information is now optional. We still strongly recommend a dog be registered with pedigree information, if available, but we do not require it anymore.
We do not have a date or time for if/when we ever were to close this registration option.
Thank you again for contacting UKC.
Registration Department
United Kennel Club
Phone: 269.343.9020
Fax: 269.343.7037
LMD
Date: August 8, 2019 at 12:56:32 PM CDT
Subject: RE: outcross program for American Hairless Terriers
Thank you for contacting United Kennel Club.
It sounds like you already know the correct process. If you have a litter out of an American Hairless Terrier and a Rat Terrier, you can Single Register the pups as American Hairless Terriers. We still require pictures of the pups with the Single Registration and you will want to include the Sire and Dam’s UKC numbers. The only change is that pedigree information is now optional. We still strongly recommend a dog be registered with pedigree information, if available, but we do not require it anymore.
We do not have a date or time for if/when we ever were to close this registration option.
Thank you again for contacting UKC.
Registration Department
United Kennel Club
Phone: 269.343.9020
Fax: 269.343.7037
LMD
Mrs. Bonita Jean (Bonnie) Turner
Foundation Kennel and Mother of the American Hairless Terrier
by Teri Murphy
Mike and Bonnie Turner
If there ever was a Mother of a Breed it has to be Mrs. Bonita Jean (Bonnie) Turner of Flinthill Kennel. Through her insight and vast knowledge base Mrs. Bonita Jean Turner did more to influence and shape the American Hairless Terrier than most have had the opportunity to participate in during their lifetimes.
Bonnie and I met some 14 years ago and quickly formed an alliance. We shared the same goals and dreams for the AHT breed for we knew would impact many lives that otherwise would not have been able to own a dog in their lives, either because of their own allergies or those of their family members.
We knew we were beginning with a breed whose Founder's main goal was that of keeping its hairless qualities alive. This alone was a tremendous gift to us. However, it was in need of some serious structural improvements, as we saw it.
Mrs. Turner's years in raising livestock, competing herself, followed by her daughters in 4H, and her 30+ years as a Veterinary technician gave her a keen insight into what those structural faults were along with my many years in the AKC conformatin ring with Keeshonden and Chinese Cresteds.
Now the work began!
It was also about the same time United Kennel Club (UKC) was to include the Rat Terrier into their registry. Genetically, the only difference between the American Hairless Terrier and the Rat Terrier at the time was the hair coat or lack of it. Due to this commonality, UKC decided to admit the American Hairless Terrier into the fold as the hairless variety of the Rat Terrier. Knowing fully that one day the AHT would petition to separate from the Rat Terrier and once again be known as our original namesake, the American Hairless Terrier. This breed is one of a few breeds whose origin can truly be called "American Made".
Mrs. Turner's home and kennel were quite lovely and spacious, giving the AHT a Home-place that could accommodate what she had in mind to do. Mrs. Turner was able to keep siblings long enough to decide which dogs were worthy of moving forward in the American Hairless Terrier breeding program. Those who were not worthy were altered and placed. Because of this, Flinthill AHT quickly began to change the outline of the breed to one of sturdy elegance.
My role was initially to add to the gene pool on a more limited basis and to take the Flinthill dogs into the show ring for Mrs. Turner. Due to some changes that life can toss at you, my exhibiting days were drastically reduced. However, my role was instrumental in moving the American Hairless Terrier Club (Rare Breed) to UKC as the first Rat Terrier licensed club known as the American Hairless Rat Terrier Association. Then onto breed separation from the Rat terrier within UKC as originally planned. The UKC club is known as the American Hairless Terrier Association (AHTA). Presently the breed has moved into AKC/FSS - American Hairless Terrier Club of America (AHTCA). The final goal is full AKC recognition.
The years passed bringing about a close working relationship and an even closer friendship. Mrs. Turner often stated she wanted to be known for the "Outcross Program" she formulated and implemented based on her years of experience in livestock. She would bring in new Rat Terrier lines to the American Hairless Terrier lines, offering with it a more genetic diversity and to improve the AHT conformation more quickly. Today, this has proven to be a very successful process due largely to Mrs. Turner’s diligence in doing so.
She also was a strong proponent of DNA profiling in order for the breed to maintain its parental integrity and for health testing breeding stock.
The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) as we know it today would not be where it is without Mrs. Bonita Jean (Bonnie) Turner and her vast contribution ensuring its future for generations to come.
This is a breed growing rapidly in popularity throughout the World. AHT's have been recognized by Countries who have since recognized them in FCI Group 7 and are earning FCI Champion titles and whose puppies are being FCI litter registered as well as maintaining their United Kennel Club registration status. A Flinthill AHT earned a European Reserve Best in Show title over an entry of 2,500 dogs in the Czech Republic. Followed by an AHT from the Flinthill line, bred by Kidd Kennel earned a FCI Group 5 with a 4,000 dog entry. More recntly, FCI Jr CH 'PR'Kalon's Blue Christmas, won BIS with an entry of over 4,500 dogs in the Czech Republic, owned by Romana Dyntrova and bred by Lynn K Poston. Adam's sire and dam are WudNshu and Flinthill breeding. Wins such as this are a direct result of planned breeding with a keen attention to conformation and health.
Bonnie and Mike Turner are founding members of the American Hairless Terrier Association (AHTA) and are loved by all within the breed.
Sadly, on Saturday, March 15, 2008, tragedy struck Michael and Bonnie when a tornado struck their home. Bonnie was killed in this tragedy and Michael was critically injured. Their entire house and their kennels were destroyed along with everything they owned. Most of their dogs were also killed, however some survived with varying injuries. Mike underwent major surgery and faced a long and difficult recovery.
We are happy to say Mike Turner recovered and went on to promote and Judge a UKC performance Event called Terrier racing.
The AHT world is where it is today because of the strong foundation laid by Bonnie Turner. We can truely call her "The Mother of the Breed".
Copied from website below.
https://www.thedogplace.org/.../America.../Bonita-Turner.asp
Bonnie and I met some 14 years ago and quickly formed an alliance. We shared the same goals and dreams for the AHT breed for we knew would impact many lives that otherwise would not have been able to own a dog in their lives, either because of their own allergies or those of their family members.
We knew we were beginning with a breed whose Founder's main goal was that of keeping its hairless qualities alive. This alone was a tremendous gift to us. However, it was in need of some serious structural improvements, as we saw it.
Mrs. Turner's years in raising livestock, competing herself, followed by her daughters in 4H, and her 30+ years as a Veterinary technician gave her a keen insight into what those structural faults were along with my many years in the AKC conformatin ring with Keeshonden and Chinese Cresteds.
Now the work began!
It was also about the same time United Kennel Club (UKC) was to include the Rat Terrier into their registry. Genetically, the only difference between the American Hairless Terrier and the Rat Terrier at the time was the hair coat or lack of it. Due to this commonality, UKC decided to admit the American Hairless Terrier into the fold as the hairless variety of the Rat Terrier. Knowing fully that one day the AHT would petition to separate from the Rat Terrier and once again be known as our original namesake, the American Hairless Terrier. This breed is one of a few breeds whose origin can truly be called "American Made".
Mrs. Turner's home and kennel were quite lovely and spacious, giving the AHT a Home-place that could accommodate what she had in mind to do. Mrs. Turner was able to keep siblings long enough to decide which dogs were worthy of moving forward in the American Hairless Terrier breeding program. Those who were not worthy were altered and placed. Because of this, Flinthill AHT quickly began to change the outline of the breed to one of sturdy elegance.
My role was initially to add to the gene pool on a more limited basis and to take the Flinthill dogs into the show ring for Mrs. Turner. Due to some changes that life can toss at you, my exhibiting days were drastically reduced. However, my role was instrumental in moving the American Hairless Terrier Club (Rare Breed) to UKC as the first Rat Terrier licensed club known as the American Hairless Rat Terrier Association. Then onto breed separation from the Rat terrier within UKC as originally planned. The UKC club is known as the American Hairless Terrier Association (AHTA). Presently the breed has moved into AKC/FSS - American Hairless Terrier Club of America (AHTCA). The final goal is full AKC recognition.
The years passed bringing about a close working relationship and an even closer friendship. Mrs. Turner often stated she wanted to be known for the "Outcross Program" she formulated and implemented based on her years of experience in livestock. She would bring in new Rat Terrier lines to the American Hairless Terrier lines, offering with it a more genetic diversity and to improve the AHT conformation more quickly. Today, this has proven to be a very successful process due largely to Mrs. Turner’s diligence in doing so.
She also was a strong proponent of DNA profiling in order for the breed to maintain its parental integrity and for health testing breeding stock.
The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) as we know it today would not be where it is without Mrs. Bonita Jean (Bonnie) Turner and her vast contribution ensuring its future for generations to come.
This is a breed growing rapidly in popularity throughout the World. AHT's have been recognized by Countries who have since recognized them in FCI Group 7 and are earning FCI Champion titles and whose puppies are being FCI litter registered as well as maintaining their United Kennel Club registration status. A Flinthill AHT earned a European Reserve Best in Show title over an entry of 2,500 dogs in the Czech Republic. Followed by an AHT from the Flinthill line, bred by Kidd Kennel earned a FCI Group 5 with a 4,000 dog entry. More recntly, FCI Jr CH 'PR'Kalon's Blue Christmas, won BIS with an entry of over 4,500 dogs in the Czech Republic, owned by Romana Dyntrova and bred by Lynn K Poston. Adam's sire and dam are WudNshu and Flinthill breeding. Wins such as this are a direct result of planned breeding with a keen attention to conformation and health.
Bonnie and Mike Turner are founding members of the American Hairless Terrier Association (AHTA) and are loved by all within the breed.
Sadly, on Saturday, March 15, 2008, tragedy struck Michael and Bonnie when a tornado struck their home. Bonnie was killed in this tragedy and Michael was critically injured. Their entire house and their kennels were destroyed along with everything they owned. Most of their dogs were also killed, however some survived with varying injuries. Mike underwent major surgery and faced a long and difficult recovery.
We are happy to say Mike Turner recovered and went on to promote and Judge a UKC performance Event called Terrier racing.
The AHT world is where it is today because of the strong foundation laid by Bonnie Turner. We can truely call her "The Mother of the Breed".
Copied from website below.
https://www.thedogplace.org/.../America.../Bonita-Turner.asp
