How to Identify an American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a breed initially bred in Louisiana and part of the terrier group. [1] When a hairless pup was born into a litter of Rat Terriers, it was raised and bred until more hairless dogs were produced, which were further bred to create the breed. [2] The American Hairless Terrier can be confused with several other short-coated terrier breeds despite their unique traits. Fortunately, this wikiHow will help you identify an American Hairless Terrier by acknowledging the breed's key characteristics.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Observing the Structure

  1. American Hairless Terriers are small or medium in size. They are both 12–16 inches (30–41 cm) in height and 12–16 pounds (5.4–7.3 kg) in weight. [3]
  2. An American Hairless Terrier's head resembles a wedge with a slightly blunt edge, tapering as it approaches the muzzle. Being proportionately sized, it and the muzzle are the same in length. It includes a moderately present stop and is broadly domed a small amount. [4]
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  3. The eyes of an American Hairless Terrier are a rounded shape and moderately sized. The way they are set in the head is a bit prominent and oblique. Though both of the eyes are the same color, the exact color may vary to harmonize with the coat. Some eye colors include hazel, brown (which is typically dark), amber (normally in blue dogs), blue (in blue or blue fawn dogs), and grey (in blue or blue fawn dogs). The rims are usually the same color as the nose, and it is possible for them to not be entirely pigmented if there is white surrounding them. [5]
  4. American Hairless Terriers have ears which are identical but may be in the form of a button ear, tipped or folded, or carried erect. Regardless of their form, they are shaped like the letter v and are set on an edge of the head on the outer side. [6]
  5. An American Hairless Terrier's muzzle is somewhat tapering and noticeably chiseled with a solid-colored nose matching the eye rims. There are no flews present, keeping the lips dry while being tightly drawn, and the cheeks are muscular, complimenting strong jaws. The teeth usually are placed in a scissors bite, though a level bite is also possible. [7]
  6. The paws of an American Hairless Terrier are compact with toes that may be fairly wide apart. The two toes in the middle are known to be of a somewhat longer length than the other toes. As a whole, the paws are a bit oval-shaped. Though the dog seldom has back dewclaws, any front dewclaws may still be present. [8]
  7. With a thick base, an American Hairless Terrier's tail tapers to the end, which may reach near the hock if extended downward. In carriage, it is usually curved upward a small amount or behind the body. Only in coated dogs is the tail sometimes docked. [9]
  8. American Hairless Terriers are rectangular, of medium bone, smooth in muscle, and overall moderate. They have a neck that is arched a bit, laid-back shoulders, straight forelegs, a moderately long chest, well-sprung ribs, a strong back, and muscular hindquarters. Their gait is straight and smooth, made up of effortless movements and power in reach and drive with the dog's hocks extending completely. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

An American Hairless Terrier may be a hairless or coated variety.

  1. Adult hairless American Hairless Terriers have no fur, excluding possible guard hair located on their muzzle, fine and short hair on their body, and their whiskers. Because they are coatless, they are covered in skin, which feels a bit warm with a rather smooth texture. [11]

    Did you know? American Hairless Terriers that have hairless coats are actually born with a soft coat called the birth coat that falls off as the dog ages. The dog has a true hairless coat when it is around eight to ten weeks old. [12]

  2. Despite the breed's name, some American Hairless Terriers have coats. This coat is very smooth and a short length but is indeed a full coat and should cover the entire body. It feels quite dense and appears to have a sheen. [13]
  3. An American Hairless Terrier can be seen sporting a coat of nearly any color, pattern, or combination of colors. The only coats that are not seen are merle and albino coats. If the dog is any color besides these, it may be an American Hairless Terrier. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Checking Temperament

  1. American Hairless Terriers are known to be highly friendly with family members and strangers alike. Many are even affectionate toward children if raised alongside them. [15]
  2. One unique trait found in American Hairless Terriers is their adaptability. They can excel in any type of environment or family if well-cared for. [16]
  3. If given the opportunity, an American Hairless Terrier will not hesitate to take charge. They are rather territorial and require firm, confident leadership. [17]
  4. American Hairless Terriers are energetic, just as most terriers are. They need regular exercise, such as a walk each day, to keep them satisfied. [18]
    • Walking is the perfect activity for this breed. Other activities may pose potential dangers; for example, American Hairless Terriers are not the best swimmers, so swimming is not a good choice for them. Additionally, despite originally being bred from Rat Terriers, ratting may cause injuries, especially in the hairless variety that is more vulnerable to scratches or other harm. [19]
  5. Though not the largest dogs, American Hairless Terriers still are quick to sound the alarm and stand up for their families if anything seems problematic. This can make them great watchdogs. [20]
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      Tips

      • Think about using a DNA test if the dog in question is your own. This will confirm if your dog is an American Hairless Terrier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-hairless-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-hairless-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-hairless-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanHairlessTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-hairless-terrier-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-hairless-terrier-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-hairless-terrier-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-hairless-terrier-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-hairless-terrier-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-hairless-terrier-temperament/

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