American Hairless Rat Terrier

The American Hairless Rat Terrier is a rather energetic and alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence makes them easy to train.

American Hairless Rat Terriers are known to make an extremely friendly companion, getting along well with children, other dogs and even cats. They immensely enjoy human companionship and will enthusiastically share any activity with their owners.

As with all hairless dogs they require protection from the sun and the cold winter weather.

American Hairless Rat Terrier History:

The American Hairless Rat Terrier first appeared spontaneously in a litter of normal haired rat terriers in 1972, due to the expression of a recessive hairless gene. Eventually two hairless pups, a bitch and a dog, were produced from this female and they were used as the foundation stock to create the new breed of the American Hairless Terrier. As the name suggests they are completely hairless except for whiskers and eyebrows.

At birth they have short, fuzzy, sparse hair which is quickly lost during the first 6-8 weeks, starting at the head and working backwards. This Leaves them with soft pink skin with small spots or freckles, which grow with age, darkening in the sun. Unusually, compared with other hairless breeds, they have no dental problems, breeding abnormalities or major skin problems.

The American Hairless Rat Terrier was recognised by the American Rare breeds Association and the National Rat Terrier Club in 1998. A year later they were recognised by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as the Rat Terrier-hairless variety. Then in 2004, the UKC deemed it to be a separate terrier breed entirely.