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Each one of you has, within the depth of their soul, some kind of a seemingly unreachable goal. Believe me, if you really want to, every dream can become a reality. Until year 2003, no Hairless Terrier has ever crossed the borders of America, and that is why we could only read about this breed in Kynological literature, though very rarely and in very little reference. But watch out! History is changing and I am very glad that it is I in particular who has the privilege to be the first to write about this unique breed. After a long time spent in searching and submitting of various documents and last but not least selecting the same type, but totally non-related individuals, and above all, the never ending wait, our dream has come true, exceeding our expectations. On the 24th of March 2004 at 9:05, an aircraft from New York has landed at the Prague-Ruzyne airport, and on board this aircraft, the first five American Hairless Terriers in the Czech Republic and the second in Europe. Three AHTs already had their family in Finland a few months before.
Please allow me to thank all those who have helped me to fulfill my dream. I am extremely grateful to them. THANKS – Teri Murphy, Bonnie Turner, Melissa Kidd, Shelley Shuler, Martina Stavinohova, Šárka Štěpánkova and to my husband, who had shown great patience towards my idea.
The origin of this small breed, contrary to other hairless kinds, can be precisely dated. In the year 1972, a totally bare puppy was born to a Rat Terrier owned by Willie and Erwin Scott. The breeders named this puppy Josephine and because nobody wanted her, she stayed at home with the Scotts and became a big sweetheart of the whole family. In the following years, Josephine herself had a number of hairless puppies and went on to become the founder of a new breed. In the beginning, these naked Terriers were categorized in the same way as their hairless variants, always among the Rat Terriers, but after intensive effort and work, on the 1st of January 2004, this Terrier had been recognized as an individual breed called “American Hairless Terrier”. Same as in the case of the Chinese dogs, they are further divided into bare and hairy variety. Both variants are recognized at shows and are judged independently.
AHT is an active, very playful dog and is placed among pleasant, small dogs. Thanks to their curiosity and intelligence, they are easily controlled and make a great companion. They love children and get along very well with other dogs and even cats. AHT dogs have a strong affiliation for the company of humans and perform all activities with their masters with joy. They love Agility!!
Genetically, the strain for hairlessness is recessive, that means that crossing a Hairless Terrier with another Hairless Terrier always produces 100% naked puppies, whereas the crossing of a hairless and a hairy variant or both hairy individuals, the ratio is approximately 50:50. The puppies are born with a soft fluff, which gradually begins to fall off after one week, beginning at the nose. Around 8 weeks of age, all hair disappears, apart from their feel whiskers. In an adult dog, there may be a very soft under-fur of a maximum length of 1 mm. The skin in the hairless variety is warm to the touch, beautifully fine and velvet-like. A great advantage of this breed is that under no circumstances there is any need for shaving of their bodies and their hairlessness is completely natural. In the furry variety, the fur is short and dense and has a nice sheen. All colour varieties are acceptable, only if the individual is of a single colour, there must be at least one spot that contains white (only applies to the furry variety). The only disqualifying feature is the colour merle. Hairlessness in this breed does not cause a tooth deficiency and therefore it is no exception to come across a fully teethed individual. The opposite is more likely.
The American Hairless Terrier is a well muscled, energetic and a bright dog. The preferred body ratio length is 10:9. This means that the length of the body must always be greater. This dog moves around with an air of joy, revealing its agility and speed. The style of walk is well balanced, without effort, with a long reach of the front limbs and without any signs of clumsiness. During the increase of walking speed, the limbs have a tendency to converge towards the centerline balance.
The head is wide, gently arched, wedge-shaped and proportional to the body size. The ears have a shape of opposite V, are situated on the outer edges of the scull and may be erect, pointy, or rounded-off. In the hairy variety, it is quite normal to observe a tilted ear and is accepted also in the hairless variety. A disqualifying defect though is an ear that hangs.
The tail is strong at the root and tapers off in a direction towards the tip. It may be carried in any style and may even be turned upward. When the dog is in an alert state, the American Hairless Terrier reaches a height of 25 to 41 centimeters and its weight reaches around 4 – 7 kilograms.
AHT is a faultless companion and is especially ideal for allergy sufferers. For those who have a place in their heart for a new friend, you will find this exceptional breed will completely fill it. 12 years ago, I myself have received my very first Dalmatian girl Alba, and have begun with the breeding of this species. Within a few years, I have traveled all of Europe with my Dalmatians and attended uncountable shows, and came into contact with the most varied breeds.
Most breeders claim that when they have one breed, they stay with it all their lives. But truthfully, when I place my hand on my heart, The American Hairless Terrier is the very gem that had anchored it. I very much love my three older Dalmatian ladies and I am grateful to them that they have initiated me into the dog kingdom with all that belongs to it, but I already know that in my next life, it will be American Hairless Terriers who will be fulfilling our family.
Romana Dyntrová
Punto Valentino kennel
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