| General Information |
| Group(s):
Terrier |
Height: 10-16 inches |
| Weight: proportionate to height usually under 24 pounds |
Longevity: mid to high teens |
| Colors: hairless: all color(s) acceptable; coated: |
Coat type: virtually any combination with some or all white |
| Recognized Registries: AHTA, NCA and others |
| Overall Appearance: Compact yet elegant Toy breed of unmistakable Terrier type. Prick ears, long tail and expressive with somewhat foxy expression, the hairless aspect is the most notable characteristic and lends it self to coloration from solid colors to those with freckles. |
 |
| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate to high |
| General Nature: |
quick, agile, active, intelligent, independent |
| |
with Children: probably not a good choice with children under 14 |
| |
with other pets: can be questionable with birds, cats and other small animals |
| |
with dogs: generally good if socialized properly but intact males and females in season are especially prone to aggression to dogs |
|
| Socialization requirements: rather high due to inherent aspect of vulnerability combined with tendency of many owners to indulge |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that recognizes the strength of will packed into this small package. Lack of socialization, structure and development of manners can result in a companion all but impossible to live with. |
| Temperament Notes: Charming, entertaining and clever when secure in a structured home of fair rules. Minimal grooming, great traveling companions or urban lifestyle. Respect must be given for the training/socializing necessary to make them well adjusted and behaved. |
| Training requirement: heavy socializing, emphasis on basic manners |
| Trainer notes: The American Hairless Terrier is simply the Rat Terrier of a hairless variety that has developed and been recognized as its own breed. As such, the temperament is very similar to the Rat Terrier. This breed(s) originate with tenacious ratters. This inclination (even when not encouraged in your puppy) will result in a dog that tends toward independence (after all ratters aren't looking for cheering sections while they work.. that would be a good way to get a rat bite). This independence combined with their clever nature and agile physique offers endless entertainment and a high level of distraction. Those that wish to train and develop teamwork with their AHT will do well to determine the strong motivators of their dog and use it to their advantage. Keeping training fun and interesting will be mandatory as well since the AHT will always be attentive to activities that are interesting. |
|
| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: 1972 at the birth of a hairless Rat Terrier |
| Country of Origin: US |
| Original Function: companion |
| History: Developed from the mutation of a hairless puppy in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972. |
|
| Adoption Information |
|
| Deviations from Standard: too large, poor eyes, coated |
| Health Notes: eye problems, hearing issues, Legg-Perthe, luxating patellas |
| Health Testing: CERF, BAER, Legg-Perthe, OFA (knees) |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
- How did you get involved in AHT?
- How long have you had them?
- What other breeds have you or do you show and breed?
- What do you consider ideal breed type and temperament?
- What health issues have you seen in the breed?
- What health issues do you test your breeding stock for?
- What criteria do you use in selecting your breeding stock?
- What titles do you seek for your breeding stock?
- What would you consider the ideal AHT home?
- What suggestions do you have for raising, socializing and training an AHT pup?
- How old are your puppies when you send them home?
- Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
- Do you microchip?
- What would you consider the ideal AHT home?
|
| Web Sites: http://www.ahta.info/rtrescue.html- American Hairless Terrier Rescue |
|
|
| Other Resources |
|
|
