About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 46.0-58.0 cm

Height range  : 30.0-41.0cm

Weight range : 3.0-11.0kg

Coat : none to short|hairless with eyebrows and whiskers|coated variety with very short shiny coat

Life expectancy years : 12-15

Colors: pink|black|gray|red|golden|blue.

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : Rat Terrier|Toy Fox Terrier|Miniature Pinscher|Jack Russell Terrier|Chinese Crested

 

History

The breed descends from Rat Terriers and earlier feists used for rat hunting in England before development in the United States. Its modern origin traces to a hairless Rat Terrier named Josephine bred by Edwin and Willie Scott. The first all-hairless litter arrived in 1983. The American Hairless Terrier Club of America formed in 2009 and AKC recognized the breed in 2016.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Alert|playful|loyal|protective|affectionate|terrier-bold

Personality

smart|inquisitive|playful|intelligent|eager to please|affectionate|loyal

Needs

moderate to high skin care|moderate exercise|mental stimulation|training|sun and cold protection|routine dental care

Social Needs

gets along well with children and other animals when socialized|good for families , singles , couples , apartment dwellers

Grooming 

weekly or occasional bathing depending on skin needs|minimal shedding in coated type|regular skin moisturizing|routine ear , nail , dental care|sun protection and sweaters in cold weather

Nutrition

high-quality age-appropriate dog food|AAFCO-compliant diet is appropriate|watch calories and weight|small frequent meals for puppies under 4 months|two meals daily for adults|fresh water always available

 

Breed Standard

Broad wedge-shaped head|small head with medium-length muzzle|erect V-shaped ears|round expressive eyes|long tapered tail|hairless skin with eyebrows and whiskers or short shiny coat

Did you know?

One of the few dogs that can sweat and its modern line traces back to a single hairless Rat Terrier named Josephine.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Skin Conditions, Atopic Dermatitis, Patellar Luxation, Dental Disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

 

Symptoms

1. red or hot skin
2. dry rough flaky skin
3. comedones or blackheads
4. rashes , abrasions , irritation
5. possible inflammation or infection

1. intense itching
2. erythema
3. scaling , crusting , excoriations
4. foot licking or face rubbing
5. recurrent otitis or secondary skin infection

1. skipping gait
2. carrying limb for a few steps
3. extending or shaking leg
4. bow-legged appearance in severe young dogs
5. progressive lameness or limb disuse

1. halitosis
2. drooling or blood-tinged saliva
3. red , swollen , bleeding gums
4. difficulty chewing or dropping food
5. loose teeth

1. progressive hindlimb lameness
2. hip pain on handling
3. thigh muscle atrophy
4. irritability from chronic pain
5. reduced weight bearing

Onset of symptoms

 

Skin Conditions

1. may occur from puppyhood onward
2. sunburn may begin with first significant sun exposure
3. comedones may appear during or after adolescence

Probability Of Onset:

1. extremely high likelihood without preventive care because exposed skin is inherently vulnerable

Atopic Dermatitis

1. usually begins between 6 months and 3 years
2. signs may be mild at first and then become clinically apparent

Probability Of Onset:

1. high risk because allergic skin disease is common in dogs and terrier lines may be predisposed

Patellar Luxation

1. may first be noticed in puppies or young dogs
2. diagnosed in 7 percent of puppies and may worsen over time

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate to high likelihood because it is a common orthopedic condition in small dogs

Dental Disease

1. early gingivitis may appear by 2 to 3 years
2. over 80 percent of dogs over 3 years may have active dental disease

Probability Of Onset:

1. extremely high likelihood because more than two-thirds to over 80 percent of dogs over 3 years may have disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

1. typically appears in young growing dogs between 4 and 12 months

Probability Of Onset:

1. low to moderate likelihood as a recognized inherited small-breed risk

Reasons

Skin Conditions       

 1. essential fatty acids and ceramide-supported skin barrier lipids may be reduced in function and dryness may reflect lipid imbalance

 

Patellar Luxation:

1. no true chemical lack is indicated because it is a structural misalignment disorder though cartilage support may become insufficient with wear

 

Skin Conditions       

 1. essential fatty acids and ceramide-supported skin barrier lipids may be reduced in function and dryness may reflect lipid imbalance

Patellar Luxation:

1. no true chemical lack is indicated because it is a structural misalignment disorder though cartilage support may become insufficient with wear

 

Atopic Dermatitis

 1. no true chemical lack is indicated because it is a hypersensitivity disorder
2. impaired epidermal barrier and altered fatty acid balance may contribute
3. mediators such as histamine , cytokines , leukotrienes and prostaglandins are involved

Dental Disease

1. no true chemical lack is indicated because plaque biofilm and bacteria are primary factors

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

  1. 1. no true chemical lack is indicated because the problem is related to genetics and reduced blood supply to bone

Normally Treament Methods

Skin Conditions:

  1. 1. prevention may include dog-friendly zinc-free sunscreen , clothing , shade , mild bathing , moisturizing lotion or cream and monitoring for redness or dryness
    2. over-bathing is not recommended
    3. squeezing comedones is not recommended

 

Atopic Dermatitis:

  1. 1. the text indicates allergen avoidance , bathing , ectoparasite control , prompt treatment of secondary infections and immunotherapy may be helpful
    2. anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to control residual pruritus
    3. depot corticosteroid injections are not recommended

 

Patellar Luxation

  1. 1. asymptomatic cases may be monitored
    2. surgery may be considered for grades 2 and over and may include soft tissue reconstruction , femoral groove deepening or tibial crest transposition
    3. affected dogs should not be bred

 

Dental Disease:

  1. 1. daily tooth brushing may help prevent plaque and tartar
    2. professional scaling and polishing under general anesthesia may be needed
    3. severe teeth may require extraction or advanced dental procedures

 

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease:

  1. 1. hip x-rays may confirm the condition
    2. femoral head ostectomy may be used and physical therapy may support recovery. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Skin Conditions :

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for supporting the skin barrier and reducing inflammation
    2. topical coconut oil can,might be helpful for dryness management
recommend product

Atopic Dermatitis

  • 1. omega essential fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing inflammation and supporting the cutaneous lipid barrier
    2. zinc can,might be helpful for epidermal support
    3. probiotics can,might be helpful for immune support
recommend product

Patellar Luxation

  • 1. glucosamine can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    2. chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for joint support
    3. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing joint inflammation
    4. MSM can,might be helpful for joint comfort
recommend product

Dental Disease

  • 1. VOHC-approved dental chews can,might be helpful for reducing plaque and tartar
    2. water additives can,might be helpful for plaque control
recommend product

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

  • 1. glucosamine can,might be helpful for postsurgical joint support
    2. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for inflammation support
recommend product
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