The American Hairless Terrier or AHT, is not a primitive breed at all, but rather new. The first recorded hairless terrier was born in 1972 to a Rat Terrier. They named her Josephine, and it is from this original dog that this unique breed began. The AHT is a natural mutation of the Rat Terrier, but unlike other hairless breeds, the gene causing the lack of hair is recessive, not dominant. AHT's are born with full dentition (a full set of teeth), and a soft downy fuzz on their bodies. As the dog matures it will lose this downy covering rather like a baby's peach fuzz. Adults are completely hairless other than a few whiskers. Their skin is soft, and they are not prone to acne or allergies, they do however sunburn quite easily so care must be taken when outside. Like other hairless breeds, the AHT “sweats” through it’s skin. This is highly noticeable when they are excited or nervous, as well as overheated. First listed by the United Kennel Club in 1999 as the Rat Terrier-hairless variety, in 2004 the American Hairless Terrier was officially recognized by the UKC as a distinct breed. See the breed standard as set by the founding kennel
HERE.
