American Hairless Terrier

Breed Standards for the American Hairless Terrier

General Appearance:

The American Hairless Terrier is a smoothly muscled, active, small-to-medium terrier.

Head:

The head is broad, slightly domed, wedge-shaped, and proportionate to the size of the body. The muzzle is well filled out under the eyes, well-chiseled, and tapers slightly from the stop to the nose. Eyes are set obliquely and are round, moderate in size, and somewhat prominent. Ears are V-shaped, set at the outside edges of the skull, and may be erect, tipped or button.

Tail:

Carried in an upward curve, or may be docked in dogs of the coated variety.

Forequarters:

Shoulders are smoothly muscled. The shoulder blades are well laid back with the upper tips fairly close together at the withers. The upper arm appears to be equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle. Elbows are close to the body. The forelegs are straight, strong, and sturdy in bone.

Body:

Slightly longer than tall. Whether the dog is standing or moving, the line of the back is strong and level. The loin is moderately short, slightly arched, and muscular, with moderate tuck-up.

Coat:

Hairless Variety: A mature dog is free from hair except for whiskers and guard hairs on the muzzle, and eyebrows. Short, very fine hair may be present on the body of a mature dog.

Coated Variety: The coat is short, dense, and smooth, with sheen.

Color:

Hairless Variety: Any color is accepted.

Coated Variety: May be solid white, bi-color, tri-color, sable or brindle, but must have some white located somewhere on the dog.

Size:

Height: 10 – 16”

Gait:

The American Hairless Terrier moves with agility, speed, and power. Its gait is smooth and effortless.

Temperament:

An energetic, alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence make him easy to train.