AHT Breed Information
Great information for the person who is not familiar with American Hairless Terriers. Includes temperament and personality info, male vs. female info, and how to select the right breeder to work with.
QUESTION: "ARE YOU TRULY READY FOR A PUPPY?"
Getting a dog is not throwing a dog in your backyard and a daily chore of throwing food to it, and making sure it has water! It is a lifetime responsibility and commitment to a member of your family. Accidents and illness occur. Do you have the funds available for routine inoculations, dental cleanings, worming and sterilization? Will you have the 2 years of patience to go through the puppy antics and adolescent period?
Are you willing and able to make the time to go to obedience classes? Obedience classes provide basic training with a professional in a controlled situation. They’re excellent for early socialization skills and often make the difference between a scared adult and a happy, friendly and predictable dog. It doesn't happen over night. All dogs have to be taught what is, and is not, "acceptable", just as a child must. There will be "accidents" and ALL dogs need time, patience, and training - if they are to become a truly socialized family member.
Well do you think that you’re still ready to add a puppy into your home? Did you "puppy proof" yet? Is your yard and home ready to for your new addition? If you feel you are truly ready to take on this lifetime commitment now, grab your crate and go for it! I can guarantee that the joy and the benefits will far exceed the costs.
QUESTION: "WHAT IS THE AHT TEMPERAMENT LIKE?"
AHTs can be very loyal, active and extremely playful. Activity slows down as the dog ages, but dogs generally remain playful throughout their lives. They are highly intelligent and are generally easy to train and housebreak. Many love agility and obedience, and excel at it, as they are so eager to please their owners and are very quick.
A puppy obedience course is highly recommended for every (owner and their) dog to help train and be properly socialized. SOCIALIZING IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT “JOBS” WITH RAISING A PUPPY! In today's society, ALL dogs should be socialized at an early age. Start early and keep it up. AHTs are smart and can get bored. (It is recommended that your puppy "meet" 100 people by the time it is 4-5 months old). An obedience course provides professional help for both the owner and their dog, while aids in bonding and the development of good social skills that will remain a lifetime.
American Hairless Terriers are genetically Rat Terriers. It was discovered that some Rat Terriers carried a recessive hairless gene. They were bred and produced hairless Rat Terriers. Rat Terriers are considered a "strain" of Fox Terrier. Infusions of both sight-hound (Italian Greyhound/Whippet) and scent-hound/Beagle has provided them with an even and more outgoing temperament that sets them apart from many of the other traditional terrier breeds. They are perfectly content to be near their owner and make great housedogs.
They are not generally barkers, but they can be very demanding, using their paws and most are somewhat vocal, especially when ignored. They're naturally "real talkers" with plenty of growling and mumbling! They possess pack instinct and therefore do better with company (animal or human), and some dogs, if left alone for long periods, may suffer from problems with "separation anxiety" or boredom.
QUESTION: "WE HAVE OTHER PETS. HOW DO AHTS GET ALONG WITH OTHER ANIMALS?"
AHTs are generally happy-go-lucky, but they are good watchdogs and these territorial “pack rats” will defend "their" property and yours. They also can be intuitive, instinctive hunters with strong pack and prey instincts. They, being a terrier, feel that ANY small, quick moving animal (the neighbor's cat, pet hamster or rat, vermin or varmint) is "fair" game and the chase is on! Many are escape artists that can climb and jump too. Five to six foot perimeter fencing is recommended. If you raise AHTs with cats, birds or other animals in a multiple pet situation, they will likely see them as a part of their family. They generally do get along very well with other animals and dogs, and with the Rat Terrier history of being bred as a farm dog, can get along with most livestock too. With their compact size (generally 10-18", 8-25#), willingness to learn, and their utter devotion to their people, it makes them one of the greatest of pets and an ideal and loving companion.
QUESTION: "WHAT PROBLEMS DOES THIS BREED HAVE?"
AHTs are generally a hardy and long-lived breed that lives to be 12-18 years old. They have few known health problems. Hip dysphasia and eye problems are rarely seen in this breed. Luxating patellas (knees that pop out of their joint) are the most common defect found in AHTs. Allergies (contact, inhalants and foods) are also fairly common. Problems with crooked or retained puppy teeth, and varying degrees of bad bites are also noted. Another less-common problem that may occur is Dermodex Mange.
QUESTION: "HOW DO YOU PICK AN ETHICAL & REPUTABLE BREEDER?"
Ask, Ask, Ask! Then ask some more questions. If you are close enough to drive and see the home/facilities of the breeder - go look! If you don't like what you see and hear, DON'T BUY. Educate yourself first on the breed and it's "standard". Try to see as many live representatives or pictures of as many dogs in the breed as you can, before puppy shopping. Be a prudent buyer.
Ask the breeder questions such as:
- Was this litter planned?
- How many litters of puppies has the dam (mother) produced? (Do they appear to be repeatedly breeding and selling dogs, with many colors and a variety of sizes? Do they also have several other breeds? *puppy mill warning sign!*)
- Ask to look at the parent/s and the other offspring - or ask for photos. (Be extremely wary of breeders who cannot produce any pictures of their dogs.)
How does the dam look? She may be a little underweight from nursing, but does she appear to be healthy and in good flesh? Is she a good specimen based on the breed standard?
- Ask about the parents' temperament and why the breeder chose to breed these two dogs together. Does it seem like there was careful thought and planning involved...or was it "just because" the sire was convenient?
- How old are these puppies?
- When were these puppies wormed and with what brand or type of wormer?
- When and what brand and types of vaccines have the puppy been given?
- When they are due for their next shots? Puppy shots are given in series. Use and follow a veterinarian's recommendations & advice, and make sure that all inoculations are routinely given to provide maximum protection. Reputable and ethical breeders won't let their puppies go until they are a minimum of 7-8 weeks old. A dog without being properly inoculated should never be sold nor bought.
You should feel that the breeder:
- seems to be a knowledgeable dog person
- is commited to the breed and to each and every offspring its breeder produces for the lifetime of that dog.
- is breeding for the betterment and the propagation of a lineage for that breed.
- is registering their offspring. Registration papers don't make a dog, but purchasing registered puppies from registered parents helps to assure you that the puppies will be of a similar type and temperament for the breed that you have selected.
- will be there to answer questions and help you over the rough spots of dog ownership. This keeps many pets from being turned into local shelters because an owner did not know how to deal with or properly handle a problem. If you experience a problem, please don't hesitate to contact the breeder for their advice.
- will always be glad to help and will be happy to hear from you and care about the welfare of the dog.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS! Email me at Triumph Kennel. |
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