American Hairless Terrier breed guide

The American Hairless moves with a jaunty pep that announces real terrier attitude. It is a dog with terrier grit and courage that is alert, curious and energetic.

It is friendly and happy to play with people or other dogs. Trainability is high.

The American Hairless Terrier lives 14 to 16 years. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, cardiac conditions, luxating patella and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip condition that surgery can correct.

Skin problems are quite rare in the breed.

Grooming needs are minimal in both varieties. The hairless dog needs little beyond clean ears and protection from sunburn and the coated variety is almost as carefree because it hardly sheds.

Exercise needs are moderate: several trips outside a day plus brief daily sessions in a fenced yard or on regular walks. The dog is just as happy to curl up on the couch next to its owner.

Rat Terriers date to the early 1800s in England, one of dozens of terrier breeds created to kill the rats that spread disease and raided food supplies. They were first called Feists for their feisty temperament. One barnyard Feist dispatched 2,500 rats in a single day.

British miners brought Feists to rural America in the late 1800s, where the type was stabilized and the American Hairless arose from it as a natural offshoot.