American Hairless Terrier vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

American Hairless Terrier vs American Bulldog - Breed ComparisonBoth American Hairless Terrier and American Bulldog are originated from United States. American Hairless Terrier may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than American Bulldog. American Hairless Terrier may weigh 42 kg / 92 pounds lesser than American Bulldog. Both American Hairless Terrier and American Bulldog has same life span. American Hairless Terrier may have less litter size than American Bulldog. Both American Hairless Terrier and American Bulldog requires Low maintenance.

History

american hairless terrier - historyDerived from the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier was born in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972.

The evolution of this breed is very different from other hairless breeds. The American Hairless Terrier was independently developed when a hairless pup was produced in a litter of normal Rat Terriers. The owners of this pup, Edwin and Willie Scott attempted to breed her to other Rat terriers but were not successful in having another hairless pup until years later. Then they had a litter with one male and one female hairless puppy.

From that point on they worked with a veterinarian and a geneticist to develop the breed until it was accepted as a separate breed from the Rat Terrier in 2004 and accepted into the AKC in 2016.

The breed is very rare and with hairless dogs breeding only produces about two thirds of the litter as hairless and one third as coated. If a hairless is bred to a coated terrier, the chances of getting hairless puppies are 50% hairless and 50% coated. It is very rare to get a hairless when breed two coated terriers. The difference between the American Hairless Terrier and other hairless breeds is that the hairless gene in most breed is a lethal dominant gene, but in the AHT it is a recessive gene.

american bulldog - historyFollowing World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct.

Thanks to John D. Johnson from Summerville, Georgia the breed is still with us today. He gathered the best dogs he could find throughout the rural South and bred them back into popularity among his family and other rural families. His father bred the American Bulldog before John did and they have bred them longer than any other in any part of the world. His dogs were regularly used for tracking, hunting, guarding, watchdog and weight pulling. At some point Alan Scott joined Johnson breeding other bulldogs to Johnson's and forming the Standard American Bulldog.

The American Bulldog/ is popular today as a family pet and companion as well as a working dog.

Description

american hairless terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Hairless Terrier is similar to it’s breed of origin, the Rat Terrier, and the coated AHT looks very much like a Rat Terrier. They are small to medium in size, very muscular and have more refined features than the Rat Terrier. Their round eyes can be a variety of colors including amber, brown, grey, turquoise and blue. The tail is not docked but rather long and thin.

The AHT might have eyebrows and whiskers or they might only have whiskers. Their head is broad, and wedge shaped with upright ears. They are an energetic, social and intelligent dog.

american bulldog puppy - descriptionThe American Bulldog is a powerful and muscular dog in a sturdy and compact frame. The female is more refined than the heavy boned and stocky male, but both genders are athletic, agile and quick. The have large heads, strong jaws, a muscular neck and with a moderately deep and wide chest.

They have a square head, with muscular cheeks and a clearly defined furrow between his eyes. With broad, square and strong muzzles, they have a reverse scissors, scissors, moderate underbite and an even bite. Ears come in a variety of shapes and sizes and eyes can be any color as well. The nose however should be black and lips black as well. Their legs are strong, heavy boned and straight with well-defined muscles in the hindquarters. Finally ,they have a thick, low set tail that comes to a point at the end.

Characteristics

american hairless terrier dog - characteristicsThis is a curious, intelligent, little dog. They are terrific family dogs with a note to say they are better with older children than with younger. If they are raised with small children, then they are terrific with them. They are territorial, and the children become part of their territory. They will guard and protect them.

They need to play, and this is the biggest requirement for owners. Be sure you have time for them. This is not a couch potato dog. They have a lot of energy and can be destructive and “barky” if that energy is not dissipated. They are terriers through and through and love to “go to ground” whether going in holes they find or digging the holes themselves. They will go after small rodents like chipmunks. They need to be protected in these activities since their skin is vulnerable to scratches and cuts from brush. Their prey drive is strong, so it is important to protect them from themselves in this respect.

They are curious and feisty and every inch the terrier. Affectionate, friendly, and social it is also important to remember they can be scared easily, hurt if play is too rough, and this will trigger barking. They make very good watch dogs.

american bulldog dog - characteristicsThe American Bulldog is characteristically loyal, brave and reliable. It is a friendly, gentle dog that truly loves children. There is not a hostile bone in his body despite his history and reputation for bull baiting. Though he is protective of its family and affectionate with most, he still needs a human companion who is strong willed and a genuine pack leader. Without this he might become aggressive around other dogs and pets. They are immensely self-confident and they do slobber and drool and will become excited and hard to handle without daily exercise of both their body and their minds.

Health Problems

american hairless terrier puppies - health problemsThere are not many health problems bothering this sturdy little dog.

The American Hairless Terrier has limited breeding stock and it is still a rare breed. Its health problems are mostly related to its hairless state. The breed is highly susceptible to sunburn, rashes, pimples, and allergies. They often need clothing in all seasons to protect them from the heat of the sun or from the cold. The skin must be cleaned regularly often daily with soap and water. This is especially true if sunscreen is used as they are open to skin infections.

Hip dysplasia is also a common issue for this small breed.

american bulldog puppies - health problemsThough generally healthy, the American Bulldog is prone to a few problems.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a serious issue in many breeds of dogs and is especially prevalent with the American Bull Dog. This may seem ironic in such a short legged dog but it is unfortunately very common. It is a genetic disorder that causes the bones in the joint to separate and causes the dog much pain and lameness.

Skin and Ear Issues

Due to skin folds you need to be care and watch for irritation and infection in the folds. They are also prone to ear infections.

Obesity

The American Bulldog is prone to overeating and all the health issues that presents. With short legs and a genetic predisposition to arthritis and hip dysplasia, obesity is a real health risk for your bulldog.

Caring The Pet

american hairless terrier dogs - caringThe American Hairless Terrier has some food needs that might be different from other breeds. They should not be given food that contains soy, wheat or corn. They need to be fed at least 3-4 times a day in small amounts as puppies and twice a day as adult. Be sure to avoid overeating and obesity. Puppies need about 400 calories a day whether you feed four times or two times. The adult American Hairless Terrier needs about 500-600 calories per day. This might be half a cup to a cup per day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American Hairless Terrier has skin health issues and is also prone to hip dysplasia.

Exercise and games

This is a great breed for games if you make them small to match his size. He is energetic, athletic and playful. He loves agility, lure chasing and barn hunt activities. They need a good half hour of vigorous exercise per day.

Feeding Puppies

american bulldog dogs - caringThree times a day from 12 weeks to a year for a total of 3 cups per day.

Feeding Adults

After 6 months cut back to one cup twice a day of high quality dry dog food.

Bulldogs will eat anything at anytime and are prone to obesity. Don't overfeed them.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
18 - 45 cm
7 - 18 inches
55 - 70 cm
21 - 28 inches
Height Female:
16 - 40 cm
6 - 16 inches
52 - 65 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
32 - 54 kg
70 - 120 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 10 kg
4 - 23 pounds
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
10 - 12
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
AHT, American Hairless Rat Terrier
shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald.
Colors Available:
variety of colors and patterns (blue, black, brown, pink, sable and tan) with white
Brindle, mostly white, white with brown or red and piebald.
Coat:
hairless, coated variety has a short dense coat
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Lively, Loving, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Jack Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Patterdale Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. American Hairless Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. American Bulldog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  27. American Bulldog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  28. Border Collie vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  29. Sakhalin Husky vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Husky vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Leopard vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Pinscher vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Puli vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  36. Borador vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. German Spaniel vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  39. McNab vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Porcelaine vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Finnish Lapphund vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Berger Blanc Suisse vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  43. Griffon Nivernais vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. Hokkaido vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  46. Pumi vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  48. Basque Shepherd vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  50. Jamthund vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds