The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless breed developed in the United States. It began in 1972 in Louisiana, when a hairless puppy named Josephine was born into a litter of coated Rat Terriers, and the AKC recognized the breed in 2016. Hairless puppies are born with fuzz that falls out within a few weeks, while the coated variety has a short, smooth coat.
These small, muscular terriers are often curious, alert and playful, with a terrier's zest for chasing and digging. Many are affectionate and learn quickly with reward-based training. In Omaha, a hairless dog's skin care follows the seasons: sunscreen or a shirt for summer sun, a warm layer for winter and regular baths all year. Coated dogs need far less of this, and every dog's needs vary.