Other Terriers Developed outside Great Britain
Brazilian Terrier
Today, the influence of the small ratting Terriers of Britain is seen in several countries. North America has the Rat Terrier in 2 sizes and the Hairless Terrier, Japan has its Japanese Terrier and South America has its Brazilian Terrier. These have become recognised as pure breeds by our ANKC 'sister' bodies, the AKC and FCI , but developed independently from their ratting counterparts in each of these different parts of the world.
The American Rat Terrier
American Rat Terrier
History: A recent breed, the American Rat Terrier's recognition by the AKC was effective from 2010. But their history probably began before the 1800's when they were first brought to America by British settlers in a similar way previously described in 'Terriers that sailed the World'.
Originally called 'Feists' because they were feisty, they captured the attention of the American public in the 1970's when President Theodore Roosevelt, who adored his Terrier called 'Skip', coined the name 'Rat Terrier' because they were originally bred for ratting and farm work[1].
| Size | the Rat Terrier comes in 2 sizes, 10" - 13" (25 - 33 cm) and over 13" (33cm) up to and including 18"(46 cm) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Any variation of pied patterning |
| Coat | Smooth |
| Head | Wedge-shaped |
| Ears | Erect, semi-erect and tipped, or button without preference |
| Body | Slightly longer than tall |
| Topline | Level |
| Tail Set | As a continuation of the spine |
| Tail Length | Because they come in a natural short or bob-tail, any length is equally correct. |
American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier
History: The American Hairless Terrier, a USA Louisiana native, comes in hairless and coated varieties. The idea of designing this breed originated in 1972 when a hairless puppy happened to be born in a litter of middle-sized Rat Terriers. Then Edwin and Willie Scott acquired a hairless bitch, and in 2011 the first American Hairless Terrier was recorded in the Foundation Stock Service. So began the breeding specifically to create the American Hairless Terrier. This breed gained full AKC recognition, effective from 2014[1].
Coat: American Hairless Terrier pups are born with a birth coat that falls out when they are several weeks old. But like other hairless breeds, they come in coated and hairless varieties. But unlike other hairless breeds they have with normal dentition. The coated variety must have a short, smooth, dense coat, while the hairless variety should have a skin that is smooth and warm to touch.
| Size | 12" - 16" (30 - 40 cm) |
|---|---|
| Colour | They come in any colour or colour combination except merle and albino. |
| Head | Wedge-shaped |
| Ears | Preferably erect |
| Body | Slightly longer than tall |
| Topline | Strong and level |
| Tail Set | Comes off end of croup |
| Tail Length | The tail on the hairless variety should never be born with a natural bob, or be docked [1] |
Japanese Terrier
Japanese Terrier
History: Known only in Japan since the 1700's the Japanese Terrier was brought to Japan on sailing ships, probably from the Netherlands. Planned breeding began around 1920 and the type was fixed by 1930.
| Size | 30 - 33 cm (11"-12") |
|---|---|
| Colour | Tri-colour, that is black, tan and white, particularly on the head. The body is is white with black or tan spots or markings |
| Coat | Short |
| Head | Wedge shaped |
| Ears | Dropped |
| Body | Squarely built with a deep chest and belly well tucked up |
| Topline | Short and firm with a slightly arched loin. |
| Tail Set | Following the slightly arched loin, in action it is carried moderately high. |
| Tail Length | Thin but natural length, docked when permitted by law[2]. |
Brazilian Terrier
Brazilian Terrier
History: The 2 FCI recognised Brazilian breeds are the Brazilian Terrier and the Brazilan Mastiff, the Filo Brazilero. They worked together in the large open spaces of the coffee plantations. As watch dogs it was the terrier's job to raise the alarm and the Mastiff's job to handle the situation. The Brazilian Terrier was also an exceptionally good ratter.
Although the head is wedge shaped, it has a pronounced stop with a medial frontal groove running up the skull which is unusual for a terrier. This allows the dog's large round eyes to look straight ahead.
| Size | 13" - 15¾" (33 to 40 cm) |
|---|---|
| Colour | White with black, blue brown or isabella markings. |
| Coat | Short haired |
| Ears | Carried half pricked but not erect. |
| Body | Squarely built |
| Topline | Firm and straight, unusually rising slightly from withers to sloping croup |
| Tail Set | Low |
| Tail Length | Can be a natural bob tail. If full length should not reach below the hock and be carried happily in a gentle curve but not curled over the back.[3] |
Reference and Further Reading
[1] American Kennel Club Breed Standard
[2] FCI Standard 259
[3] FCI Standard 341