Abyssinian Sand Terrier

		Abyssinian Sand Terrier
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Africa
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			African Hairless Dog

A little-known breed, the American Crested Sand Terrier isn't really American at all. In fact, it has its origins in Africa, which is why it's also known as the African Hairless Dog and the Abyssinian Sand Terrier. The "sand" in the name refers to both the color of the coat and the appearance of the skin. The American Crested Sand Terrier was originally bred as a companion dog for African tribes.

The history of this rare breed is somewhat uneven and a matter of some debate. Some claim that the true Sand Terrier became extinct in the 19th century and that today's dogs are an attempt to recreate the breed. Others are sure that modern Sand Terriers are true to the original breed and are simply descended from lines that were never really extinct.

Because this dog has very little hair, they're good for people with soft dog allergies. They're also odorless and tend to be cleaner than your average dog. The American Crested Sand Terrier doesn't look like a terrier at all. Instead, it looks almost like the German Shepard, but with the face of a Pit Bull. The Sand Terrier is a smaller breed, generally standing no more than 53.5 centimetres high and weighing no more than 18 kilos.

The Sand Terrier is almost completely hairless except for the head, which has a tuft of straight hair, giving this breed a humorous appearance. The lack of hair means little grooming, but this dog should be bathed at least once a week to prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Colors for this breed are many and varied. You'll find black, bronze, chocolate, gray, marbled and the classic sandy color. Some dogs will have white patches, others black, others completely solid.

The eyes should be medium-sized and almond-shaped, while the ears resemble bat ears. The nose is generally black, but pink is also acceptable. The skin is very sensitive and dries out easily, so frequent bathing and even moisturizing are highly recommended to keep the skin hydrated. Because they have no hair, American Crested Sand Terriers are prone to sunburn. A sunscreen designed for infants is usually sufficient to combat this problem.

The Sand Terrier is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise. If you're a motorcycle enthusiast or love to rollerblade, the Sand Terrier will be happy to tag along. With enough exercise, they can adapt to apartment living, but are more suited to a large yard or even a farm.

This dog is extremely rare, making it difficult to find a breeder. You're more likely to find its cousin, the Chinese Crested, when looking for a dog with small hairs. If you're hoping to find an American Crested Sand Terrier, you'll need to do your homework and be patient.