Dog Breeds: American Crested Sand Terrier

A little known breed, the American Crested Sand Terrier isn't actually American at all. In fact, it has its origins in Africa, which is why it is also known as the African Hairless Dog and the Abyssinian Sand Terrier. The 'sand' in the name refers both to the color of the fur and the aspect of the skin. The American Crested Sand Terrier was originally bred as a companion dog for African tribesmen. It also protected and even herded in some cases.

The history of this rare breed is a little spotty and incurs some debate. Some claim that the true Sand Terrier went extinct in the 19th century and that current dogs are an attempt to recreate the breed. Others are sure the modern Sand Terriers are true to the original breed and are simply descended from lines that were never actually extinct.

Because this dog has very little hair, they are good for people with mild dog allergies. They are also odorless and tend to be cleaner than your average dog. The American Crested Sand Terrier doesn't look at all like a terrier. Instead, it almost resembles the German Shepard, but with the face of a Pit Bull. The Sand Terrier is a smaller breed, typically standing no more than 21 inches tall and weighing no more than 40 pounds.

The Sand Terrier is almost completely hairless except for the head which has a tuft of upright 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 keep the skin from becoming too dry. Colors for this breed are many and varied. You will find black, bronze, chocolate, gray, mottled,  and the classic sandy color. Some dogs will have white spots, others may have black, some will be completely solid.

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

The Sand Terrier is an active breed, one that needs a lot of exercise. If you are an avid biker or you love to rollerblade, the Sand Terrier will happily run alongside. With enough exercise, they can adapt to apartment life, but they are more suited to a large yard or even a farm.

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