American Hairless Terrier UK
dogs for allergy sufferers from Naked Heart Kennel

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Ihave been a dog and animal lover all my life, and have cared for all manner of pets; iguanas, snakes, chickens, ducks, marine fish and coral, just about everything. Living with allergies however has always restricted my choice of pets. I have always had problems with dogs and cats, because of the hair and dander. I did try to live with a Chinese Crested dog once, but my allergic reactions were too severe, even though he had very little hair.

I searched the Internet for about a year or so, looking for hairless pets; dogs, cats, rats or anything else. I eventually came across the American Hairless Terrier and read as much information as I could about the breed and it’s popularity with allergy sufferers. Could this breed be the one!

I got in touch with Michele Schuler, a breeder in Nicholson, Pennsylvania, USA. She was so very helpful with all the paperwork and procedures for importing a dog into the UK. I was soon the proud owner of a male new-born American Hairless Terrier. Many thanks to Michele for everything! Neo’s name comes from the movie “The Matrix”, the lead character is Neo, who is believed to be the answer to everything: “the one”.

Neo was born October 12, 2003, and arrived in the UK in April 2004. Unfortunately, due to import laws to the UK he had to spend his first six months in quarantine. The kennels are close enough to my home that I could visit him everyday. It was such an exciting time for me, playing with him, feeding him, bathing him. I was very committed to spending as much time as possible with him during these first months.

I was a little apprehensive about Neo spending time in the kennels, but the staff were excellent and all instantly fell in love with him. He really did have the best care and attention during his stay there: friendly caring staff every day and lots of visitors.

Spending time with Neo on a daily basis in the kennel was one thing, having him with me at home was another! When he first came home with me October ?? 2004 I was a little nervous, but I didn’t need to worry, my allergies played up a little for a week or so and then everything was fine.

Since then it’s been a dream come true. He is just perfect; loving, intelligent, playful and lively. As time goes by he becomes more and more confident with his surroundings. He loves his walks in the nearby forest; jumping around, collecting big sticks and having a paddle or swim in the ponds. Anything that moves doesn’t go unnoticed; dragonflies, leaves, flys, spiders. . .the list is endless.

Neo has changed my life. I imagine having a dog is like having a child, it is a very big commitment and since he is a very lively and playful dog, he craves constant attention and loving. I feel so lucky to have found this rare breed and I'm glad to give him a loving home.

The American Hairless Terrier or AHT was formerly a variant type of Rat Terrier. As of January 1, 2004 the American Hairless Terrier has been deemed a separate terrier breed.

Allergy | A damaging immune response by the body to a substance (esp. a particular food, pollen, fur or dust) to which it has become hypersensitive.

Asthma | An immune system disease that causes difficulty in breathing

Eczema | A skin irritation characterized by red, flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters.

Dander | is not the hair or fur of the animal, but is old skin scales which are constantly shed. Animal dander is extremely light weight and can stay airborne for hours.