In 1972, a completely hairless bitch pup was whelped in a litter of purebred Rat Terriers and adopted by Willie and Edwin Scott of Louisiana.

[1][2] Named Josephine, the bitch conformed to the Rat Terrier type in every way except for her coat, so the Scotts bred her.

[1][2] Originally registered as a hairless variety of Rat Terriers, eventually the Scotts adopted a different breed name for their unique line and established a separate breed club, the American Hairless Terrier Association.

[3] Because of their lack of hair, the breed is particularly susceptible to hypothermia in cold weather and sunburn in sunny conditions.

[1][2] Some American Hairless Terriers are born with coats; they are still recognised as examples of the breed.