Dogo Cubano vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison

Dogo Cubano is originated from Cuba but American Hairless Terrier is originated from United States. Dogo Cubano may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than American Hairless Terrier. Dogo Cubano may weigh 34 kg / 75 pounds more than American Hairless Terrier. Dogo Cubano may live 6 years less than American Hairless Terrier. Dogo Cubano may have more litter size than American Hairless Terrier. Both Dogo Cubano and American Hairless Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

The Cuban Mastiff which came from Cuba, was developed from breeds of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and cattle dogs, with the breed being thought to be extinct since the end of the 19th century.

The Dogo Cubano had a number of roles to fulfill in its day and they were used for guarding stock, for dog fighting and for chasing runaway slaves. After the abolishment of slavery, the large dog had no real role and it died out.

Known also as the Cuban Mastiff or Mastin de Cuba, there isn’t much accuracy as to its origins, with the most common story for their origin being that they are descendants of the Molossus.

The dogs were later introduced into Western Europe, becoming fairly common in England and Spain. The dog was also was also mentioned in the works of canine authors Stonehenge and George Wood.

american hairless terrier - historyDerived from the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier was born in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972.

The evolution of this breed is very different from other hairless breeds. The American Hairless Terrier was independently developed when a hairless pup was produced in a litter of normal Rat Terriers. The owners of this pup, Edwin and Willie Scott attempted to breed her to other Rat terriers but were not successful in having another hairless pup until years later. Then they had a litter with one male and one female hairless puppy.

From that point on they worked with a veterinarian and a geneticist to develop the breed until it was accepted as a separate breed from the Rat Terrier in 2004 and accepted into the AKC in 2016.

The breed is very rare and with hairless dogs breeding only produces about two thirds of the litter as hairless and one third as coated. If a hairless is bred to a coated terrier, the chances of getting hairless puppies are 50% hairless and 50% coated. It is very rare to get a hairless when breed two coated terriers. The difference between the American Hairless Terrier and other hairless breeds is that the hairless gene in most breed is a lethal dominant gene, but in the AHT it is a recessive gene.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Cuba
United States
Height Male:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
18 - 45 cm
7 - 18 inches
Height Female:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
16 - 40 cm
6 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
2 - 10 kg
4 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Cuban Mastiff, Mastin de Cuba
AHT, American Hairless Rat Terrier
Colors Available:
brindle, Brown, fawn, tan
variety of colors and patterns (blue, black, brown, pink, sable and tan) with white
Coat:
Short and smooth
hairless, coated variety has a short dense coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Lively, Loving, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

The Dogo Cubano was generally similar to other Mastiffs and stood at rough 48 – 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 45kg.

He was a large dog, powerfully built, muscular and strong. Images of the dog show that it had strong, straight legs with a long tapering tail and medium-sized floppy ears that were sometimes cropped upwards and close to the head.

The dog breed came in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, fawn and brindle. The muzzle was broad and short and black. The dog had pronounced jowls with its face being fairly wrinkly.

Temperament:

This large dog was known for being a courageous, independent and aggressive dog. He became attached to his owner, showing protective characteristics .In those days the dog would have received simple training and certainly if such a large dog still existed today, it would have to receive training and socialization as well.

The Dogo Cubano was an intelligent dog and easily trainable, requiring an owner with a firm hand. Being an aggressive breed, the dog possibly wouldn’t have been the best companion for children. He also wouldn’t have got on too well with pets in the home as he was trained to be a fighter in his day. Independent and strong-willed, the dog would not have suited a novice dog owner.

american hairless terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Hairless Terrier is similar to it’s breed of origin, the Rat Terrier, and the coated AHT looks very much like a Rat Terrier. They are small to medium in size, very muscular and have more refined features than the Rat Terrier. Their round eyes can be a variety of colors including amber, brown, grey, turquoise and blue. The tail is not docked but rather long and thin.

The AHT might have eyebrows and whiskers or they might only have whiskers. Their head is broad, and wedge shaped with upright ears. They are an energetic, social and intelligent dog.

Characteristics

The Dogo Cubano was bred to be a guard dog as well as for dog fighting, but this large dog, with training and socialization, no doubt became a loyal and devoted family pet.

It was actually a social dog, being aggressive towards other dogs. He would be described as a dog better suited to a home with older children.

He was protective with his human family but not very active, being too big to be leaping around like other dog breeds. It is a pity that this large dog has disappeared as he had some good qualities.

american hairless terrier dog - characteristicsThis is a curious, intelligent, little dog. They are terrific family dogs with a note to say they are better with older children than with younger. If they are raised with small children, then they are terrific with them. They are territorial, and the children become part of their territory. They will guard and protect them.

They need to play, and this is the biggest requirement for owners. Be sure you have time for them. This is not a couch potato dog. They have a lot of energy and can be destructive and “barky” if that energy is not dissipated. They are terriers through and through and love to “go to ground” whether going in holes they find or digging the holes themselves. They will go after small rodents like chipmunks. They need to be protected in these activities since their skin is vulnerable to scratches and cuts from brush. Their prey drive is strong, so it is important to protect them from themselves in this respect.

They are curious and feisty and every inch the terrier. Affectionate, friendly, and social it is also important to remember they can be scared easily, hurt if play is too rough, and this will trigger barking. They make very good watch dogs.

Health Problems

The Dogo Cubano was a generally healthy breed, but just like with most other dog breeds, they were also prone to some of the more common dog problems. The chances of him getting sick were slim though.

When the dog first originated, there were unlikely to have been health clearance certificates, but today, you’d want health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The reason for this is that hip dysplasia is a heritable condition, seen more often in large dogs, where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly. The dog suffers with pain and discomfort and the condition can lead to lameness with the dog.

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a life threatening condition that affects large dogs like the Dogo Cubano and those with deep chests. The stomach is distended with gas and it can twist.

The gas can’t escape and blood flow is hindered. The dog vomits, is lethargic and weak, and immediate veterinary help will be required.

american hairless terrier puppies - health problemsThere are not many health problems bothering this sturdy little dog.

The American Hairless Terrier has limited breeding stock and it is still a rare breed. Its health problems are mostly related to its hairless state. The breed is highly susceptible to sunburn, rashes, pimples, and allergies. They often need clothing in all seasons to protect them from the heat of the sun or from the cold. The skin must be cleaned regularly often daily with soap and water. This is especially true if sunscreen is used as they are open to skin infections.

Hip dysplasia is also a common issue for this small breed.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

The Dogo Cubano was a large dog, so if he did become used to living in the city, he would have adapted better to life in the country.

He wasn’t a dog requiring too much exercise but he would have needed to go for walks. They were used as guard dogs long ago, and if he had been in existence today, you wouldn’t have been able to include him in your jogging and cycling as he was a dog that could easily overheat.

Diet:

Not all dogs require the same amount of food. Long ago the Dogo Cubano wouldn’t have had the same variety of dog foods available today. Maybe the dog in those days was fed the same kind of food that his owner ate.

Today, if these dogs were still around, they would require the best quality ‘large dog breed’ kibble.

The better the dog food, the more nourishing it is and the healthier the dog is. The Dog Cubano would likely have been a dog that drooled, leaving quite a bit of backwash in the water bowl, so it would have been important to wash out the drinking bowl and to regularly replace it with cool, fresh water.

american hairless terrier dogs - caringThe American Hairless Terrier has some food needs that might be different from other breeds. They should not be given food that contains soy, wheat or corn. They need to be fed at least 3-4 times a day in small amounts as puppies and twice a day as adult. Be sure to avoid overeating and obesity. Puppies need about 400 calories a day whether you feed four times or two times. The adult American Hairless Terrier needs about 500-600 calories per day. This might be half a cup to a cup per day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American Hairless Terrier has skin health issues and is also prone to hip dysplasia.

Exercise and games

This is a great breed for games if you make them small to match his size. He is energetic, athletic and playful. He loves agility, lure chasing and barn hunt activities. They need a good half hour of vigorous exercise per day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogo Cubano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. Dogo Cubano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Cubano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  10. Dogo Cubano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  11. Dogo Cubano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Dogo Cubano vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  13. Dogo Cubano vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  15. Dogo Cubano vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Dogo Cubano vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Dogo Cubano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Dogo Cubano vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Dogo Cubano vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  22. Dogo Cubano vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Cubano vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  25. Dogo Cubano vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Boston Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Jack Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Scottish Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Patterdale Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. American Hairless Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Terrier Miniature vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwich Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Norfolk Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Parson Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Feist vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Manchester Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Fox Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cesky Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnorkie vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Sealyham Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Chilean Fox Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds