While most picture a furry friend when they think of a canine companion, several wonderful hairless dog breeds are equally charming and full of personality! These pups stand out in a crowd and come with some delightful perks, like less shedding and minimal grooming needs. One of the most enigmatic and rare dog breeds in the world is the Abyssinian Sand Terrier. The Abyssinian sand terrier, also known as African hairless dog and African sand dog, were hairless dogs from Africa.
Dog parents love Terriers: Bostons, Westies, and Yorkshires have been America’s sweethearts for decades. But what about the Abyssinian Sand Terriers, though? To most canine fans in the US, these buds are a mystery.
There are no living examples of the Abyssinian Sand Terrier living in the Western world as pets. There might be examples still living in Africa as wild or feral dogs in the brush, but there are no Abyssinian Sand Terriers under human care that we know about.
This "breed" of dog is known for being “semi-wild”, meaning they tend to follow rather than live with the cattle breeders; though they occasionally serve as valuable companions on hunting trips. A number of early European accounts from Africa mention a small hairless dog.
It was described as fast moving with a short, sharp bark, and it was said to be either sandy-coloured or blue-black. Contemporary reports indicated that it may or may not have had a crest of stiff hair on its head and a tuft of hair on its tail, although photographs of it fail to show any hair. Three examples were brought to Britain in 1833 and were displayed at the London Zoo as Egyptian Hairless Dogs; a specimen dating from 1903 is preserved at the Natural History Museum at Tring in Hertfordshire, England.
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Xoloitzcuintli, a hairless dog breed from Mexico.
Origins and History
The exact origins of the mysterious Abyssinian Sand Terrier are not known. Abyssinian Sand Terriers are a very old dog breed, thought to originate in Eastern Africa. Abyssinia is now modern-day Ethiopia, but it is unclear if this is exactly where these dogs originated.
Old exploration logs from the colonial era mention Abyssinian Sand Terriers in detail and claim they used to exist in large numbers. There are old photos of Abyssinian Sand Terriers that still exist. Today, the breed is incredibly rare, even in Africa. In fact, they have been labeled as an extinct breed by some.
Abyssinian Sand Terriers were never the most popular dog breeds out there. In fact, these dogs were never really domesticated and were considered “semi-wild.”
These accounts of the African hairless dogs suggest that they were encountered across the continent. This lets us know that there have been more than a few canines on the African continent over the centuries that didn’t have any hair. According to the AKC, dogs with thick, double coats are more prone to overheating. It’s a survival tactic, not a “fashion choice” or the work of human breeders.
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Up until the 19th century, no Abyssinian Sand Terriers had stepped foot in Europe. That all changed in 1833 when the very first three African Hairless Dogs were exhibited at the London Zoo. Back then, they were known as the Egyptian Hairless Dogs. However, despite their exotic appearance, local dog fans didn’t like Abyssinian Sand Terriers that much. European breeders had a different take on that, though.
Characteristics and Temperament
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is one of the rarest and most mysterious dog breeds. They only sport hair on the top of their head and the very tip of their tails. Some Abyssinian Sand Terriers are completely hairless. That makes them highly unique. They are also incredibly rare.
Despite this, Abyssinian Sand Terriers were thought to be extremely calm. They were routinely described as peaceful or tranquil. Abyssinian Sand Terriers were eager to please and relatively intelligent. In fact, some people reported that the dogs would only bark if taught to do so by humans and given treats for doing so.
Often called the African Hairless Dogs, Abyssinians take a bit more time to adapt to new environments and warm up to their pet parents. However, once they find a new home and family, they are ready to protect them with everything they have. Sand Terriers are also very friendly and happy to fool around with other pets. Plus, they take little effort in grooming.
Cheerful, inquisitive, and energetic-that’s the best way to describe Abyssinian pups. They are not afraid to show their emotions and gladly bond with humans. So, if you adopt an Abyssinian Sand Terrier at a young age, don’t hesitate to be affectionate and encouraging with it. Treat the pooch right, and that will be the start of a beautiful friendship.
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Loyalty is something that runs deeply in any Terrier’s blood, and the African Hairless Dog is no exception to that rule. It is brave, bold, and highly protective of its family members. And, while it’s not the biggest doggo out there, this champ is strong enough to take down stray dogs, human burglars, and other threats. They like being around people they trust and don’t mind getting cozied up on the couch.
Intelligence is another thing that this breed has plenty of. Potty training, obedience training, and basic commands like “Sit”, “Stay”, and “Follow” come easy for it. Sometimes, Abyssinians can be a bit stubborn, anxious, and even aggressive. But that can be avoided via early socialization.
The calm nature of the Abyssinian Sand Terrier lends itself to getting along with both people and pets alike. They are not too big and did not show many signs of aggressive tendencies.
Dog breeds
Care and Training
The lack of fur also makes Abyssinian Sand Terriers prone to hypothermia. They wouldn’t do well in cold climates.
Abyssinian Sand Terriers are energetic, vigorous buds. You won’t have to spend the better half of the day exercising with them, though. To stay healthy, fit, and happy with their lives, they need approximately 30-45 minutes of activity (or up to an hour). It can be a jog, hike, or bicycle ride (Terriers like that a lot). To burn all that saved-up energy, you can introduce the dog to puzzles, try your hand at Fetch, or go with something a bit more physical like tug-of-war. Leaving the doggo alone for a long time will turn it into a restless beast with a loud bark, destructive tendencies, and anxious behavior. Thankfully, most families should be able to find around 30 minutes to play/exercise with the pup.
A gentle yet firm hand: that’s the only proper way to train an Abyssinian Sand Terrier. These dogs are very smart and quick to learn; however, they don’t always like to follow the rules. You can steer them in the right direction by being patient, supportive and rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement. We’re talking about verbal encouragement and tasty snacks. Start the training as early as possible.
This part’s easy: since African Hairless Dogs have little to no hair on their bodies, you won’t have to brush it. But that doesn’t mean you can skip grooming altogether. Terriers only need occasional baths, but moisturizing sessions (to avoid dry skin) should always be a part of the routine. Also, because these pups have no coat, you should always keep a warm sweater ready for the cold days. And how about taking the Abyssinian Sand Terriers to a professional groomer? It might not be the best experience for the dog. It will likely feel uncomfortable when handled by a stranger.
This hardy dog breed has been surviving the unforgiving climate of Western Africa for hundreds, if not thousands of years. And the lack of hair doesn’t make it weak; instead, it helps Abyssinian Sand Terriers handle the heat. Generally speaking, these buds are quite healthy and resilient but can still get sick or infected. Regular vet visits will help keep the doggo healthy.
If you’ve set your eyes on the Abyssinian Sand Terrier yet aren’t 100% sure about the dog’s sex, here are some things to keep in mind. Like most canines, Abyssinian Sand Terriers males are bigger, stronger, and more aggressive. On top of that, they’re less welcoming to strangers, especially when they try to step foot (or, rather, paws) into their territory. They tend to be more well-mannered, well-tempered, and not as rambunctious. More than that, the ladies aren’t very stubborn and follow commands willingly. Now, male Abyssinians are also quite docile and eager to please, but it will take more training sessions to establish authority over them.
Abyssinian Sand Terriers would need moderate amounts of exercise. As curious dogs, they enjoyed playtime and new situations.
Abyssinian Sand Terriers would be far more prone to catching skin related diseases than other dogs, including mange, allergies, dry skin, skin cancer, sunburn, and more.
Family Life and Sociability
Originally, Abyssinian Sand Terrier Dogs used to be semi-wild animals. Instead of turning into domestic pets and living side-by-side with local farmers and breeders, they preferred to “tag along”. However, Abyssinian Sand Terriers have changed over the years, and today, they’re more than happy to become trusted companions to the right humans. So, if you were a bit hesitant about welcoming such a doggo into your home, we’re happy to say that they make amazing family pets.
Another big pro: since these canines have very little hair, they don’t shed. Therefore, people who love dogs yet have severe allergic symptoms (red, itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose) might find these champs to be a great choice. For the most part, yes, African Hairless Dogs are friendly toward children. They’re rather patient and tolerant dogs and won’t lose their temper in the blink of an eye. But, since children can be unpredictable, it’s highly recommended to provide supervision every single time the dog interacts with your kids. This way, it will see them as family members. Still, no matter how strong the bond is or how docile and obedient the dog might be, leaving it one-on-one with children should always be out of the question.
The fact that these dogs come from a foreign country doesn’t mean they’re going to be hostile toward fellow canines. Just like any other dog, the Abyssinian will benefit greatly from early socialization. If you introduce it to new faces every single day while it’s still a pup and invest in obedience training, you’ll be able to turn it into a friendly, sweet-tempered, and stress-free adult. Often, aggression is a sign of fear. And it will take a lot more time and effort to change its behavior. That’s why adopting a puppy is preferred.
The Abyssinian Sand Terriers might not be very welcoming to cats and other small creatures (due to a slightly above-average prey drive), but they can have healthy relationships with them if raised properly. With other dogs, you could see some “turf wars”.
It is thought that the Abyssinian Sand Terrier would make a good family dog, if they do still exist and could be fully domesticated. They were thought to be quiet, calm, and friendly.
Chinese Crested dog.
Diet and Nutrition
Despite their exotic origins, Abyssinian dogs aren’t at all picky when it comes to food. Just like any other doggo, they rely on premium-quality food to grow, build muscles, and stay fit. Always check the ingredients and make sure there are no “fillers”, as they won’t have a high nutritional value. And one more thing: while the African Sand Dog might not necessarily be prone to obesity, you should still be conscious about how much food you let it eat. Going over the recommended daily calorie intake will put pressure on the joints, make the dogs weaker, and increase the risk of various medical conditions. Bloat can also become a part of the picture.
Abyssinian Sand Terriers existed in their highest numbers in a time before traditional dog foods.
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier Today
There are slim chances that you might be able to find these dogs still in existence in rural parts of the African continent. That means that getting your hands on an Abyssinian Sand Terrier is essentially nil.
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier has never been formally recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any other kennel clubs. This is due to the fact that no one knows for sure if they even still exist.
According to various compendiums of dog breeds, there are no readily available examples of living Abyssinian Sand Terriers. In the West, where dog breeds are heavily tracked, traded, and loved, there is no Abyssinian Sand Terrier known to be under human care. There are also no known breeders of Abyssinian Sand Terriers.
Some experts even believe that there aren’t any purebred African Hairless Dogs left anymore. You could, of course, try some local shelters, rescue organizations, and breeders, but that probably won’t get you anywhere. Instead, much like Brazilian Mastiffs, these exotic pets mostly live in their homeland. For Abyssinians, that’s West Africa. Even then, it will take time to find a puppy, and it won’t be cheap.
Interesting Facts
Abyssinian Sand Terriers are surrounded by a cloud of mystery not only in the US but also in West Africa, where they’re originally from. Many locals believe that these dogs are magical and have healing powers. Well, while that might not necessarily be true, a loyal, affectionate doggo can make the right owner happy, and that is a true superpower.
We mostly know this breed as the Abyssinian or African Hairless Dog, but people around the world also call them Egyptian or Zulu dogs.
Genetic studies of hairless dog breeds and the Abyssinian Sand Terrier have shown a strong connection between the hairless gene. That means that even if the Abyssinian Sand Terrier is extinct, their genes live on in other common hairless dogs.
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While many people today value dog breeds for their potential as family companions, many dogs were bred for a specific job or adapted out of a certain environment. Native Abyssinian Sand Terriers were what many people call “semi-wild.” They did not live inside with their people, but they would follow them around as they worked outside. Abyssinian Sand Terriers would accompany people on hunting trips and accompany shepherds on long walks with their herds.
Final Thoughts
There’s very little not to like about Abyssinian Sand Terriers. If you can get your hands on one (they are among the rarest canine breeds), you’ll be blessed with a faithful, capable, and protective doggo with a beautiful heart. These dogs do not need you to babysit them or spend big bucks on grooming tools, food, or meds. They put family first and thrive on healthy relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Abyssinian Sand Terriers will enjoy every game, exercise, or fun activity you throw their way. Be gentle, though, and go slow, as they can be stubborn.
More good news: Abyssinians are low-maintenance dogs. Since they don’t have much hair, you won’t ever have to deal with shedding or blowing. Next, a 40-minute exercise will be enough to keep your furry friend physically and mentally stimulated.
Summing up, while Abyssinian Dogs might be the closest thing to an urban legend, they’re very much real.
