The American Hairless Terrier's American ancestry begins with the mixed breed terriers calledFeistsbrought from Europe to North America as early as the 18th century. In the late 1800s, theRat Terrierbreed was developed from the Feist by the addition ofBeagle,Italian Greyhound, andMiniature Pinscherbloodlines.
The distinct American Hairless Terrier breed began in 1972 when one hairless puppy named Josephine appeared in a Rat Terrier litter in the state of Louisiana, United States. Owners Edwin and Willie Scott liked the dog's look and temperament, and upon maturity bred her hoping to reproduce the hairless quality. They were eventually successful; a litter produced in 1981 provided the foundation stock of the breed.