Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison

Derived 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.

Known also as the Great Anglo-Francais, White and Black Hound or the Grand Anglo, the Francais Blanc et Noir is one of several breeds of hounds.

The dog was bred by crossing French scenthounds with English Foxhounds.The Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir has always been used for hunting. As a scenthound, hunting was always done in packs and he thrilled at the chase.

The large dog originates in France and is recognized by the French Kennel Club as well as the Federation Cynologique Internationale.The purpose of this breed standard is to provide guidelines for breeders wishing to maintain the quality of their breed, but to also improve it.

The 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.

The Grand Anglo – Francais Blanc et Noir is a big, powerful dog standing at 62 – 72cm and weighing 27 - 32kg. His chest is broad and deep.

The head is flat and broad, the nose black with gentle looking brown eyes. The coat is short and dense for protection and the coloring is black and white. There is a tan dot above each eye. The ears are floppy. The tail is long and tapers down to a slender point.

Temperament:

As a superb hunting dog, this breed lives for the hunt and loves nothing more than to be chasing its prey. The dog has an excellent sense of smell and can track prey in all kinds of terrain.

Although the dog has a stable temperament, he isn’t recommended as being kept solely as a pet, even though he is gentle with children. Maybe its because he has a more serious personality and would prefer to live with active, sport-loving adults than having to contend with the antics of children.

He also isn’t the best dog to have around other small pets as he is so prey-driven he may well be aggressive towards them.

He isn’t a city-loving dog and with his high energy levels he is best suited to properties with large gardens or to farm life. While he will bark and alert you to strangers, he won’t make a particularly good watchdog as he isn’t aggressive.

This 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.

Essentially known as a pack dog, the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir isn’t going to do well with anyone who lazes on the couch all day.

He is energetic and driven, and will develop all kinds of behavioral issues if not properly and adequately exercised.

Fitting into a household where hunting is part of the lifestyle will be ideal for him, loving the outdoors and the stimulation that comes from hunting with other dogs.

Provide him with an outdoorsy, active owner and this hunting dog will ensure that he is your loyal and loving companion.

There 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.

Capable of reaching 10 to 12 years of age when looked after well, there aren’t any specific health issues with this dog. He is likely to experience one or two issues that other dogs have to contend with as well.

There are one or two diseases that you want to be aware of -

Ear Infections:

This dog has long, floppy ears and this means that air doesn’t reach inside the ears properly. He is therefore prone to ear infections. After he has been swimming, dry his ears gently inside.

Hip Dysplasia:

Unfortunately this is a disease that can strike even when your Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir is a puppy. Hips which aren’t formed properly can cause stiffness, pain and lameness in your pet.

The 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.

Grooming:

With his short coat and being an average shedder, the Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir is an easy dog to groom, requiring a brush twice a week.

Check his ears inside and out, particularly if he goes swimming. Excess moisture in the ear can encourage bacteria and ear infections. See that his nails are trimmed and remember to check his teeth for dental disease which can cause ill health generally.

Exercise:

As a hunting dog, he will need a good deal of exercise. He won’t be content to just go for a walk once a day, but will want something more hectic such as joining you as you go hiking, cycling, swimming or jogging.

Diet:

As a scenthound, your Grand Anglo – Francais Blanc et Noir is always out and about sniffing around looking for a tasty treat, but with these active dogs, the secret is to small, frequent meals as apposed to 1 or 2 large meals.

It is important to see he gets a nutritionally complete balanced diet that gives him slow release energy. Check with your vet if you’re unsure what to feed him. You want to avoid foods high in fillers, colorants and preservatives.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods for high energy dog,s but make sure to go for the best brands. You can mix his kibble with some raw meat occasionally and also give him cooked brown rice, chicken and vegetables. He’ll need a constant supply of fresh, cool water.