The American hairless terrier used to be part of the rat terrier breed and was known formally as "Rat Terrier, Hairless Variety" by the United Kennel Club, and in 2004, it was given its own separate breed. In 1972, a hairless rat terrier was born in a normal litter. The owners, Edwin and Willie Scott were attracted to the way the pup looked and his temperament, and bred her in hopes that she would bear another hairless. In 1981, they were successful, and the foundation stock of the American hairless terrier was created. Some people mistake the American hairless for a hairless chihuahua.