American Hairless Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

3.2-6.4 kg

Height

25-46 cm

Lifespan

14 -16 years

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About the American Hairless Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

This very unique looking dog is the cutest little companion dog for any family or individual. They are small and hairless and are known as the first hairless breed to be indigenous to the United States.

They are an affectionate breed and because they do not shed much they can lay with you in bed without having to worry about the after-effects.

Getting to know what to expect from your dog before getting it is very important. Continue reading for everything you need to know about the feisty American hairless terrier.

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What is the history & origin of the American Hairless Terrier?

When looking at the origin and history of the American Hairless Terrier we must look at its parent breed, the Rat Terrier.

They date back to the 1800s when they were specifically developed to exterminate rats. They were working dogs and were used on farms in England.

They were introduced to America by farmers who moved from England looking for a better life.

Rat terriers were originally named “feists” because of their feisty nature. It was only after they were made popular by President D. Roosevelt, who had one of his own and coined the name Rat Terrier.

In 1972 a completely hairless puppy with pink skin was born to otherwise normal rat terriers. Which was at the time considered a major mutation and was very much unplanned.

By 1983 two hairless terriers were put together to create this new breed of American Hairless Terriers which was the start of the development of this breed today.

The American Hairless Terrier breed club was created in 2009 and by 2011 the American Kennel Club (AKC) added this breed to its Foundation Stock Service.

It was officially recognised by AKC in 2016.

What is an American Hairless Terrier breed?

The American Hairless Terrier is the first and only hairless breed indigenous to the United States of America.

It was developed by accident and has since become a popular companion dog to many. They are purebred dogs who are known for displaying great affection to their pet parents.

Who is an American Hairless Terrier best for?

If you are looking for a small dog with a feisty personality then the American hairless terrier is the dog for you!

As they have little to no hair you would not have to worry about cleaning hair off of your furniture or clothes at any point. Their hairlessness also comes in as an advantage for allergy sufferers as they are hypoallergenic.

Due to their fun size, these dogs will thrive in an apartment setting, provided you give them sufficient physical stimulation. They are known to be quite affectionate towards their pet parents and so cuddles are inevitable with this breed.

Although feisty they get along well with strangers and children, so if you are looking for a family pet keep the American hairless terrier in mind.

It is safe to say that although this breed came about by accident they tick all of the boxes making them suitable for all types of environments.

American Hairless Terrier Grooming & Shedding

It is important to note that this breed has both a coated hairless terrier and a completely hairless terrier.

They have unique in their appearance and can be either sable, blue, black, brindle, brown or red. Their shiny coat can sometimes have a mix of these colours or just be a solid colour. They have v-shaped ears and are categorised as small dogs.

They do have very little grooming needs and do not require being brushed. They are probably the most low maintenance dogs to have!

Your biggest concerns here are to brush their teeth daily and cut their nails a few times a month. It is also recommended to bathe them once or twice a week.

Even though they have little to no hair they can shed some dander. Having short coats means their skin is very much exposed and this will need most of the attention.

Let them wear protective clothing during cold and warm seasons. Applying sunscreen to their skin during warmer seasons will be beneficial as they do not have much protection from the sun.

Letting them wear booties and even hats will not only provide them with warmth during cold weather but also add to their cuteness!

Do American Hairless Terriers bark a lot?

When it comes to barking the American hairless terrier is not afraid to use its voice. They may be small but their personality is not.

These little yappers have a strong hunting instinct and can be protective, so if they sense danger or any type of threat you will be sure to hear them.

American hairless terriers do not do well when left alone and will bark incessantly to let everyone know how much they dislike it. So spending time with them before you leave as well as when you get back would help. Giving them toys to keep them busy is a good idea too.

There is nothing that early socialization and training can’t fix to help you get your dog to stop barking. It is of course best to start these processes when they are puppies to avoid this kind of behaviour when they get older.

What is the average weight & height of an American Hairless Terrier dog?

The American hairless terrier stands at 25 cm – 46 cm tall with a weight of 3.2 kg – 6.4 kg and they are categorised as small-sized dogs.

Are American Hairless Terriers easy to train?

This dog breed needs training as they can very quickly become destructive due to some of their personality traits.

Training, however, should not be a gruelling process for you or your dog and should instead be a chance to have fun and bond.

Obedience training for instance can take many forms and because they are an intelligent as well as high energy breed it should certainly not be boring. They can learn basic training with ease and love to make their pet parents happy.

They can also be trained for dog sports as their high energy and agility give them the upper hand. They may not be good for running sports but they are definitely suitable for earth dogging and nose work. Especially since they have natural hunting instincts.

How do American Hairless Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

This is what you can expect from your American Hairless Terrier:

Active terrier
Highly intelligent
Friendly dog to strangers, children, other dogs and other animals
Love to dig
Prone to barking
Protective dogs
Affectionate dogs
Can be feisty
Easy to train

Does the American Hairless Terrier have any common health issues?

This breed is predisposed to some sicknesses and diseases and is especially prone to sunburn because of its extremely short coat.

Here is a list of the health problems according to the breed club:

Cushing’s Disease: A hormonal disorder that can lead to various health issues.
Patella Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates, affecting mobility.
Deafness: This breed may be prone to hearing loss.
Dental Problems: Dental issues can arise, so regular dental care is important.
Hip Dysplasia: A joint issue that can cause pain and mobility problems.
Demodectic Mange: A skin condition caused by mites, leading to hair loss and irritation.
Skin Conditions: Various skin issues can occur, often related to allergies or infections.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A hip joint disorder that can cause lameness.
Microvascular Dysplasia: A liver condition that can affect blood flow.
Liver Shunt: An abnormal blood flow that can lead to serious health issues.
Allergies: This breed may be prone to environmental or food allergies.
Thyroid Problems: Issues with thyroid function can affect overall health.

What is the lifespan of an American Hairless Terrier?

American hairless terriers have a life expectancy of 14 -16 years. Keep your dog healthy and happy and they will live a long life.

How much does an American Hairless Terrier need to be fed?

You should be feeding your American hairless terrier a high-quality dry feed at the recommended portion for their size.

This should be half a cup of dog food twice a day for the average-sized hairless terrier. They are prone to gaining weight so it is best to only feed them at their scheduled eating times instead of leaving their food out.

It is always best to consult a veterinarian on what the best eating plan is for your dog.

How much can you expect to pay for an American Hairless Terrier in Australia?

There are many financial factors to take into consideration when looking at owning a dog. Not only do you have to think about how much the dog costs but you also have to think about costs over time.

The average cost of owning an AHT is $1 000 per year.

American Hairless Terrier FAQs

Is the American Hairless Terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

American hairless terriers are ideal for first-time dog owners as they are fairly easy to care for. This does not mean that caring for them will not come with its challenges. Although are easy to train they are known to have a big personality.

Give them your time and your love and your relationship with them will thrive.

Is the American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic if they are hairless?

Even though they are called hairless, they still have a coat. No dog is completely hypoallergenic but some are less likely to trigger allergies in humans. The American hairless terriers are one of those breeds.