American Hairless Terrier Breed Guide

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.

Who are American Hairless Terrier dogs 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.

How much grooming does a American Hairless Terrier need?

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 Terrier bark much?

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.

Do American Hairless Terrier bite?

American hairless terriers are not the type of breed to bite. Although they are protective and feisty they are not biters.

Puppies are generally going to nibble and bite on things as part of their learning and so giving them chew toys at this stage will help in redirecting these habits away from your expensive furniture and shoes.

If their biting persists as they get older, obedience training should take place to help them in understanding that biting is bad.

What is the temperament & personality of a American Hairless Terrier?

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

What is the weight & size of a American Hairless Terrier?

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

How much training does a American Hairless Terrier need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a American Hairless Terrier?

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:

• Crushing's disease

• Patella Luxation

• Deafness

• Dental problems

• Hip dysplasia

• Demodectic Mange

• Skin conditions

• Deafness

• Legg calve Perthes disease

• Microvascular dysplasia

• Liver Shunt

• Allergies

• Thyroid problems

What is the lifespan of a 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 should you feed a American Hairless Terrier?

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.

What is the price of a 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.