American Hairless Terrier: Your Complete Guide

A breed well-sought after by those afflicted with canine-related allergies, the American hairless terriers are fantastic characters. The breed excels as companions, notoriously kind and quick to comfort any open lap. They have a bright, amiable temperament that can make training a breeze as well.

However, they do come with a tendency to bark, and they may be hesitant with other dogs and smaller animals. They can also grow restless and chaotic if left unattended for too long or if the owner doesn’t provide sufficient attention.

Whether you are considering the breed for your home or want to learn more about the unique canines, this guide covers everything from their history to house training.

Quick Look at the American Hairless Terrier

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of American Hairless Terriers?

The agile, lithe breed came from a notable deviation in the state of Louisana in 1972. A concerningly hairless puppy was found in a litter of much more hirsute brothers and sisters. The dog showed no signs of medical affliction and, outside of its hairless body, was every bit the terrier its siblings were.

Seeing an opportunity, her owners, Willie and Edwin Scott, decided to breed the female dog to see if more hairless puppies would emerge. The puppies were all covered in the usual short coats of the rat terrier, with one notable exception. The owners had managed to get one more hairless dog from the new littler of terriers.

This was the last hairless dog the family would have for several years. After several litters came through filled exclusively with coat-carrying canines, the Scotts were beginning to doubt that they could find another hairless pup.

After years of trial and error, in 1981, two naked puppies showed up in a litter. The male and female dogs were then used to produce several new American hairless terriers, and a new breed was beginning to form.

The kennel clubs surrounding the dog saw it as a hairless alternative to the popular rat terrier. To give the dog a bit more respect among the enthusiasts of the day, the Scotts decided to make the American Hairless Terrier Association. While the distinction did not immediately catch on, the terrier-loving couple was eventually successful.

In 2004, the United Kennel Club officially accepted the breed, with the American Kennel Club following suit in 2016.

What Do American Hairless Terriers Look Like?

It should be made immediately clear that not all American hairless terriers are actually hairless. Some will sport a closely kept coat more similar to their rat terrier predecessor, which can come in various colors. Typically, their coats will be black, blue, brown, red, or silver, and they will always sport some white.

Hairless varieties will come equipped with a spattering of baby hair as they are born, which will slowly shed as they mature until they are entirely bare. Their skin, however, can sport many different colors and typically has various freckles and color blemishes that may increase in size over time.

They match the look of a rat terrier, with a slender, athletic frame and ears that can be floppy or firm.

What Size Is an American Hairless Terrier?

The breed is a small-sized dog that will rarely be above twenty pounds on average, though outliers grow to twenty-eight. However, they aren’t a toy breed and can stand around twelve to sixteen inches when fully grown. Folks looking for an allergy-friendly pooch that won’t knock them over will find a suitable companion in the diminutive terrier.

What Is an American Hairless Terriers Coat Type and Length?

American hairless terriers have a name that can be a bit misleading. While most will be bald by maturity, there are many hairless terriers with low-maintenance coats that are short and rarely shed. Because of their variation, it is important to know ahead of time what coat (or lack thereof) your terrier has.

If they do possess a coat, it will always be short and straight. This breed of dog with a coat will look more like rat terriers than their hairless siblings. The dog will fare poorly in colder temperatures regardless of their hair. Getting them acquainted with sweaters and similar clothing will help them contend with the winter chill.

What Is an American Hairless Terriers Temperament?

The American hairless terrier will typically not come with a coat, so they are more than happy to warm up next to an owner. The dogs are wonderfully affectionate, uniquely kind, and quite sharp. They live for the attention and companionship of their human family and will require daily walks to exhaust their inquisitive, spunky personality.

Are American Hairless Terriers Good With Kids?

Terriers are a type of dog that has become ubiquitous in the households of larger families. This isn’t a fluke; they are delightfully friendly to people of all sizes, and kids can’t help but fall for their friendly demeanor. They will sleep at the foot of any kid’s bed, play with them for hours, and follow their every step.

The American hairless terrier is exceptional for kids and highly recommended for hesitant households. That said, they are on the smaller side, so be mindful that kids are aware that the dog should be handled with a gentle hand.

Are American Hairless Terriers Good With Other Animals?

While they aren’t as easily agreeable with four-legged family members, they tend to get along well enough with other dogs. This can be improved even further with early introductions as the dog is maturing and getting used to other canines in adolescence.

Cat owners may have less luck with the breed. They have a built-in hunting gene from the breed’s history as prancing pest control specialists, which can cause them to bother shy or reserved felines. While they can coexist, people with cats may have their work cut out for them.

Are American Hairless Terriers Aggressive?

They may be hesitant to meet new people and get somewhat vocal, though they are not an aggressive breed by any stretch. They can be watchful and cautious around family, making them appear unfriendly, though this dissipates as the excitement of new people subsides.

The only thing to be wary of is their propensity to hunt down smaller creatures, such as rodents. Because of this, people with gerbils, hamsters, birds, or even some cats should monitor the two pets when they are in the same room. As for people, they are not a breed known for being mean or nipping at hands.

As a disclaimer, temperament can change quite a bit depending on the upbringing of a dog and its personality.

Do American Hairless Terriers Bark?

Like most small breeds, the terrier can get vocal, especially when doing the rounds and checking windows. They are far easier to teach than people may expect, however, and can be trained to be seen more than heard. They are also not nearly as vocal as some of the more notoriously loud breeds, such as their cousin, the Yorkshire terrier.

Are American Hairless Terriers Affectionate?

A recurring theme in this article will be the breed’s delightfully cozy attitude, which will have them snuggling up on a daily basis. They may be on the fence with newer people, though family members will have a constant companion that is happy to closely coexist throughout the better part of an afternoon.

Are American Hairless Terriers Intelligent?

The little dogs have surprisingly bright minds that will regularly impress and make them compatible with several different living situations. They are quick to learn and can adjust to most living conditions and tasks. Whether people are looking for a cuddly companion or a dog that can lessen the migration of mice come winter, the hairless terrier is capable of both and more.

Are American Hairless Terriers Energetic?

It would be misleading and incorrect to imply that the breed is the calm and collected type; they don’t run as rampant as other dogs. With daily walks or playtime of around half an hour or more, the dog should be content enough to avoid more unwanted activities. Similarly, a good bit of attention can go a long way to keep them more relaxed.

They are a good choice for people with more active lifestyles, though they may be unable to keep up with joggers due to their smaller size. They will be delighted to try, however.

Are American Hairless Terriers Easy to Train?

One of the more endearing quirks of the American hairless terrier is its pension for trying to be the boss of the relationship. Despite this, a bit of time and good training can make them easily able to learn most tricks. As previously discussed, they are quite clever on average and can pick up on vocal and physical commands with simplicity.

People looking to train an American hairless terrier would benefit from starting at an early age and making a habit of regular reminders. They can be energetic and infrequently willful, though they are some of the more capable four-legged students you will find.

Are American Hairless Terriers Good Watchdogs?

Plainly speaking, they are not going to make good guard dogs due to their size. As a watchdog, they bark at things humans may not even hear and will prove to be very perceptive. They can make good alarms for unseen activity, but there are more proficient dogs out there that can better handle the responsibility of guarding a home.

This breed has a higher chance of hearing issues than other breeds. If you plan to use them in a watchdog capacity, ensure their hearing isn’t diminishing over time.

As far as alerting owners and working exclusively as a watchdog, they are capable, loud, and easily perceive new sights and sounds. Their bark won’t scare anyone off, but it will alert everyone within earshot.

Are American Hairless Terriers Good Service Dogs?

As a disclaimer, almost all dog breeds can become service dogs if they match the ideal temperament for the position. American hairless terriers will excel in tasks that use their emotional awareness and empathy, such as mood changes for people with heavy anxiety or those suffering from frequent panic attacks.

The dog breed is also in a unique position where someone with allergies can be less wary of allowing an American hairless terrier into their home. A poodle or similar crossbreed can work more effectively for those who suffer from allergies and need a bigger breed for physical tasks.

How to Care for an American Hairless Terrier?

While they may have more exercise requirements than other dogs, their lack of fur can make grooming a far less intensive chore. They should still be reserved for patient people or those with experience owning dogs, as their strong will and abundant energy can prove frustrating for those not equipped to deal with it.

They are also entirely unprotected from sunlight and need sunscreen or clothing to protect their vulnerable exterior. This is paramount in the winter; the sun can affect their skin, and they will struggle to deal with unfavorable temperatures. Most hairless terrier owners will have a few pairs of doggy clothes to keep their buddies better protected.

Do You Need to Groom an American Hairless Terrier?

If you have a hairless terrier with a short coat, a soft weekly brushing will be sufficient. They will require baths fairly regularly, which needs to be done with some care. They can suffer from dry skin and may need lotion, and shampoo should be intended for breeds with vulnerable skin.

Like all dogs, they will require regular nail trimmings, which should be once a month at the least. Even the floppiest canine ears can trap dirt and dust; owners should look around their ears to ensure there is no redness or irritation after they come in for the day. Finally, the teeth of the dog should be regularly maintained to keep their dental health in check.

Do American Hairless Terriers Shed?

It doesn’t get better for those with allergies than the American hairless terrier. They are as hypoallergenic as a dog can be, though all canines will produce some amount of fur or dander that can irritate the senses and sinuses of those with allergies. That said, both the hairless and short-coated dogs will be agreeable to people with moderate allergies.

The short-coated variety will shed very rarely, and your clothes, carpet, and cushions will benefit as a result. The hairless terrier will not shed, though they can still irritate people who are severely allergic. Outside of allergies, they are reasonably low maintenance and will be fine for people who prefer a clean home.

What Health Problems Do American Hairless Terriers Have?

The breed is more likely to become overweight from dietary missteps than other canines, so portioned feeding that is in line with their size will go a long way. They can also have hearing loss, eventually leading to them becoming entirely deaf.

The common health problems of an American hairless terrier are:

• Patellar Luxation
• Hip joint bone degeneration
• Hypothyroidism
• Demodectic mange
• Hearing Loss

These are by no means guarantees, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent several of these afflictions. Regular vet checkups and a better understanding of a dog’s medical history can help prevent sickness.

How Long Do American Hairless Terriers Live?

The average hairless terrier will reach an age between thirteen and sixteen years. They are a smaller breed, which usually translates to somewhat longer lifespans. Before adopting any animal, try to get any information you can regarding their health background or the medical history of their parents.

What Should an American Hairless Terrier Eat?

Strict diets are very important for the American hairless terrier, as they can grow quite robust if they are not getting a steady, measured diet. Finding good-quality food meant for small or “smedium” breeds with active lifestyles is ideal, and it should be measured and distributed two times a day.

Is an American Hairless Terrier the Right Dog for Me?

[image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/american-hairless-terrier-outdoor-portrait-1774675583 alt text: american hairless terrier at attention]

The American hairless terrier is a kind, loving animal with several notable upsides. They have some downsides, however, such as their penchant for clothing and skin ointments, and their energy may be too much for some. Similarly, they can have a personality that doesn’t like to roll over, whether you command them to or not.

They typically grow to be loyal, eager to please, and entirely unforgettable. They are exceptional for large families and children, hypoallergenic, and can live in just about any abode in America. So, while they may be a handful for some, they can quickly become anyone’s favorite dog with some time, attention, and exercise.