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American Hairless Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about American Hairless Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an American Hairless Terrier? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

American Hairless Terrier Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an American Hairless Terrier? Learn how big the American Hairless Terrier breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does an American Hairless Terrier weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the American Hairless Terrier breed.
5-16 pounds (2.5-7 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an American Hairless Terrier?
10.5 pounds (2.6 kg)
Height
How tall is the American Hairless Terrier? American Hairless Terrier height:
7-16 inches (18-41 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an American Hairless Terrier?
11.5 inches (29.5 cm)

American Hairless Terrier Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an American Hairless Terrier puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting American Hairless Terrier costs.
$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the American Hairless Terrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a American Hairless Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the American Hairless Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a American Hairless Terrier? How many American Hairless Terrier are there in the world?
Frequent: The American Hairless Terrier is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

American Hairless Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an American Hairless Terrier? Discover the American Hairless Terrier's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The American Hairless Terrier ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an American Hairless Terrier? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's trainability and response to training methods.
American Hairless Terrier dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an American Hairless Terrier as a watchdog? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's alertness and guarding instincts.
American Hairless Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is an American Hairless Terrier protective of its territory? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's guarding instincts and behavior.
American Hairless Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

American Hairless Terrier Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an American Hairless Terrier have? Learn about characteristic American Hairless Terrier temperament and behavior traits.
PlayfulLovingAlertIntelligentLivelyInquisitive
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? American Hairless Terrier sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. American Hairless Terrier dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an American Hairless Terrier a good family dog?
Average to High: American Hairless Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the American Hairless Terrier need? American Hairless Terrier social needs:
American Hairless Terrier dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the American Hairless Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does American Hairless Terrier roam?
American Hairless Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does American Hairless Terrier have high prey drive?
American Hairless Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that American Hairless Terrier dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

American Hairless Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an American Hairless Terrier bark a lot? Learn about typical American Hairless Terrier vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The American Hairless Terrier rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an American Hairless Terrier? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the American Hairless Terrier breed.
The American Hairless Terrier is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an American Hairless Terrier live in an apartment? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's suitability for apartment living.
Apartment-friendly dog the American Hairless Terrier breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

American Hairless Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an American Hairless Terrier to lifestyle changes? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's flexibility to new situations.
Average: American Hairless Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an American Hairless Terrier be left alone? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's tolerance to solitude.
American Hairless Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

American Hairless Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an American Hairless Terrier biting potential? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The American Hairless Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an American Hairless Terrier mouthy? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's tendency to use mouth during play.
American Hairless Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but American Hairless Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an American Hairless Terrier bite? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

American Hairless Terrier bite force: Weak. The American Hairless Terrier bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force American Hairless Terrier measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of an American Hairless Terrier may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of American Hairless Terrier being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

American Hairless Terrier bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train an American Hairless Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, an American Hairless Terrier can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

American Hairless Terrier Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an American Hairless Terrier live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the American Hairless Terrier breed.
14-16 years
The average lifespan of American Hairless Terrier: 15 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an American Hairless Terrier handle different weather? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an American Hairless Terrier? Discover typical conditions affecting the American Hairless Terrier breed.
The American Hairless Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an American Hairless Terrier need vet visits? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The American Hairless Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

American Hairless Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an American Hairless Terrier? Understand daily activity needs of the American Hairless Terrier breed.
American Hairless Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an American Hairless Terrier need? How much exercise do American Hairless Terrier dogs require per day?

Do American Hairless Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

American Hairless Terrier dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the American Hairless Terrier breed need?
American Hairless Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

American Hairless Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an American Hairless Terrier prone to weight gain? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's obesity risks.
Low to Average: The American Hairless Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the American Hairless Terrier weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an American Hairless Terrier need daily? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's feeding requirements.
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

American Hairless Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
American Hairless Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an American Hairless Terrier come in? Discover all possible American Hairless Terrier color variations.
Black White SpottedSpeckled
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an American Hairless Terrier need? Learn about American Hairless Terrier coat maintenance requirements.
Advanced: The American Hairless Terrier requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your American Hairless Terrier a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your American Hairless Terrier, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does an American Hairless Terrier drool a lot? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's drooling habits.
The American Hairless Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the American Hairless Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the American Hairless Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an American Hairless Terrier smell bad? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's natural odor levels.

Medium

The American Hairless Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an American Hairless Terrier have? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's fur characteristics.
Hairless
Bathing Needs
How often does an American Hairless Terrier need baths? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's bathing requirements.
1-2 weeks
Very frequent. This breed has famously high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 1-2 weeks. All dogs have oils on their skin, but some breeds are greasier than others.

For example, oilier breeds may need to be bathed up to once a week. Because many of these breeds are short-haired, a nice brushing won’t do much to redistribute the oils, so while these oils do protect the dog’s skin from overdrying, they can carry a pretty pungent odor.

Shedding Level
How much do American Hairless Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the American Hairless Terrier? Do American Hairless Terrier dogs shed a lot?
American Hairless Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. American Hairless Terrier dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.

American Hairless Terrier Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an American Hairless Terrier good with children? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's behavior around kids of different ages.
American Hairless Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an American Hairless Terrier get along with other pets? Discover the American Hairless Terrier's compatibility with other animals.
American Hairless Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? American Hairless Terrier temperament with other people:
American Hairless Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do American Hairless Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the American Hairless Terrier breed live with a cat?
American Hairless Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is American Hairless Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do American Hairless Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
American Hairless Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is American Hairless Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is American Hairless Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
American Hairless Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are American Hairless Terrier dogs good office canines? Do American Hairless Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
American Hairless Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do American Hairless Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the American Hairless Terrier temperament with senior people? Are American Hairless Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
American Hairless Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

American Hairless Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an American Hairless Terrier be a service dog? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

American Hairless Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an American Hairless Terrier good as a therapy dog? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

American Hairless Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an American Hairless Terrier good at detection work? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

American Hairless Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an American Hairless Terrier do search and rescue? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The American Hairless Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an American Hairless Terrier good on boats? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's maritime capabilities.

Not really

American Hairless Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an American Hairless Terrier pull carts? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

American Hairless Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an American Hairless Terrier used in military service? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

American Hairless Terrier Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an American Hairless Terrier usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an American Hairless Terrier pregnant? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female American Hairless Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an American Hairless Terrier have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

American Hairless Terrier Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an American Hairless Terrier in? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2016 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an American Hairless Terrier in? Learn about the American Hairless Terrier's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

American Hairless Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: American Hairless Terrier dogs are easy to train.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Apartment-friendly dog the American Hairless Terrier breed.
  • Shedding Level: American Hairless Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The American Hairless Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The American Hairless Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Child Compatibility: American Hairless Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: American Hairless Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: American Hairless Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: American Hairless Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The American Hairless Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
  • Mouthing Tendency: American Hairless Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: American Hairless Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: American Hairless Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: American Hairless Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.

American Hairless Terrier History

The American Hairless Terrier is a newly developed breed, originating from the United States of America, less than 50 years ago. Thanks to the breed’s recent development, the breed’s history is well-documented. The breed is a direct descendant of the Rat Terrier.

The breed’s antecedent, the Rat Terrier, has been around since the 1800s. They were created in England, for the same purpose as many Terrier breeds, in order to control the rats and other rodent populations in the towns. Most of the Terrier breeds were also employed on farms and in the infamous rat pits, where spectators bet on the number of rats, that their most favored Terriers could kill. In the late 1800s, Terriers were brought to America by British immigrants. Around the middle of the 1950s, the breed was crossed with the Smooth Fox Terrier, in order to perfect the breed.

Much later, in 1972, in Trout, Louisiana, a mutation occurred in a litter of American Rat Puppies owned by the Scott family, resulting in an unexpected hair loss in a female specimen called Josephine, she was the first terrier missing hair recorded in history. This female specimen was bred many times with the intention of creating more unique hairless puppies. Unfortunately, the Scott family couldn’t produce more, the majority of the puppies did not exhibit this unique, hairless trait. Surprisingly, eight years later, Josephine gave birth to a pair of hairless puppies named, Snoopy and Jemima. In 1983, Snoopy was bred to his sister and this litter successfully produced several hairless offspring, thus a new breed, the American Hairless Terrier was born. They continued to breed some specimens of the American Hairless Terriers with the Rat Terriers, with the intention of making the DNA base and the breed pool as healthy as possible. The Scott family founded a dog kennel for the breed called Trout Creek Kennel, where the siblings were mated with each other, and their offspring sold all over the world.

The UKC (United Kennel Club) recognized the Rat Terrier relatively late, in 1999.  At that time, the American Hairless Terriers were included in the same category as their ancestor, nonetheless, the Scott family worked tirelessly with the aim to separate the two breeds. Consequently, they formed the AHTA (American Hairless Terrier Association). In 2004, the UKC finally recognized the American Hairless Terrier as a distinct breed, and the AKC (American Kennel Club) followed in 2016 with the registration. While maintaining the Terrier’s natural prey drive, it is widely known that the American Hairless Terrier should not be used as a working breed, due to the lack of protection on their thin skin. Therefore, the breed is mostly enjoyed as a family pet.

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American Hairless Terrier Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Sofey the animal lover

    Apr 1, 2020, 5:05:47 PM:

    super loving and adorable so cute and preciose