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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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American Hairless Terrier dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

American Hairless Terrier Size and Weight

Size
Is an American Hairless Terrier small, medium or large dog?

How big do American Hairless Terrier get?

What is the average size of an American Hairless Terrier?

Small
Weight
How much does the American Hairless Terrier weigh? How much should an American Hairless Terrier weight? What is the normal weight of an American Hairless Terrier? How much does a full-grown American Hairless Terrier weight?
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
How much does the American Hairless Terrier puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an American Hairless Terrier in the United States? How much money is an American Hairless Terrier?

Where to buy an American Hairless Terrier with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the American Hairless Terrier? Is the American Hairless Terrier breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are American Hairless Terrier dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an American Hairless Terrier?
American Hairless Terrier dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is American Hairless Terrier good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
American Hairless Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do American Hairless Terrier dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the American Hairless Terrier have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The American Hairless Terrier is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do American Hairless Terrier dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my American Hairless Terrier bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is American Hairless Terrier good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an American Hairless Terrier in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: American Hairless Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an American Hairless Terrier be left alone? How long can you leave an American Hairless Terrier alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the American Hairless Terrier has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an American Hairless Terrier? How much bite force does an American Hairless Terrier have? How strong is an American Hairless Terrier bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do American Hairless Terrier bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the American Hairless Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a American Hairless Terrier? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the American Hairless Terrier do?
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.

American Hairless Terrier Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do American Hairless Terrier dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The American Hairless Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the American Hairless Terrier breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the American Hairless Terrier see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do American Hairless Terrier dogs live? How old can a American Hairless Terrier be? What is the age limit of the American Hairless Terrier? How many years can the oldest American Hairless Terrier live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an American Hairless Terrier?

How long is the lifespan of an American Hairless Terrier?

14-16 years
The average lifespan of American Hairless Terrier: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

American Hairless Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the American Hairless Terrier have? What is the activity level of the American Hairless Terrier?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an American Hairless Terrier need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an American Hairless Terrier breed eat per day? What is good dog food for American Hairless Terrier? How much food should I feed my American Hairless Terrier?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? American Hairless Terrier risk for obesity:
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.

American Hairless Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the American Hairless Terrier have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Hairless
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper American Hairless Terrier coats?
Black White SpottedSpeckled
Grooming
How to groom the American Hairless Terrier and how often? How often should I take my American Hairless Terrier to the groomer?
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the American Hairless Terrier need a bath? How often should you give an American Hairless Terrier a bath? Can I bathe my American Hairless Terrier every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the American Hairless Terrier breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the American Hairless Terrier drool?
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.

American Hairless Terrier Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do American Hairless Terrier dogs get along with other pets? Are American Hairless Terrier dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are American Hairless Terrier dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? American Hairless Terrier temperament with children:
American Hairless Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can American Hairless Terrier be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can American Hairless Terrier be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a American Hairless Terrier be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can American Hairless Terrier be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can American Hairless Terrier be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can American Hairless Terrier be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can American Hairless Terrier be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where American Hairless Terrier dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

American Hairless Terrier Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an American Hairless Terrier pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the American Hairless Terrier breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the American Hairless Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can the American Hairless Terrier breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an American Hairless Terrier have? How many puppies can an American Hairless Terrier give birth to?
3-5 puppies

American Hairless Terrier Recognition

AKC Group
Is American Hairless Terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2016 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group
Is American Hairless Terrier recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

American Hairless Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: American Hairless Terrier dogs are easy to train.
  • Apartment Friendly: 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.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The American Hairless Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Child Friendly: 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
  • Hypoallergenic: American Hairless Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The American Hairless Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
  • Mouthiness: 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.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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