American Hairless Terrier

also known as AHT

Pros History


The American Hairless Terrier is a relatively new dog breed that originated in the United States. This breed is known for its hairless appearance, small size, and energetic personality. The American Hairless Terrier has a brief but interesting history that dates back to the 1970s.

The origins of the American Hairless Terrier can be traced back to the early 1970s, when a hairless puppy named Josephine was born in a litter of Rat Terriers in Louisiana. The puppy's owners, Edwin and Willie Scott, recognized the uniqueness of the hairless gene and decided to breed Josephine with a coated Rat Terrier in order to produce more hairless puppies. From this, the American Hairless Terrier breed was developed.

In the early years of the breed, the American Hairless Terrier was used primarily as a companion dog, but it was also used as a therapy dog and as a service dog for people with allergies. The breed's hairless feature made it a suitable pet for people with allergies to dog hair.

In 1981, the American Hairless Terrier Club was founded to promote and protect the breed. The breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1984, and later by the American Rare Breed Association in 2002.

During the early years of the breed, the American Hairless Terrier was not widely known, but as time went by, the breed's popularity began to grow. The American Hairless Terrier's unique hairless feature, small size and friendly personality made it an ideal companion dog, therapy dog, and service dog.

Breed Information


Type

Is American Hairless Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were American Hairless Terriers originally used for?

Ratter

Lifespan

How Long Do American Hairless Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for an American Hairless Terrier? How long can American Hairless Terriers live?

14-16 years

The average American Hairless Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 14-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

American Hairless Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown American Hairless Terrier?

What is the average height of an American Hairless Terrier? How big is an Purebred American Hairless Terrier height? American Hairless Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 12-16 inches (30.5 - 40.6 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm)
Female 12-16 inches (30.5 - 40.6 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm)
What is the average weight of an American Hairless Terrier? How much should American Hairless Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 12-24 pounds (5 - 11 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 13.0 pounds (6 kg) 18.0 pounds (8 kg)
Female 12-24 pounds (5 - 11 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 13.0 pounds (6 kg) 18.0 pounds (8 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do American Hairless Terriers get fat easily?

The American Hairless Terrier is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are American Hairless Terriers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the American Hairless Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an American Hairless Terrier personality? What are American Hairless Terrier dogs best known for?

Alert
Loving
Inquisitive
Lively
Intelligent
Playful

Shedding Level

Are American Hairless Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does an American Hairless Terrier Shed?

American Hairless Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an American Hairless Terrier dog?

The American Hairless Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do American Hairless Terriers come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are American Hairless Terriers descended from?

Terrier

Date of Birth

When were American Hairless Terriers first bred? How old is the American Hairless Terrier breed?

1970s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an American Hairless Terrier?

Terrier (AKC & UKC)

American Hairless Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are American Hairless Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can American Hairless Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can American Hairless Terrier coat be naturally?

Brindle
Brown
Black
Sable
Blue
Red

Coat Length

How long is an American Hairless Terriers coat?

The coat of an American Hairless Terrier falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The American Hairless Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an American Hairless Terrier?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an American Hairless Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can an American Hairless Terrier have in her first litter?

14-16 puppies per pregnancy

An American Hairless Terrier can have a litter of 14-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

American Hairless Terrier dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

American Hairless Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do American Hairless Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The American Hairless Terrier is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an American Hairless Terrier?

Patellar Luxation
Hemophilia
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Cushing's Disease
Teeth Issues
Liver Shunts

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to American Hairless Terriers?

Demodectic Mange
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Von Willebrand's Disease

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for American Hairless Terrier breed?

Blood Test
Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Skin Evaluation

American Hairless Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do American Hairless Terriers have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, American Hairless Terriers may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do American Hairless Terriers need socialization? How social are American Hairless Terriers?

American Hairless Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should American Hairless Terriers get?

The American Hairless Terriers a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an American Hairless Terrier have? Do American Hairless Terriers sleep a lot?

The American Hairless Terrier breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does an American Hairless Terrier drool a lot?

The American Hairless Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

American Hairless Terrier dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do American Hairless Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are American Hairless Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an American Hairless Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do American Hairless Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do American Hairless Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my American Hairless Terrier busy?

Play dates, Dog Parks, Walking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an American Hairless Terrier? How much energy does an American Hairless Terrier have?

Medium

American Hairless Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an American Hairless Terrier walk each week? How many miles should an American Hairless Terrier walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For American Hairless Terrier, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an American Hairless Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does an American Hairless Terrier need?

30 minutes

In general most American Hairless Terriers usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an American Hairless Terrier?

The American Hairless Terrier is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an American Hairless Terrier?

Weekly

American Hairless Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for American Hairless Terriers?

Pin Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an American Hairless Terrier eat?

1 cups

For an average 12-24 pound (5 - 11 kg) American Hairless Terrier feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an American Hairless Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of an American Hairless Terrier is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an American Hairless Terrier Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of an American Hairless Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

American Hairless Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an American Hairless Terrier?

American Hairless Terriers has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The American Hairless Terrier is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an American Hairless Terrier dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are American Hairless Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do American Hairless Terrier do well in apartments? Are American Hairless Terriers good indoor dogs?

The American Hairless Terrier is an apartment-friendly dog breed. They can do perfectly well in apartments providing they are sufficiently exercised and taken out and about as part of their owner's daily lifestyle.

Child Friendly

Are American Hairless Terriers good with kids? Are American Hairless Terriers good around children?

American Hairless Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are American Hairless Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are American Hairless Terriers good with cats? How friendly American Hairless Terriers are toward cats?

American Hairless Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do American Hairless Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are American Hairless Terriers OK with other dogs?

American Hairless Terriers are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do American Hairless Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are American Hairless Terriers friendly with strangers?

American Hairless Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do American Hairless Terriers like to play? Are American Hairless Terriers playful?

American Hairless Terriers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older American Hairless Terrier for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are American Hairless Terrier easily trained?

American Hairless Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Minimal to no shedding
    American Hairless Terriers are a dog breed that has minimal to no shedding.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The risk of overweight in American Hairless Terriers is generally low to average.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Suitable for people with allergies
  • Apartment Friendly
    Living in an apartment is a good fit for American Hairless Terrier breeds.
  • Intelligent
    Easy to train, suitable for obedience and agility training
  • Rarely barks
    If you're in search of a quiet breed, this one may be a suitable option as they are known for being quiet.
  • Affectionate
    Loyal towards their owners, making them great companion dogs

Cons

  • Sun protection
    Requires extra care in protecting their skin from sunburn and sun exposure
  • Not suitable for office environment
    American Hairless Terriers are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Cold weather
    Not suitable for cold weather, as they don’t have hair to protect them from cold.