American Hairless Terrier Dogs & Puppies
View Adoptable Pets for This BreedTerrier
12 to 16 pounds
12 to 16 inches
Terrier
Traits and Characteristics
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weight
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The American Hairless Terrier is a small, well-muscled and active terrier that can either be of the hairless or coated variety. Although the breed’s ancestors hunted rodents, the American Hairless Terrier is unsuited for hunting due to his lack of coat on the hairless variety. His keen hunting instinct, however, remains intact.
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Energy Level
Exercise Requirements
Playfulness
Affection Level
Friendliness to Dogs
Friendliness to Other Pets
Friendliness to Strangers
Watchfulness
Ease of Training
Grooming Requirements
Heat Sensitivity
Vocality
Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Temperament
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Like other terriers, the American Hairless Terrier is clever, energetic and intelligent, and relishes in playing, digging and chasing small game. The breed isn’t suitable for hunting due to his lack of coat, yet still has a strong prey drive. Because such, playtime is recommended on leash or in a fenced yard. Alert, inquisitive and active, the American Hairless Terrier gets along well with children, dogs and other pets. He thrives on companionship and affection with his human family. Intelligent, eager to please and readily trainable, the breed is enthusiastic about activities with his owner and does well in agility and obedience competition.
Upkeep
The American Hairless Terrier can be one of two varieties: hairless with whiskers and eyebrows or coated with short, shiny hair. Either is a fine choice for those who suffer from dander allergies, and grooming needs for both types are minimal. Smoothly muscled and active, the American Hairless Terrier requires moderate exercise. Keep in mind the hairless variety warrants protection from the harsh summer and winter weather when outdoors, whether it be sunscreen or protective clothing. Aside from regular teeth brushing, the American Hairless Terrier’s ears should be cleaned often to remove any foreign debris and wax buildup.
Health
- Major Concerns: Hip displaysia, cardiac conditions, luxating patella and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (hip joint disease)
- Minor Concerns: N/A
- Occasionally Seen: Skin conditions, though quite rare
- Suggested Tests: Cardiac, hips, knees and eyes
- Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
History
The only hairless breed indigenous to the United States, the American Hairless Terrier was developed by breeder Edwin Scott in the 1970s in Louisiana as a descendant from the Rat Terrier. Scott bought a hairless puppy named “Josephine” from a litter of otherwise all-coated Rat Terriers. Josephine was bred and produced a hairless female called “Gypsy.” From there, Josephine went on to produce several litters of coated pups before producing hairless siblings “Jemima” and “Snoopy.” After Snoopy sired several litters of hairless offspring, a new breed was established. The American Hairless Terrier was accepted by the United Kennel Club in 2004 and by the American Kennel Club in 2016.
