American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless breed native to the United States. Developed from Rat Terriers, they combine the playful terrier personality with a unique hairless appearance. Their lack of coat makes them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers, though they require special skin care and sun protection.
Key Stats
Weight
12-16 lbs
Height
12-16"
Lifespan
14-16 yrs
Energy
4/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
The American Hairless Terrier originated from a single hairless puppy named Josephine, born to a Rat Terrier litter in Louisiana in 1972. Edwin and Willie Scott acquired her and, through careful breeding, established the hairless variety. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 2016 as a distinct breed, separate from the Rat Terrier. They remain relatively rare but are gaining popularity.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual dogs may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Physical Traits
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for American Hairless Terrier owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 45+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- High energy breed
Watch For
- Luxating Patella
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a American Hairless Terrier
Grooming
weekly
Exercise
45+ min/day
Training
Very Easy
Health
Generally Good
Training Your American Hairless Terrier
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Keep training sessions short and varied to maintain interest. Early socialization is important to build confidence. They excel at agility, obedience, and trick training.
Training Tips
- Start training and socialization early
- Use positive, reward-based methods
- Keep sessions short and engaging
- Channel energy into structured activities
- Teach recall early due to prey drive
Common Challenges
- Can have typical terrier stubbornness
- High prey drive requires management
- May be distracted by small animals
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
Is a American Hairless Terrier Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You want an easy-to-train dog
- You have other dogs
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
- You want a low-energy dog
- You're away from home often
Frequently Asked Questions
American Hairless Terriers are considered hypoallergenic because they lack the fur that typically carries dander and allergens. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic as allergies can also be triggered by saliva and skin. Many allergy sufferers find they can tolerate this breed well. Spend time with the breed before committing if allergies are a concern.