American Hairless Terrier

The first American hairless terrier was born into a litter of rat terrier pups. The hairless puppy was given to Willie and Edwin Scott. The couple loved the canine because it could not get fleas, and they did not have to clean up dog hair constantly. They also loved her laid-back personality. The couple bred the pup back to her father, and the breed was born as three of four puppies were born without hair. The breed became fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2016.

If you are looking for a shedless dog who is happy lying on the couch with you, then the American hairless terrier may be a perfect choice. This dog loves to be around people and other pets constantly.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

These are compact terriers that should stand between 12 and 16 inches tall at the shoulders. Healthy dogs of this breed will weigh between 12 and 28 pounds. The bitch normally gives birth to 3 to 5 pups. The puppies will usually mature mentally about 9 months, but they may continue to grow until they are about two.

Common Health Issues

American hairless terriers are robust, healthy dogs, but the breed can suffer from some common health issues. As with many small-breed dogs, hip dysplasia can be a concern in this breed. Additionally, a luxating patella, where the kneecap comes out of position, can occur. Dilated cardiomyopathy can leave dogs with arrhythmias.

Temperament and Behavior

American hairless terriers make great companion dogs because they love to be around people and other animals. This personality trait is apparent in most of this breed; they are happy to snuggle on the sofa with you or go on a quick outside romp. This temperament makes them ideal for families and those living in apartments.

American hairless terriers are naturally curious. This personality trait makes them get into some trouble. If you are doing an activity, you can expect your American hairless terrier to want to help you. This behavior also means that you need to be cautious about things lying around if you cannot constantly supervise your dog.

If you want to know when the slightest little thing changes in your environment, get an American hairless terrier. It will be glad to bark and tell you, even if a leaf blows across your yard. You can stop some of this behavior with proper training. Therefore, it is a good thing that the American hairless terrier is a brilliant dog, as this personality trait will help it learn to stop barking as much.

Care

Just like you need the proper diet and exercise to stay healthy, so does the American hairless terrier. It is your responsibility to see that the dog receives the proper food, exercise, and grooming if you decide to add this breed to your family.

Best Dog Food

Since this is a small dog, feeding the right type of dog food becomes even more vital. The breed can become obese easily, which compounds health issues. Be conscious of this dog’s risk of heart disease, namely dilated cardiomyopathy, and aim for legume-free dog food. Legumes like peas and lentils in dog food have been linked to heart failure.

American hairless terrier puppy food: You should feed puppies about five meals each day. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate daily caloric intake for your puppy, and do not forget the calories in treats. The best puppy food usually contains about 22% protein and 8% fat. The price may be higher, but you may discover that your dog is healthier and eats less.

American hairless terrier adult food: Since this breed tends to become obese, you should feed it two to three meals a day instead of letting it eat whenever it wants. Find a dog food with about 18-25% protein and 8-15% fat to feed to your adult American hairless terrier.

Maintenance And Grooming

American hairless terriers either have a minimal coat or no hair at all, so you will spend very little time grooming this dog. If you plan to take your dog outside, apply sunscreen. You should also clean its ears and trim its toenails regularly.

Training

The American hairless terrier is anxious to please, which makes training it easier. Socialize it as a puppy between seven weeks and four months to get it used to other animals and people. After conquering basic skills, consider training your dog for advanced obedience contests. Earthdog trials and barn hunts are other fun activities that you may want to train your dog to do because it has a strong prey instinct.

Exercise

The American Hairless Terrier requires approximately 30 minutes of exercise daily. Consider going on morning or evening walks when the sun is less likely to cause skin damage. Additionally, this dog loves to play quick games, even inside your home.

Puppies

The bitch normally gives birth to four pups. If you are looking to get one of these pups from a breeder, ask to see the parents’ genetic papers. A reputable breeder will be glad to show you a cardiac and an Orthopedic Foundation for Animals report so that you know the genetic defects are not being passed down to your puppy.

Children

Unlike many terrier breeds, such as the rat terrier, American hairless terriers make great dogs for families with children. If you consider getting an older dog from a breeder or a rescue, take your children with you and watch the interaction. You are likely to find that the dog warms up to your children instantly. Of course, you should always teach your children how to interact with the dog appropriately, and breeders and rescues often have great ideas on how to do this task.

Similar Dogs

If the American hairless terrier does not seem like an ideal dog for you, consider these other breeds:

• Rat terriers: The rat terrier tends to stand about the same height, but they are typically a little huskier than the American hairless terrier. Rat terriers tend to do well with children.
• Brazilian terriers: This breed is about the same size as the American hairless terrier. They also tend to do well in homes with children because of their playful nature.
• Pomeranian: If you want a lively companion who loves to lie on the couch with you, then the Pomeranian may be a great choice. Like the American hairless terrier, it tends to be very alert and can bark a lot.