American Hairless Terrier Breed Caring and Family, Social Life, Physical Traits, Diet Information

The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless breed to originate in the United States. Dogs of the American Hairless Terrier breed, also known as AHT are small, smooth-muscled terriers that come in a hairless variety and a variety sporting a fine coating of hair. The Hairless Terrier originated in Louisiana, United States, where breeding started in the 1950s, and the first hairless litter was born in the 1970s. 

This active little dog’s ancestors were bred to hunt vermin, like rats. The American Hairless Terrier is not suited for hunting due to its lack of a protective coat. However, they excel in multiple sports and other activities due to their innate hunting instincts. 

The breed is playful, intelligent, energetic, curious, and alert. Early training and socialization make the AHT great companion dogs, showing great affection for their owners and family. The American Hairless Terrier stands between 12 to 16 inches at the withers and weighs between 12 and 16 pounds. Their expected lifespan is 14 to 16 years. 

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of American Hairless Terriers?

The American Hairless Terrier is every bit terrier. A small body with a big personality and plenty of affection and love to go around. AHTs need a firm and consistent yet gentle owner with a sense of humor. Although the American Hairless Terrier is a goofy ball of energy, it is surprisingly tough for such a small dog. The lack of fur makes rough terrain adventures unsuitable, and sunscreen is essential. 

The American Hairless Terrier Breed development aimed to create a companion dog instead of a vermin hunter.  What they achieved to produce is a loving little lap dog with a strong prey drive that makes it chase after anything resembling a rat. The breed traits and characteristics are listed below.

What are the Physical Traits of the American Hairless Terrier?

Although the American Hairless Terrier is a hairless breed, it also allows for a short soft layer of hair, called the Coated American Hairless Terrier. The AHT is a relatively new variety of terrier, so coated types are also allowed to maintain the breed’s health and prevent conditions arising from a small gene pool. 

American Hairless Terriers don’t need vigorous exercise, a daily walk is sufficient.

What are the Social Traits of American Hairless Terriers?

Before choosing an American Hairless Terrier to take home, it is good to learn more about the breed’s social traits. 

AHTs are more sensitive than many other dog breeds, and even soft punishment affects them emotionally. American Hairless Terriers don’t tolerate noisy households, irregular daily routines, and frequent guest visits. AHTs are sensitive to their owner’s emotions and make outstanding family companions. More social traits of the American Hairless Terrier breed dogs are listed below.

When well trained and socialized, American Hairless Terriers are calm and loving companions who are vigilant protectors of their families. 

What is the General Information about American Hairless Terriers?

The first American Hairless Terrier was born in Louisiana in 1972 in a litter of Rat Terriers. The other puppies in the litter had typical Rat Terrier coats. The one single hairless pup was a female that was named Josephine. Later on, Josephine gave birth to only one hairless puppy called Gypsy. 

In turn, Gypsy produced two hairless puppies, which their owners called Snoopy and Jemima, and this is when building the new breed of American hairless Terriers began. Breeding Snoopy and Jemima produced several litters of hairless puppies.

How to Feed an American Hairless Terrier?

American Hairless Terriers are reasonably active, and they need a diet with high-quality proteins. Deciding how many cups of food to feed your American Hairless Terrier will require careful consideration of various aspects. 

Your canine companion’s size, life stage, overall health, metabolism, activity level, any allergies or food sensitivities will play a role in your ultimate choice of food and daily caloric intake of your American Hairless Terrier. Young American Hairless Terriers and growing puppies need different nutrients than adult dogs, and older, less active dogs need yet another combination of nutrients and fewer calories. The same applies to neutered and spayed dogs. 

The general recommendation for how much high-quality dry dog food to feed an average-weight American Hairless Terrier is a half cup to one cup per day, split between two meals. However, American hairless terriers can become obese easily, which compounds health issues. Aim to give your pup about 900 calories per day, and do not forget the calories in treats.

Below are suggestions of high-quality food for American Hairless Terrier puppies, adults and seniors.

Food for American Hairless Terrier Puppies

• Fresh Food Option: Ollie’s 100% human-grade recipes step up to the plate with real, high-quality ingredients for happier, healthier mealtimes for your American Hairless Terrier puppy.
• Dry Kibble Option: Feed your puppy  a wholesome meal that’s crafted with her health and overall well-being in mind. CANIDAE PURE Petite Adult Small Breed Grain-Free with Salmon Dry Dog Food is a grain-free, hypoallergenic recipe made without corn, wheat or soy, making it the perfect option for small breed adult dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Food for Adult American Hairless Terriers

• Fresh Food Option: The Farmer’s Dog is a service that delivers balanced, freshly made pet food with simple recipes, guided by science and driven by love. They discovered that the key to our dogs’ well-being was real food in their bowls, not simply pictures of it on a bag. Fresh food designed for the needs of each dog is freshly delivered to the home with the hungry adult American Hairless Terrier. 
• Dry Kibble Option: Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble is ideal for your American Hairless terrier’s smaller mouth. The ingredient list is topped with tasty chicken, providing a high-quality protein source. Plus, this dry dog food is made with essential antioxidants to support healthy immunity and natural fiber to support natural digestion.

Food for American Hairless Terrier Seniors 

• Fresh Food Option: Nom Nom veterinary nutritionists offer four recipes, including beef, pork, chicken, and duck, combined with real, fresh foods, good enough for people to eat, and developed for your senior American Hairless Terrier’s unique needs.
• Dried Kibble Option: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula was created for the health and well-being of dogs. The formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies and fruit, plus added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients. This Small Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and is formulated to meet the specific needs of small breed senior dogs.

What are the Nutritional Needs of the American Hairless Terrier?

When you’re trying to figure out what to feed an American Hairless Terrier, it is important that you feed a puppy different food than what you might feed to an adult. The reason for this is that there is more protein in puppy food. This is to give them the strength they need to grow into healthy adults.

The nutritional needs of an American Hairless Terrier include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for American Hairless Terriers are listed below:

• Protein: American Hairless Terriers need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain that are essential for American Hairless Terrier health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein also provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the American Hairless Terrier’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adult and senior American Hairless Terriers need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the American Hairless Terrier sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids that promotes proper eye and brain development in American Hairless Terrier puppies. DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of American Hairless Terriers.
• Micronutrient: Taurine, a micronutrient that aids heart health and other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in American Hairless Terriers, are chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for an American Hairless Terrier’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of American Hairless Terriers.

How Much Should an American Hairless Terrier Puppy Eat?

When you’re trying to figure out what to feed an American Hairless Terrier, you must provide a puppy with different food than what you might feed an adult. The reason for this is that there is more protein in puppy food, which gives them the strength they need to grow into healthy adults.

The nutritional needs of an American Hairless Terrier include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for American Hairless Terriers are listed below:

• A puppy gains weight quickly, and a dog owner should feed the AHT pup accordingly.
• A young pup needs to be fed small amounts of food at least four to five times a day.
• American Hairless Terrier puppies should be fed according to a schedule. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• American Hairless Terriers with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar are the exceptions because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• No growth supplements should be fed to puppies, as this can cause nutritional imbalances and skeletal or joint problems.
• Some breeders feel that dog parents should put giant breed puppies on adult food as soon as possible. More recent studies show that a good premium puppy food will have the necessary nutrients needed for a puppy. 
• Adult kibble can cause vitamin and mineral imbalances when fed to rapidly growing puppies.
• American Hairless Terrier puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. 
• Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

American Hairless Terrier puppies should eat a healthy, balanced diet to provide the energy they need every day. American Hairless Terriers tend to become overweight as they get older, so it’s essential to monitor how much food they consume when they are puppies.

What are the health concerns for American Hairless Terriers?

American Hairless Terriers are reasonably healthy, but 6-monthly veterinarian checkups remain essential because American Hairless Terriers are predisposed to several health problems, some of which are listed below.

• Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the American Hairless Terrier is no exception. It could be food allergies, contact allergies, or airborne allergies. AHTs have additional problems with their hairless skins sweating excessively because other dogs’ coats help them regulate their body temperatures. 
• Hip dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as American Hairless Terrier puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the American Hairless Terrier becomes heavier. Although it could start in puppyhood, it usually only becomes evident in adult dogs, making 6-monthly medical examinations crucial.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy, also called PRA, is an inherited progressive disease of the retina that leads to blindness in affected American Hairless Terriers.
• Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a serious health condition in dogs that occurs when the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol (cortisone) in the AHT’s body. Excess cortisol can put a dog at risk of several serious conditions and illnesses, from kidney damage to diabetes, and can be life-threatening.
• Gastric Dilation Volvulus or Bloat is a condition that occurs when the dog’s belly fills with air, causing the stomach to twist on its axis. As a result, blood flow to the stomach and other vital organs is cut off, and the American Hairless Terrier could die as a result.
• Liver Shunt  In an animal with a portosystemic shunt (liver shunt), a significant volume of blood bypasses the liver, enters the main circulation, and heads to the heart where it can be pumped around the AHT’s body.
• Patellar luxation occurs when the dog patella (kneecap), which normally sits on the groove of the femur (thighbone), shifts out of alignment. When luxation of the patella occurs, your American Hairless Terrier may experience intermittent hind limb “skipping,” lameness, or a locking up of the limb at an odd angle.
• Hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone, causing hair loss, dry skin and coat, and susceptibility to other skin diseases in American Hairless Terrier.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes occurs in young dogs and is a hereditary condition of small breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Bichon Frises, Poodles, Pomeranians, and terriers. It is also common after trauma or injury to the leg or hip.  The most common clinical signs are slowly progressing hind limb lameness, with resulting inability to bear weight on the affected limb or both hind limbs. It may begin in one leg and progress to both legs, especially in young pets.
• Deafness in dogs can either be a temporary, partial, or total loss of hearing—due to a wax build-up in the ear canals—or permanent hearing loss due to a host of causes such as severe, untreated ear infections, congenital defects, old age, and injuries.
• Epilepsy Seizures are an inherited condition, most commonly afflicting American Hairless Terriers.

Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder is recommended. You will typically get the health clearances listed below to confirm the health of your new American Hairless Terrier puppy:

• Hip and elbow evaluation clearance 
• Hypothyroidism
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Thrombopathia
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• PRA Optigen DNA Test
• Certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal

What is the Exercise Needs of an American Hairless Terrier?

American Hairless Terriers are a moderately active breed, and they only require regular brief walks or playtime in the backyard and play with other dogs in the dog park. At least 30 minutes of exercise per day is necessary, but American Hairless Terriers are happiest and better behaved with 45 minutes or more each day.

Even with vigorous exercise, AHTs possess an excess of energy. They will expect more playtime and then run laps indoors. AHTs may become hyperactive, destructive, bark excessively without enough exercise.

American Hairless Terrier’s endurance level is impressive. Take a healthy AHT in perfect condition jogging, and he will keep up for up to five miles. Exercise and movement are vital to ensure an American Hairless Terrier remains flexible and mobile, maintains a healthy weight, and has a low risk of developing medical problems throughout his life.

What is the need for Mental Stimulation for an American Hairless Terrier?

However, mental stimulation is essential for an American Hairless Terrier to function optimally. 

Dogs as intelligent as American Hairless Terriers need mental and neurological stimulation. It is anything that activates, enriches, and stimulates the AHT’s mind. It can include using toys, puzzles and other interactive toys, and games like scenting games involving hiding treats to be sniffed out. Hide and seek is another perfect way of mental stimulation.

How to train an American Hairless Terrier?

American Hairless Terriers can learn basic obedience easily, but their stubborn nature means they may not always act like they know the rules. Gentle, positive reinforcement goes a long way with this eager breed. Start early and be consistent if you want a well-behaved AHT. Reasonable first steps include teaching leash manners, an emergency recall, and introducing spaces outdoors where your AHT is allowed to dig. 

Is an American Hairless Terrier a Good Guard Dog?

American Hairless Terriers are alert and curious, and despite their small size, this breed is loyal and protective. Despite their small size, AHTs’ curiosity makes them excellent watchdogs, even though they will likely never be great guard dogs. AHTs are one of the most courageous and alert dog breeds, and although they may not scare away intruders, their loud barking will certainly alert their owners to the danger.

Where to Buy, Adopt, or Rescue American Hairless Terriers?

Our lives have become very much “online,” and one field that has almost entirely become internet-based is finding puppies. Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source, don’t forget that adage “let the buyer beware.” Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations.

Many reputable breeders have websites, but the trick is to separate good from bad. So how can you tell reliable and reputable breeders and rescue clubs or centers from unreliable ones? Red flags include those who have multiple litters available at a time, or litters of various breeds, giving the buyer a choice of any breed. Another red flag is the option to pay online by credit card, and please don’t fall for online “breeders” who offer discount coupons for buyers who take more than one puppy.

Registered and reputable breeders, on the other hand, seldom have puppies available on demand. Unlike puppy mills, they don’t breed carelessly, plan their litters thoughtfully, and often have waiting lists for puppies.

The cost of an American Hairless Terrier puppy is relatively high, with the average price running anywhere between $1,125 and $1,900. Purebred American Hairless Terrier puppies from parents who’ve won dog competitions can cost significantly more.

American Hairless Terrier puppies should always be purchased from reputable breeders and fully vetted and microchipped. It’s never a good idea to buy an American Hairless Terrier without first seeing the puppy and the breeding facilities in person, along with the AHTs’ mother. Be sure the dogs are well cared for and that the puppies are social and curious.

Below is a list of organizations that can direct potential new parents of purebred puppies to trustworthy breeders.

A more affordable option might be to adopt a rescue puppy, but similar care is necessary. The best way to find a healthy American Hairless Terrier at a rescue facility is to reach out to registered kennel clubs and rescue facilities. They will put potential new puppy parents in touch with facilities where they would be sure to find healthy American Hairless Terrier pups or save an older AHT’s life.

• Petfinder, whose dogs are also listed on The Shelter Pet Project, PetSmart Charities, and Petco Love. You will see the same information on all four of these sites.
• Adopt-a-Pet
• ASPCA
• American Hairless Terrier Club of America
• AKC Rescue Network
• SaveaRescue
• Petango
• Best Friend Animal Society (Utah, California, New York City, Georgia, Arkansas, Texas)
• Hearts United for Animals (Nebraska)
• North Shore Animal League America (New York)
• Local rescue and shelters

What is the American Hairless Terrier Breed’s History?

The American Hairless Terrier is a newly developed breed, the only Hairless Terrier breed originating solely from the United States of America. The work on breeding Hairless Terriers started in Louisiana 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. For the same purpose as many Terrier breeds, they were created in England 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 to perfect the breed. Selective breeding began after one hairless puppy was born in a litter with all the other pups with coats. By the 1970s, after several generations, the breeders started producing litters of hairless puppies, later registered with the AKC and UKC under the name American Hairless Terrier.

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for American Hairless Terriers?

The cost to adopt an American Hairless Terrier from a rescue center is around $200 to cover caring for the dog before adoption. In contrast, buying an American Hairless Terrier from a breeder can be significantly more expensive.

Purchasing an American Hairless Terrier puppy from a registered breeder could cost $1.125 to $1,900. However, prices vary according to the breeder’s location and reputation, and the pedigree of the puppy’s parents will also affect the American Hairless Terrier puppy’s price. Other factors that impact the cost of an American Hairless Terrier puppy include the bloodline, gender, and show quality.

Reportedly, the initial cost and expenses during the first year after buying an American Hairless Terrier puppy could be between $3,000 and $5,500. After that, the average annual expenditures could be between $1200 and $3500. That first year of an American Hairless Terrier puppy’s life will involve significantly higher vet costs like vaccinations, tests for congenital diseases, microchipping, neutering, or spaying.

Some of the estimates of essential costs are listed below; however, none of the food and water bowls, bedding, toys, etc., are included here.

• Premium Food & Treats $400 – $900
• Vet Bills & Preventative Care $700 – $1500
• Training $20 – $300
• Registration & Tags $10 – $20
• Insurance $720 – $1320

Potential American Hairless Terrier parents need to be aware of their expenses before committing to taking a puppy home. Moreover, your American Hairless Terrier may require additional vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities, as listed below.

• Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife, taken on camping/hiking trips often, or regularly plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-25).
• Influenza medication is recommended if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time. Doggy daycare or kennels can also require it ($70-$90 for two doses).
• Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when outside especially on farms and/or in the woods. This typically costs $60-80 for two doses.

How to Name an American Hairless Terrier?

Naming your American Hairless Terrier is a task that deserves careful consideration, starting with understanding that the name you ultimately choose would mean nothing to the puppy, who is only interested in the sounds you make when talking to her. The unique sound to listen for when you call her from a distance.

That doesn’t mean you should pick any old name because the puppy won’t know the meaning. Your special puppy needs a unique name close to your heart. Below are some considerations as you mull over lists of names for your American Hairless Terrier.

Here’s what to consider. 

You can find inspiration in many places. The American Hairless Terrier is the first real American Hairless Terrier, which can serve as inspirations listed below.

• Pay homage to your American Hairless Terrier’s ancestors by trying out the sounds of these names. Call them out and check your little non-furry pup’s reaction. You’ll know when you’ve got the right one. 
  • Here they are Josephine or Josey, Gypsy, Snoopy, or Jemima.

• You can honor the owners of Josephine because if it were not for them you would not have your sweet little hypoallergenic puppy. Their names were Edwin and Willie Scott.
  • Ideas for names include Edwin or Eddie, Willy or Willow, and Scotty.

• If you want to name your AHT for a celebrity, here’s the only professional model American Hairless Terrier that struts the catwalk to show doggy outfits for Spoiled Bratzwear Custom Dog Clothes. Norman is a 2-year-old American Hairless Terrier from Columbus, Ohio. 

His owners, Jennifer VanSickle and Michael, say Norman has an extensive wardrobe, and he loves showing off. There are more name options right there; think how many names you can make from 

• Norma, Jennifer, Michael, and if you’re a bit creative, see what you can do with VanSickle.

What are the Different Types of American Hairless Terriers?

American Hairless Terriers have soft down birth coats when they are born. This fine fluff falls out over the first 8 to 10 weeks, by which time they will be completely hairless. However, to prevent genetic problems due to the limited gene pool, this breed includes two varieties that you can see below.

• Hairless: The American Hairless Terrier variety is entirely free of hair except for whiskers and guard hairs on the eyebrows and muzzle.
• Coated: The Coated American Hairless Terrier variety is covered with a short, smooth, and dense coat with a sheen

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the American Hairless Terrier Breed?

The following three breeds have similar weights and heights as the American Hairless Terrier, and they also come in hairless and coated varieties:

• Chinese Crested Dogs: Like the American Hairless Terrier, this breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety actually has fluffy tufts of hair on the head, ears, paws, and tail. The amount of hair can vary among dogs. And the powderpuff variety has a long, soft double coat over its whole body. Both the hairless and powderpuff varieties can come from the same litter. These dogs tend to be very loving and cuddly, though they have an energetic and playful side as well.
• The Xoloitzcuintli: This breed is also known as the Mexican hairless dog, and like the AHT, it comes in both hairless and short-coated varieties.
• Abyssinian Sand Terrier: This extremely rare breed also goes by the name African hairless dog. It’s a fairly small- to medium-sized dog with a long, sleek body. Some dogs within the breed are entirely hairless, while others have small tufts of hair on the top of the head and tip of the tail.