American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a small dog that has a lot of personality. It comes in two types: a completely hairless version and one with a soft, short coat. Both types are considered to be low-allergy dog breeds. These dogs have open faces with round eyes, and the hairless variety might have a beard or a few whiskers.

American Hairless Terrier Breed Overview

The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless breed native to the United States. They are essentially hairless Rat Terriers, which were bred for many centuries as exterminators. Rat Terriers were first brought to America and bred with Smooth Fox Terriers. Finally, in Louisiana in 1972, a hairless Rat Terrier was born, spawning the American Rat Terrier breed. These dogs are terriers through and through and can have a feisty temperament. They are energetic, playful, and generally happy, but they have a high prey drive and love digging and chasing things because of it.

American Hairless Terrier Facts

• They come in two varieties: completely hairless or with a soft, short coat.
• All American Hairless Terriers are born with fuzz, but some lose it over time and become completely hairless.
• They descend from Rat Terriers.
• The completely hairless version is the only native hairless breed in the U.S.
• The completely hairless version can sunburn easily.
• They have a tenacious personality.

How to Care for Your American Hairless Terrier

Here’s what to know about how to care for your American Hairless Terrier, including nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming and hygiene, and living with the breed.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed an American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier needs a high-quality diet focused on protein, healthy fats, and moderate carbohydrates made specifically for small breed dogs, such as Purina ONE +Plus Small Breed Adult Formula Dry Dog Food. The hairless variety might have higher caloric needs than the other variety because they lose so much body heat, but that’s something you can discuss with your vet.

How Much to Feed an American Hairless Terrier

American Hairless Terriers can weigh between 12 and 28 pounds. To know how much to feed them, consult your dog’s food label or talk to your vet. It’s best to schedule out their feedings over the day, versus free feeding them, because they are prone to gaining weight easily. You can also help manage their weight through weight management food. They might do well with eating smaller meals more often, depending on their age, something you can discuss with your vet. To get an accurate amount of food specific to your dog’s age, weight, and energy level, head to the Purina Feeding Calculator.

Treats & Supplements

Use low-calorie treats sparingly and in conjunction with positive reinforcement training to help keep your dog at a healthy weight. Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Your dog may benefit from supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids might help with skin health and improve skin barrier function, and probiotics might help with digestion. Joint supplements with glucosamine for aging dogs might also be recommended, all of which can be discussed with your vet.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Dog owners should find a vet they like and maintain a good schedule for routine vet checkups, where they can advise on things like vaccines, parasite prevention, and more. Establishing a good relationship with your vet is important with this breed, as they can have skin conditions that need frequent checking, such as sunburn, skin cancer, contact dermatitis, allergies, and other infections. Dental disease is also a concern, so make sure you have a good dental care plan for your dog. Talk to your vet if you wish to spay or neuter your dog.

American Hairless Terrier Enrichment & Exercise Needs

These dogs have energetic personalities but don’t necessarily need crazy amounts of exercise to be happy. Long walks, short zoomies sessions, play sessions, and mental enrichment like games and puzzles will serve them well. They enjoy being around their families, so any opportunity to include them in daily life is welcomed. They are highly trainable and smart dogs that enjoy trick training, agility, rally, and other companion activities. They adore digging, so dig boxes or places where they are specifically allowed to dig are good enrichment options.

Understanding Your American Hairless Terrier’s Behavior

American Hairless Terriers are 100% terrier, which can come with some behavioral challenges. They have a high prey drive, and they’re prone to chasing and digging when they see something they want. Because of this, it’s important to have a fenced-in area for them and never leave them unattended outside. They can have spicy personalities, so owners who are not afraid to gently guide them and consistently train them are the best match. Doing short training sessions will help keep them focused. They were also bred to bark, so this breed is constantly on alert, something you can work on in training.

What to Expect as Your American Hairless Terrier Ages

A healthy American Hairless Terrier dog can live between 14 and 16 years if cared for properly. Switch them to a senior dog food when your vet recommends doing so. These formulas have nutrients needed to keep them mentally and physically sharp. They’ll have the usual aging issues like declining vision and hearing, and joint issues, but the hairless variety of this breed could also have issues like skin thinning and less body warmth, which could require sweaters even indoors.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The hairless variety will need weekly baths to prevent oil buildup and even dog acne, plus a moisturizer like a fragrance-free lotion. Alternatively, you can wipe them with a damp, clean cloth when they get dirty. It’s imperative that you apply sun protection like dog sunscreen before they go outside to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. The coated variety of American Hairless Terriers should get weekly brushing sessions and baths as needed.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

American Hairless Terriers have pointed ears that need to be regularly cleaned with a vet-approved cleaning regimen. Check for signs of infection, such as discharge and redness. You should also check their paws for cuts, scrapes, and signs of infection, and make sure to keep their nails trimmed to prevent cracking and splitting. Small dogs can suffer from dental disease, but brushing their teeth regularly can help prevent tartar buildup.

Anal Gland Care

Small dogs like American Hairless Terriers might have trouble expressing their anal glands naturally. If your dog is suffering from a blockage called an abscess, you should seek professional help from your vet. You’ll know they’re having trouble if they are scooting, licking excessively, straining to go to the bathroom, or emitting a foul-smelling odor.

Living With an American Hairless Terrier

Living Space

American Hairless Terriers are small dogs and can get by in smaller spaces, so long as they have access to the outdoors for walks and potty time. However, they are barkers, and that might not work if you live in a densely populated area. If you live in a more suburban or rural area, having a well-secured fence is imperative, as this breed loves to dig and chase.

Socialization

These dogs can be quite tenacious and feisty, making socialization an important part of their lives. Introduce them to unfamiliar people and places early and often. They are curious and generally easygoing dogs, but their prey drive can suddenly emerge, something to keep in mind around other small animals. American Hairless Terriers are affectionate, good family dogs for those who don’t mind a little spice in their lives and who can bring them along on family adventures. They do best with no children or older children who can respect their boundaries.

Climate Considerations

Hairless dogs can lose body warmth faster than those with coats. They are highly sensitive to extreme weather of any kind. A temperate climate is best, and they might even need a sweater or a heated blanket indoors if they are the completely hairless variety. In hot climates, sun exposure and sunburn are real concerns. Be sure to keep them in the shade, offer plenty of water, limit their time outdoors, and apply dog-approved sunscreen.

Potential Challenges

American Hairless Terriers have spark plug personalities that can be seen as charming or as a nuisance, depending on how they are trained and socialized. To reduce the likelihood of them having separation anxiety and exhibiting destructive behaviors like digging, establish good habits from the jump via positive reinforcement training and frequent socialization. They do best when they are included in family activities, and can participate in things like walks, short hikes, and dog agility activities. They were originally bred to alert, so barking can be a concern that can be tackled through training. American Hairless Terriers have a strong prey drive, so always supervise them outside and never let them off-leash in an area that isn’t well-secured.

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