Terrier group

American Hairless Terrier

A lively, hairless ratter — energetic, affectionate and allergy-friendly.

American Hairless Terriers are small, playful terriers, most of them born without a coat. They are affectionate and trainable, but their bare skin needs protection from sun and cold, and they keep the terrier’s energy and prey drive.

Height
12–16 in30–41 cm
Weight
12–16 lb5–7 kg
Life expectancy
14–16 years
Size
Small
Group
Terrier
Origin
Louisiana, United States

Coat: Hairless (with fine vellus hair) or short, smooth coated. Colours: Any colour or pattern, on skin or coat.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden2.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability4.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

AHTs are curious, energetic and loving. They enjoy games, training and cuddles, and they are generally good with children and other dogs when socialised.

They are alert watchdogs and can be vocal. Their terrier heritage means a strong instinct to chase and dig, so supervise with small pets.

Living with a American Hairless Terrier

Exercise

About an hour of daily activity, with walks and play. They enjoy agility and scent work.

Grooming

Hairless dogs need regular baths, moisturiser and sunscreen, plus a coat or sweater in cold weather. Coated dogs need only weekly brushing.

Training

Bright and eager; reward-based training works well. Teach a quiet cue and reliable recall early.

Kids & other pets

Good with considerate children and usually with other dogs. Supervise with rodents and small pets.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time if exercised; bored AHTs may bark or dig.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a American Hairless Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a American Hairless Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a American Hairless Terrier typically lives 14–16 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Sunburn and skin damage

    Hairless skin burns easily; use dog-safe sunscreen and limit midday sun.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur in small terriers; watch for skipping.

  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

    Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs, causing lameness.

  • Allergies

    Skin allergies can occur; hairless skin needs gentle products.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Cardiac examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: American Hairless Terrier; American Hairless Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

In 1972 a hairless puppy named Josephine was born to a litter of Rat Terriers in Louisiana. Edwin and Willie Scott bred from her, and when she produced hairless puppies, they established a new breed.

The AHT was recognised by the UKC in 1999 and by the AKC in 2016. It is the first hairless breed native to the United States.

Did you know?

  • The breed began with one hairless Rat Terrier puppy named Josephine in 1972.
  • Hairless AHT puppies are born with a light coat of fuzz that falls out within weeks.
  • It is the first hairless dog breed developed in the United States.

Library guides for American Hairless Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are American Hairless Terriers hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but hairless AHTs shed almost nothing and suit many allergy sufferers.
Do AHTs need special care?
Yes — sunscreen, moisturiser and warm clothing for hairless dogs.
Are AHTs good family dogs?
Yes — they are affectionate, playful and usually good with children.