American Hairless Terrier
Breed summary
The American Hairless Terrier is a smoothly muscled, active, small-to-medium terrier. The preferred ratio of length of body (prosternum to point of buttocks) to height (withers to ground) to is 10:9. The head is broad, slightly domed, wedge-shaped, and proportionate to the body size. Ears are V-shaped, set at the outside edges of the skull, and may be erect, tipped or button. Both varieties may have a natural tail carried in an upward curve, or the tail may be docked in dogs of the coated variety. The American Hairless Terrier comes in a number of skin colors and patterns (hairless variety) and coat colors and patterns (coated variety).
Nutrition
As with all breeds, the American Hairless Terrier requires high-quality dog food for their growth and development. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Some senior dogs are prone to overweight, which requires more attention. Clean, freshwater needs to supply all the time.
Coat
Length: Hairless
Characteristics: Flat
Colors: Pink & Grey, Pink & Black, Pink & Gold, Pink & Red
Overall Grooming Needs: High
Health Concerns
The American Hairless Terrier is generally a healthy breed. American Hairless Terriers may be prone to breed-specific health concerns, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, allergies, and skin conditions, epilepsy, dental concerns, deafness, liver shunt, Cushing's disease. Skin problems are rare in the breed. Sometimes, they develop Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip condition that can be corrected with surgery. Their ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and wax, and the teeth should be brushed regularly.
Training
The American Hairless Terrier is an energetic, alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence make him easy to train. This affectionate dog needs early socialization and puppy training classes to make an excellent companion for anyone. They are good with children, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood. The American Hairless Terrier is very intelligent and eager to please, so training is usually an easy and enjoyable activity.
Exercise
The American Hairless Terrier needs only moderate exercise. They have to go outside several times a day but brief daily sessions in a fenced-in yard or on regular walks will be all they require. They enjoy the activity but are also happy to curl up on the couch next to their owner. The breed is friendly and happy to play with people or other dogs.
Country of Origin: USA
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 136 of 196
AKC Classification: Terrier Group
UKC Classification: Companion dog
Exercise Requirements: <20 minutes/day
Height: Female: 12-16 inches; Male: 14-18 inches
Weight: Female: 14-16 lbs; Male: 16-18 lbs
Energy Level: Average
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: Moderate
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Fun fact
The first American Hairless Terrier was named Josephine and they are not good swimmers.