🐶 Dog · size Medium
American Hairless terrier
dog breed
Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)
Weight
4.5–14 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
11–14 ans
Energy
Élevé
Coat
Variété de couleurs, avec ou sans taches blanches
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Moyen
The American Hairless Terrier is a breed of dog formerly considered a variant of the Rat Terrier. The AHT is not recognized by the FCI but belongs to the Terrier Group. It was recognized on January 1, 2004 by the United Kennel Club which considers the AHT a separate terrier breed. It is an intelligent, social and energetic working dog, the American Hairless Terrier is often categorized as a breed that can reduce the risk of allergies.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Élevé
Trainability
Modéré
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (4.5-14 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3High energy level — at least 1 hour of daily activity for balance.
- 4Minimal maintenance — light shedding, occasional brushing.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the American Hairless terrier
Our selection
Dry food suited to the American Hairless terrier
Origins & history
A story told
The American origins of the American Hairless Terrier date back to a cross-bred terrier breed called Feist which was imported from Europe to North America from the 18th century. At the end of the 1800s, the Rat Terrier breed was developed from crosses of the Feist with Beagle, Italian Greyhound and Miniature Pinscher lines. The specific American Hairless Terrier breed began in 1972 with the birth of a hairless puppy named Josephine in a litter of Rat Terriers in Louisiana, United States. Owners Edwin and Willie Scott appreciated the puppy's appearance and temperament, and when the female was of breeding age, they bred her hoping to pass her hairless coat gene to her puppies. Their attempt ultimately succeeded. A litter born in 1981 became the foundation of the breed.
Character
Daily temperament
The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) is an intelligent, social and energetic dog. Graceful and elegant, the American Hairless Terrier is also a powerful and athletic dog. The AHT, like its terrier cousins, enjoys agility sports. The AHT likes to dig, hunt small game, tends to bark and makes a very good watchdog. The AHT is not a good swimmer and must be supervised when walking near water. The AHT's origins gave it a very strong hunting instinct, but it will not be a very good hunting dog because of the lack of coat which will not protect it from scratches from brush. Because of its working dog origins, many AHTs possess a very strong predatory instinct. Some owners wonder if the AHT is an appropriate breed for families with young children. Because of their small size, the AHT must be handled with care.
Physical
Breed standard
The American Hairless Terrier is a small or medium-sized dog, muscular and active. Height: 18 to 45.7 cm. Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years. Weight: 2.5 to 12 kg. Coat: White (more or less light) with different colors ranging from black, blue, pink, brown, fawn and sand. Darkens in the sun Eyes: Brown, blue, gray, amber and turquoise. Pattern: Almost solid (with white markings), brindle, spotted (pie) and with a coat. Tail and ears: The tail of hairless dogs must not be docked, short-coated dogs may have docked or full tails. Type: Working dog.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The American Hairless terrier of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of american hairless terrier (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
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Âge
What human age for a american hairless terrier ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
29years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Health
Health watch
The American Hairless Terrier remains a rare breed with few breeders. The UKC recognizes the need to continue breeding with Rat Terrier lines (see American Hairless Terrier short-coated) until it is possible to breed only hairless dogs together (see genetics above). The AHT does not have sweat glands, although this is often read otherwise. There is no scientific evidence suggesting independent evo
Read more (153 mots)Show less▾
lution of sweat glands unique to this breed. Errors are surely due to confusion between the presence of sebaceous glands and hair follicles which every dog has. The hairless variety of this breed has the same follicles, however the 'hairs' disappear during the dog's growth. It may suffer from skin rashes caused by grass allergies. It may be susceptible to other allergies, like all other dog breeds. Because of the lack of coat, the AHT may need sun protection (depending on the season, geographical location, degree or lack of pigmentation of the dog). It is possible to apply sunscreen or have it wear a small t-shirt if needed. It is common to have it wear clothes, not only to protect it from the sun but also to protect it from cold (when climate demands).
Alert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a american hairless terrier ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
137 g
per day · 522 kcal
69 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Appears in
American Hairless terrier in our rankings
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about American Hairless terrier
Is an American Hairless Terrier suitable for apartment living?+
How much exercise per day for an American Hairless Terrier?+
What is the life expectancy of an American Hairless Terrier?+
Is an American Hairless Terrier good with children?+
If you like this dog
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For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your American Hairless terrier.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.