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Breed profile

American Hairless Terrier

A hairless offshoot of the Rat Terrier from Louisiana. Lively and bright, with bare skin that needs sun cream and a coat in winter.

Hairless American Hairless Terrier with pink and brown spotted skin standing on a blue mat
An American Hairless TerrierPhoto: Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
5–12 kg11–26 lb
Height
30–41 cm12–16 in
Lifespan
12–16 yrs
Group
Terrier
Origin
United States
Popularity
#108 USNot ranked in UK · 2025

Known for: Low sheddingFlat-friendlyFamily dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Energetic, Curious, Intelligent, Affectionate.

Health problems to know about

  • Sunburn and skin problems such as acne
  • Cold sensitivity (hypothermia)
  • Patellar luxation
  • Primary lens luxation
  • Heart disease

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily on-lead walks and play. Weekly bath with mild shampoo and moisturiser, dog-safe sunscreen or a shirt in sun, and a coat in cold weather.

A good fit for

Active owners who want a small terrier with no coat to brush, and who will keep up with skin care.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with pet rodents, owners who want an off-lead dog, people who won't manage sun and cold.

Sources

  1. Dogs Victoria: American Hairless Terrier
  2. PetMD: American Hairless Terrier
  3. Wikipedia: American Hairless Terrier

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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