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American Hairless Terrier
Terrier breed from United States
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a small to medium-sized, active and inquisitive terrier that comes in both hairless and coated varieties. It is notable for its alert expression, compact build, and friendly, intelligent nature. The breed is recognized by some registries but not all, so its status varies. Temperament traits such as alertness, energy, intelligence, friendliness, playfulness, and curiosity are commonly described, but individual dogs may differ. Estimated adult weight ranges from 5 to 7 kg for both sexes, and estimated height ranges from 30 to 41 cm. Lifespan is not specified in available data. The breed has a low grooming score (1) and low shedding score (1), reflecting its minimal coat care needs. Energy and trainability scores are both 4 out of 5, indicating a fairly active and trainable dog. Suitability scores suggest it may be good with children (4) and moderately compatible with other dogs (3), and it can adapt to apartment living (3).
Quick facts
American Hairless Terrier at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupTerrier
OriginUnited States
LifespanPending
Male weight5–7 kilogram
Female weight5–7 kilogram
Male height30–41 centimetre
Female height30–41 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The American Hairless Terrier originated in the United States, specifically in Louisiana, according to one source. The breed's history is tied to a hairless puppy named Josephine, born in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972. The breed was developed by Edwin and Willie Scott. Recognition by kennel clubs varies: the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed in 1999, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized it in 2016, but overall recognition status varies by registry. The breed's origins are thus relatively recent and well-documented, though the exact timeline and details may differ across sources. The breed's development from Rat Terrier stock explains its terrier group classification and many of its physical and behavioral characteristics.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
5–7 kilogramAdult weight30–41 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesHairless, CoatedCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Alertenergeticintelligentfriendlyplayfulcurious
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No American Hairless Terrier-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
American Hairless Terrier puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight5–7 kilogramAdult female weight5–7 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an American Hairless Terrier?
Estimated adult weight is 5–7 kg for both males and females, and estimated height is 30–41 cm. Lifespan is not provided in the available data.
What is the temperament of an American Hairless Terrier?
Commonly described temperaments include alert, energetic, intelligent, friendly, playful, and curious. However, individual dogs may vary.
How much exercise does an American Hairless Terrier need?
The breed has an energy score of 4 out of 5, indicating a fairly high activity level. Regular exercise is recommended, but specific requirements are not detailed.
What are the grooming needs of an American Hairless Terrier?
Grooming score is 1 (low) and shedding score is 1 (low). The hairless variety requires skin care, while the coated variety needs minimal brushing. Exact routines are not specified.
Is the American Hairless Terrier good for families with children?
Child suitability score is 4 out of 5, suggesting it may be good with children, but individual temperament and supervision are important.
Does the American Hairless Terrier get along with other dogs?
Dog compatibility score is 3 out of 5, indicating moderate compatibility. Early socialization is recommended.
Where did the American Hairless Terrier originate?
The breed originated in the United States, specifically in Louisiana, from a hairless puppy born in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.