American Hairless Terrier
美國無毛㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless breed native to the United States — a naturally occurring hairless offshoot of the Rat Terrier — and it comes in hairless and coated varieties standing 30–41 cm. It has real terrier attitude: alert, curious, playful, protective of its people and a good watchdog, yet the AKC rates it very good with children and it is about as hypoallergenic as a dog can be. Hairlessness brings its own care — sunburn is a risk and cold weather needs precautions — while skin problems are, the AKC says, quite rare.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 30–41cm |
| Weight | 5–13kg |
| Life expectancy | 14–16years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Hairless |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 5/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 1/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (a hip condition of small breeds) is reported in the breed. Ask your vet if a young dog shows hind-leg lameness.
Sunburn and cold sensitivity
The AKC says hairlessness presents its own challenges: sunburn is a concern and cold weather requires special precautions, though skin problems are quite rare in the breed. Ask your vet which dog-safe sunscreen to use and how to keep the dog warm in winter.
Behaviour
Terrier attitude in a hypoallergenic package
The AKC says the American Hairless moves with a jaunty pep that announces real terrier attitude, is protective of its humans and makes an alert watchdog; the hairless variety is as hypoallergenic as a dog can get. On the AKC trait chart it scores 5/5 for affection with family, compatibility with young children, adaptability and trainability, 3/5 for energy, and 1/5 for shedding.
Sun, cold and skin care
Because the hairless variety has bare skin that is smooth and warm to the touch, the AKC warns that sunburn is a concern and that cold weather requires special precautions; the coated variety has a short, shiny coat. Ears should be checked regularly and teeth brushed, as with any breed.
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 5/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — American Hairless Terrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — American Hairless Terrier (Terriers)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]American Hairless Terrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]American Hairless Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.