American Hairless Terrier

American Hairless Terrier dog

Lively American terrier descended from a naturally hairless Rat Terrier.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Small 12 - 28 lbs 12 - 16 inches 14 - 16 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United States



Own a American Hairless Terrier? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a American Hairless Terrier? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The American Hairless Terrier has an unusually well-documented beginning. In 1972, a completely hairless female puppy was born in a litter of otherwise coated Rat Terriers in Louisiana. The puppy, named Josephine, was given to Edwin and Willie Scott, who became fascinated by her unusual appearance. After Josephine later produced additional hairless puppies, the Scotts began a deliberate breeding program to establish the trait while maintaining the lively temperament and athletic build of the Rat Terrier. Over successive generations, breeders produced a stable population of both hairless and coated dogs. Unlike several older hairless breeds, the American Hairless Terrier's hairlessness is inherited as a recessive trait and is not associated with the same missing-tooth pattern commonly linked with dominant hairless genes. The developing breed was initially registered as a hairless variety of Rat Terrier before gaining a separate identity. The United Kennel Club recognized the American Hairless Terrier as its own breed in 2004, followed by full American Kennel Club recognition in 2016. Although often promoted to people interested in a dog with little or no shedding, it is not truly hypoallergenic because allergens can still come from skin, saliva, and other sources. Beneath the unusual skin is very much a terrier in temperament and ancestry.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is generally considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Individual reactions can vary.

The American Hairless Terrier tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The American Hairless Terrier tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The American Hairless Terrier generally has a moderate energy level.

The American Hairless Terrier generally has lower exercise needs, though daily activity remains important.

The American Hairless Terrier is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The American Hairless Terrier generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The American Hairless Terrier may get along with other dogs with appropriate socialization and introductions.

The American Hairless Terrier is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The American Hairless Terrier generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.