At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 7-14 lb (3.2-6.4 kg); Hill's gives 12-24 lb (5.4-10.9 kg) for both sexes.
UKC and Wikipedia: 10-18 in (25-46 cm); Hill's gives 12-16 in (30-41 cm).
Coat and looks how to spot one
hairless, or short smooth coat (coated variety)
Hairless puppies are born with a soft fuzz that is gone within the first couple of months, leaving bare skin apart from whiskers, muzzle guard hairs and brows. The coated variety wears a short, dense, shiny coat.21
Personality what they are like
A bright, lively little terrier that loves to play and bonds tightly with its household. It keeps the curiosity and pluck of its Rat Terrier roots and usually gets on well with children and other pets.234
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high: about half an hour of walking daily plus energetic play; many enjoy agility.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
No brushing needed and only occasional baths. Hairless dogs need sunscreen and shade in summer and a sweater or coat in cold weather.32
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to houses or flats as long as it gets daily activity; hairless dogs should live indoors and be protected from sun and cold outdoors.31
Company who they like around
A people-oriented dog that likes to be with its family and generally mixes well with other animals.23
The story where it all began
In 1972 a hairless female called Josephine turned up in a Louisiana litter of Rat Terriers and went to live with Edwin and Willie Scott. From her line the Scotts built a separate breed, and all hairless Rat Terriers and their coated relatives were later registered as American Hairless Terriers. UKC recognised it in 2004 and the AKC in 2016.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The entire breed traces back to one hairless puppy, Josephine, born in 1972.1
- 2
Hairless puppies start out with a light fuzz that sheds away within the first few weeks.1
- 3
Some hairless adults keep their eyebrows and whiskers.1
- 4
Coated American Hairless Terriers always carry at least some white in their coat.2
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Recognised 1 January 2004; Terrier Group.2
- AKC
- Full recognition in 2016 (Terrier Group).1
- AKC (breed page)
- Described as coming in hairless and coated varieties.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American Hairless Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Skin careMoisturise the skin and check for drynessevery 3 days
- Sun protection summerPet-safe sunscreen on sunny daysevery day
- Bathevery 2 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my American Hairless Terrier, and at what times?
Feed adult American Hairless Terriers at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can vary, but consistent daily schedules help. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should an American Hairless Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.6
How often should I bathe an American Hairless Terrier?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every two weeks, but you can adjust based on your dog's needs. Hairless dogs may need more frequent baths if they get dirty or have skin issues. Use a gentle, pet-safe shampoo.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does an American Hairless Terrier need brushing?
No brushing is needed for the hairless variety, and the coated variety only needs occasional brushing. This breed is very low-maintenance in terms of brushing. Just keep an eye on the skin for any dryness.32
How do I trim an American Hairless Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an American Hairless Terrier need?
This lively terrier needs about half an hour of walking daily plus energetic play, and many enjoy agility. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play. It adapts well to flats as long as it gets enough activity.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an American Hairless Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal. For teeth, aim for daily brushing as per Furry Diary's plan.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does an American Hairless Terrier live?
The American Hairless Terrier typically lives between 14 and 16 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life.3
Is an American Hairless Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed usually gets on well with children and other pets. It is a bright, lively dog that bonds tightly with its family and generally mixes well with other animals.234
Can an American Hairless Terrier be left alone?
This people-oriented dog likes to be with its family and may not do well if left alone for long periods. It adapts to flats but needs daily activity and companionship. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- American Hairless Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, size, colours, history, recognition, fun facts
- UKC American Hairless Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, coat, colours, temperament, height
- Hill's Pet: American Hairless Terrier hillspet.comused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming, temperament
- AKC: American Hairless Terrier akc.orgused for temperament, varieties
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.