Is the American Hairless Terrier Hypoallergenic?
110 percent! American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic dogs’ lack of hair makes them a perfect companion for people prone to dog allergies!
The American Hairless Terrier Hypoallergenic Dog
A fairly recent breed, the first American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic dogs were born in 1972, to normally-coated Rat Terrier parents. Unlike their ancestors, however, these pups are not well-suited for hunting rodents and rats.
Also referred to as AHT, these terriers are an excellent pet choice for families with kids. They are smart, spirited, and can be trained easily. Moreover, with the non-shedding coat of American Hairless Terriers, allergies to your pet will be kept at bay.
For a synopsis of the details below, skip to our American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic dog breed summary, further down the page.
Is the American Hairless Terrier Hypoallergenic? Contents
American Hairless Terrier Quick Facts
About the Breed
American Hairless Terrier Training and Exercise
American Hairless Terrier Grooming and Care
American Hairless Terrier Health Issues and Care
Conclusion
American Hairless Terrier FAQ
American Hairless Terrier Facts Summary
American Hairless Terrier Quick Facts
| Hypoallergenic Dog: | Yes! |
| Shedding: | Low shedding |
| Drooling: | Low |
| Size: | Small |
| Breed Group: | Terrier |
| Lifespan: | 14-16 years |
| Energy Level: | Moderate |
| Trainability: | Easy |
| Family Dog: | Yes! Good with kids. |
If you have specific questions about American Hairless Terriers, check out our FAQ section.
About the Breed
The American Hairless Terrier’s Physical Characteristics
American Hairless Terriers are small to medium sized dogs. They stand at an average height of 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 centimeters) and have a weight of around 12 to 16 pounds (5 to 7 kilograms).
Identical to their ancestor Rat Terriers, American Hairless Terriers are a well-muscled dog breed, with strong shoulders and powerful legs. The head is wedge shaped, whereas their ears are V-shaped, giving an alert expression.
The round, expressive eyes of AHT dogs can range from deep brown to an amber or hazel shade, depending on the skin color. American Hairless Terrier colors can be any shade on the canine rainbow.
The American Hairless Terrier’s Hypoallergenic Coat
American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic dogs are completely hairless, except for eyebrows, whiskers, and guard hair on the muzzle. Originally born with a light fuzzy coat, American Hairless Terrier puppies lose all of their hair by the eighth week.
They don’t shed at all. They can’t. The lack of hair makes AHT dogs perfect for people who suffer from allergies.
Although, AHT dogs also have a coated counterpart, with smooth and dense fur that has a sheen. The coated variety is also hypoallergenic.
American Hairless Terrier Temperament
Smart, vigilant, and playful — the temperament of these pooches is not far from their other terrier cousins. The American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic dog makes a sprightly family companion because of its feisty and affectionate nature.
They are friendly toward children and cohabit well with other pets. These terriers are loyal and exceptionally devoted to their families. Possessing an adaptive nature, they will adjust to your family lifestyle easily.
Alert and active, your AHT will make a good watchdog. However, their vigilance will be observational rather than suspicious. They will welcome strangers and are not frosty toward new people.
American Hairless Terrier Training and Exercise
Encouraging Good Behavior in Your American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier’s intelligence and eagerness to please makes training a relatively easy task. They respond well to training methods that involve positive reinforcement. Inheriting the stubbornness of the terrier group, they can sometimes act like there are no rules. They need a leader who is not only calm, but also assertive.
Inquisitive and responsive, AHT dogs make excellent candidates for agility and obedience training. Although these terriers get along well with others, they still need socialization training from puppyhood.
They may suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. This can trigger destructive behavior in these pups. Crate training of American Hairless Terrier puppies is recommended by expert trainers. Puppies who are crate trained feel secure in the crate, as they consider it to be their safe place.
As for their exercise needs, American Hairless Terriers require moderate amounts. A 30-minute dog walk would be enough for these medium energy pooches. Do keep them on a leash though, they tend to have a strong prey drive.
American Hairless Terrier Grooming and Care
American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic dogs are low maintenance. Lack of hair means that you won’t have to worry about coat brushing or trimming. However, expert groomers recommend bathing your AHT dog at least once a week, with a moisturizing dog shampoo. This will not only keep their skin healthy but will also keep dander minimal.
AHT dogs require a weekly ear cleaning and biweekly claw trimming. A regular teeth brushing regime will help keep dental problems away.
Find out what equipment you will need for grooming your dog here.
Similar Dog Breeds To American Hairless Terrier
American Hairless Terrier Health Issues and Care
The exposed skin of AHT dogs requires a fair amount of care. When going out, be sure to apply sunscreen to your pup’s skin for protection. In winter, remember to cover them with a sweater. In the case of dry skin, any non-lanolin lotion should work well for these terriers.
A robust breed, American Hairless Terriers have a few breed-specific health issues. These include:
Getting your pet from a reputable breeder can minimize the risk of serious health concerns.
Conclusion
American Hairless Terrier hypoallergenic dogs are loving, friendly, and spirited. They love to be around children and react well with strangers. AHT dogs are loyal. They are intelligent, therefore, easy to train. Most importantly, this dog breed doesn't shed at all, which makes it a perfect pet companion for people with dog allergies.
American Hairless Terrier FAQ
Do American Hairless Terriers Have Dander?
Yes, they have dander. However, unlike coated dogs, the dander of AHT dogs gets trapped in the oil that skin produces. This keeps it out of the environment and eliminates the risk of allergic reactions.
Find out how you can reduce dander levels in your homes here.
Do American Hairless Terriers Shed?
No. The American Hairless Terrier is a non-shedding hypoallergenic breed.
Do American Hairless Terriers Have Hair?
It depends. The American Hairless Terrier dog breed has two variants. The common hairless variety doesn't have any hair, except for the eyebrows, whiskers, and guard hair on the muzzle. Whereas their rarer, coated counterpart may be covered with short, smooth, but dense fur, that has a sheen.
Do American Hairless Terriers Bark?
Occasionally. Compared to other dog breeds, the American Hairless Terrier' tendency to bark is low to average.
Is the American Hairless Terrier Good for People With Dog Allergies?
It is. With an American Hairless Terrier, allergies to your pet are a thing of the past.
Is the American Hairless Terrier Good With Kids?
Yes! They get along with kids very well, especially the ones they grow up with.
Is the American Hairless Terrier Good to Keep in an Apartment?
Of course! As a small-sized dog with a medium energy level, the American Hairless Terrier makes a fantastic apartment dog.
How Much Does an American Hairless Terrier Hypoallergenic Dog Cost?
A rare breed, an American Hairless Terrier puppy costs around $800-$1800!
American Hairless Terrier Facts Summary
| Breed | American Hairless Terrier |
| Other Names? | AHT. |
| Hypoallergenic? | Yes. |
| Size | Small. |
| Height | 12 to16 inches (30 to 40 centimeters) |
| Weight | 12 to 16 pounds (5 to 7 kilograms) |
| Lifespan | 14 to 16 years. |
| Temperament | Intelligent, playful, alert, inquisitive, friendly. |
| Colors | Any color or combination of colors, except albino and merle. |
| Coat | Coated variant: soft and dense coat with a sheen. Hairless variant: No coat. |
| How much grooming? | Moderate. |
| How much shedding | No shedding, |
| Dander levels | Low. |
| Saliva–Drooling and licking frequency? | Low drooling potential. |
| Energy levels | Medium. |
| How much exercise do they need? | Moderate. A daily 30-minute walk is enough. |
| Health problems | Hip dysplasia, Liver shunt, Cushing's disease, Patellar luxation, Epilepsy. |
| Suitable for kids? | Yes! They love kids! |
| How much do they bark? | Occasional |
| Can they be left alone? | No. They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. |
| Intelligent? | Yes. |
| Trainable? | Yes, they are easy to train. |
| How popular as a pet? | American Hairless Terrier Hypoallergenic dogs are rare. |
