American Hairless Terrier

Grooming Tips

Grooming needs ofAmerican Hairless Terrier are minimal. For the hairless variety, there is little maintenance involved other than keeping the ears clean and making sure the dog is protected from sunburn. The variety with a short, shiny coat is almost as carefree.They hardly shed, so all that’s called for is a quick session with a soft bristle brush once a week, and an occasional bath as needed. As with all breeds, the American Hairless Terrier‘s nails should be trimmed regularly.

Exercise Tips

The American Hairless Terrier has only moderateexerciseneeds. They have to go outside several times a day, of course, but brief daily sessions in a fenced-in yard or on regular walks will generally be all they require.They enjoy activity but are also quite happy to curl up on the couch next to their owner. The breed is friendly and happy to play with people or other dogs. Thanks to their high trainability, they can do well in a wide range of canine activities such asobedience,rally, andagilitycompetitions.

Feeding Tips

High-quality dog food is needed, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).Some dogs are prone to gettingoverweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level.Treatscan be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about whichhuman foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Health Tips

Because the gene associated with the American Hairless Terrier’s lack of hair is recessive, they do not suffer from absent premolars or other breeding complications that plague other hairless dog breeds. They can, however, suffer from occasional cuts and bruises resulting from vigorous play.

Trainability

As with all breeds, early socialization andpuppy training classesare recommended. Gently exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations between the ages of about 7 weeks and 4 months will help him develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult.Puppy training classes help owners learn how to recognize and avert any behavior problems and enhance the bond between the puppy and the owner. The American Hairless Terrier is very intelligent and eager to please, so training is usually an easy and enjoyable activity.

The American Hairless Terrier's American ancestry begins with the mixed breed terriers calledFeistsbrought from Europe to North America as early as the 18th century. In the late 1800s, theRat Terrierbreed was developed from the Feist by the addition ofBeagle,Italian Greyhound, andMiniature Pinscherbloodlines.The distinct American Hairless Terrier breed began in 1972 when one hairless puppy named Josephine appeared in a Rat Terrier litter in the state of Louisiana, United States. Owners Edwin and Willie Scott liked the dog's look and temperament, and upon maturity bred her hoping to reproduce the hairless quality. They were eventually successful; a litter produced in 1981 provided the foundation stock of the breed.