🐾 Small · USA

American Hairless Terrier: Size, Weight & Temperament

A lively, completely hairless or short-coated American terrier with a sharp mind, a friendly temperament, and minimal coat care needs.

Beginner-friendly
American Hairless Terrier dog breed portrait
Photo: Sergey Akishev · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Weight male8–10,5 kg
Weight female7–9,5 kg
Shoulder height30–41 cm
Size classSmall (under 12 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 12 months
Life expectancy14–16 years
Activity levelHigh
OriginUSA
ClassificationNot FCI-recognised
Temperament & character

The American Hairless Terrier is bright, playful, and strongly people-oriented, without the typical terrier stubbornness seen in other breeds. It is curious, eager to learn, and generally gets along well with other pets.

Exercise & stimulation

It needs daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as fetch, agility, or scent work, or it quickly becomes understimulated and finds its own, often unwelcome, outlets. For its size it has surprising stamina.

Grooming

The hairless variety needs sun protection in summer and a coat in cold weather, but shedding is eliminated entirely. The skin should be checked regularly for irritation or dryness.

Suitable for beginners?

Its friendly, cooperative nature and manageable size make it well suited to first-time owners too, provided it gets enough stimulation.

Health & common problems

The breed is considered comparatively healthy with a long life expectancy, having arisen from a targeted mutation within the robust Rat Terrier line. The hairless variety's skin should be protected from sunburn.

Good with: families and allergy sufferers

Is your American Hairless Terrier at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

← Back to the full dog-breed overview (282 breeds)

This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.