

The American Hairless Terrier is an alert, energetic Erdhund (earth dog) — bred with the courageous heart of a ratter, but without the protective coat. It combines a true terrier engine with an extreme need for cuddling to keep itself warm.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the American Hairless Terrier fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
14–16 yrs
Shoulder height
30–41 cm
Weight
5–9 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a American Hairless Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the American Hairless Terrier — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
An American Hairless Terrier is basically a living hot water bottle with a Ferrari engine. Outside, it zips after every stimulus with tireless terrier drive; inside, it prefers to crawl right under your sweater. You aren't getting a fragile fashion dog, but a hardy hunter that just happened to forget its jacket.
The American Hairless Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog that is particularly noticeable because of its hairless skin. His physique is muscular and athletic. The ears are V-shaped and stand high, giving the dog an alert and interested expression. The breed is not recognized by the FCI, but is classified as a terrier by kennel clubs such as the AKC and the UKC. It is characterized by her robust constitution and her energetic, intelligent and friendly nature. There is no distinction between show and performance lines when it comes to American Hairless Terriers, as they are primarily kept as companion dogs. Their skin can have all colors and patterns and feels soft, almost like human skin.
The American Hairless Terrier is an incredibly playful, friendly and intelligent dog. He loves being part of the family and is known to get along well with children. He is full of energy and needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. This little terrier is always up for an adventure and loves learning and exploring new things. Indoors, the American Hairless Terrier is a pleasant and calm companion who enjoys spending time with his family. He is not a loner and loves being in company. Therefore, he may have difficulty staying alone and should be introduced to being alone slowly and carefully. Despite its typical terrier energy, the American Hairless Terrier does not have the strong hunting instinct that many other terrier breeds have. It is more encouraged to play than to hunt and usually does not show strong prey-catching behavior. He is alert and vigilant and will alert his family to possible intruders. But he is not a barker and is not prone to barking for no reason. Overall, the American Hairless Terrier is a great companion for active families looking for an intelligent, friendly and lively dog. It is also good for people with dog hair allergies as it has no fur and is therefore hypoallergenic. With his cheerful and open-minded nature, he brings a lot of joy and life to every home.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Despite being hairless, American Hairless Terriers actually have eyelashes and eyebrows!
Originally from Louisiana, the American Hairless Terrier is an intelligent, inquisitive and playful dog that comes in hairless and hairy varieties. He is a good choice for allergy sufferers who are looking for a dog with true terrier demeanor and courage.
The American Hairless Terrier is well suited as a city dog due to its compact size and friendly nature. He is adaptable and can adapt well to apartment life as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Despite his energy, he is not an excessive barker and can therefore be kept in an apartment without disturbing the neighbors. The American Hairless Terrier generally gets along well with children and can be a great playmate. He is patient and gentle and therefore well suited for families. However, an adult should always be present when children are playing with the dog to ensure that neither the dog nor the child is accidentally injured. This breed is also typically compatible with other pets, including cats, as long as they are properly socialized and used to each other.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
The American Hairless Terrier is an intelligent and eager-to-learn dog that enjoys working with its people. He responds well to positive reinforcement and learns quickly. It's important to keep the training varied and interesting to keep his attention. This breed needs both physical and mental stimulation to be happy and content. They can benefit from dog sports like agility or obedience that challenge both their bodies and their minds. However, it is important to ensure that the dog does not become overly busy and has enough time to rest. The American Hairless Terrier is not a "ball junkie," but he enjoys playing and can easily concentrate on games. Therefore, it is important to ensure that he has a good balance between play and rest times. It is also important to teach the American Hairless Terrier to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control. These skills are particularly important to ensure that the dog remains calm and collected in various situations.
An American Hairless Terrier's diet should be balanced and tailored to his individual needs. Because of their small size, they require less food than larger breeds, but they are also more active and therefore have higher calorie needs. It is important to maintain a healthy diet to avoid becoming overweight. Grooming an American Hairless Terrier is relatively easy compared to other breeds because they have no fur that needs brushing or trimming. However, their skin should be checked regularly for signs of dryness or irritation and moisturized if necessary. Because they have no undercoat, they can be sensitive to cold and should wear a coat in cool weather. In summer, care must be taken not to expose them to the sun for too long to avoid sunburn.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid
Health grade
In the American Hairless Terrier, there are breed-typical risks for primary lens luxation (PLL), hip dysplasia (HD), and patellar luxation (PL). A health-oriented breeder therefore tests their breeding animals carefully in advance for these conditions and additionally screens them for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) and deafness. Make sure that you have written proof of PL 0, HD A–B, and an unremarkable result for LCPD. For primary lens luxation (PLL), the result must be clear – if one parent is a carrier, the mating partner must be tested clear.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should always protect the bare skin from sunburn and cold when outdoors, use mild grooming products, and relieve strain on your dog's knees with joint-friendly exercise.
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees, eyes, heart, and thyroid checked and specifically focus on a robust skin structure with no tendency toward allergies.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A American Hairless Terrier costs around ~€150 per month (€80 – €280, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,680 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (15 years) it comes to about ~€30,550.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€140 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€150
In the first year
~€4,680
Across the dog's life
~€30,550
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
HonestDog Concierge
We currently have no breeders for this breed who have passed our verification. Create your short buyer profile: we'll set up your search alert, review a possible source and email you within 28 days.

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Illustrative imageThe American Hairless Terrier is a relatively new breed and has a unique history. It is originally descended from the Rat Terrier, an American breed known for its ability to hunt rodents and pests. The history of the American Hairless Terrier began in 1972 in Louisiana, USA, when a hairless puppy was born in a litter of Rat Terriers. This puppy, a female named Josephine, was raised by Edwin and Willie Scott, who recognized that this hairless terrier had the potential to become a breed of its own. Josephine was later successfully crossed and produced hairless puppies. These puppies became the basis of the American Hairless Terrier breed. The American Hairless Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2016 and is therefore officially recognized as a separate breed. Despite their short history, the breed has quickly made a name for itself, especially among allergy sufferers, as their lack of fur makes them hypoallergenic.
The American Hairless Terrier originated as a hairless variant of the Rat Terrier and was bred as a companion dog.
USA
1970
Owners describe the American Hairless Terrier as a very affectionate, warmth-loving and playful family companion. Many point out that these dogs love direct physical contact, burrowing under the covers or dozing in a lap for hours. At home they are known as cheerful housemates that fit in well with active families and love to romp with children.
At the same time, owner accounts point out that this strong bond has a clear downside: many of these dogs find being alone very hard and are prone to separation stress. Without gradually getting used to quiet time on their own, they protest loudly or, out of frustration, tend to chew on things. Out and about, owners also often get curious or critical looks from passersby, which they should be prepared for from the start.
When it comes to training, the American Hairless Terrier surprises many owners with its sharp intelligence and how quickly it catches on. It learns tricks and basic commands in no time and responds very well to positive reinforcement. Owners really appreciate its enthusiasm for activities like agility or scent work.
Experienced owners warn, however, against underestimating the breed as a mere companion dog. As a descendant of the Rat Terrier, it has real terrier temperament: it can be willful, questions rules and is often very alert. Owners quite often report a noticeable love of barking at the garden fence or front door, which is why clear boundaries and frustration tolerance need to be trained from puppyhood. Contrary to some breed descriptions, some dogs also show a real hunting drive toward mice, rats or other small animals.
Sources:allekleinehunderassen.demit-tier.depeqaboo.compaw-champ.comtipaw.com
When owners talk about health and care, the hairless skin dominates. Unlike other hairless breeds, the American Hairless Terrier usually isn't missing any teeth, which owners see as a big plus. The skin still needs looking after all year round: owners regularly mention needing sunscreen or UV-protective clothing in summer, because otherwise the dogs sunburn quickly. Strikingly often, owners also describe how the skin pigmentation visibly changes with the seasons depending on sun exposure.
In winter and in wet weather, weatherproof clothing is a must, since without a protective coat these dogs quickly start shivering and get chilled. Other frequently mentioned issues are minor scratches from brush, clogged sebaceous glands and rashes. Because there's no shedding, daily skin care keeps the house very clean, but it does call for regular checks and, where needed, an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Sources:mit-tier.depeqaboo.compaw-champ.comreddit.competbook.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The American Hairless Terrier is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a American Hairless Terrier is 14-16 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
American Hairless Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The American Hairless Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The American Hairless Terrier comes in these colors: Black, White, Blue, Red, Brown, Apricot, Tan, Sable, Brindle, Bicolor, Tricolor, Piebald.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred American Hairless Terrier.