American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a naturally occurring hairless breed developed entirely in the United States from a single hairless rat terrier puppy named Josephine born in 1972 in Louisiana.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
14–16 years
Weight
2.5–7 kg (5.5–16 lbs)
Height
18–41 cm (7–16 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality small-breed kibble; sunscreen required for outdoor exposure
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The American Hairless Terrier is a naturally occurring hairless breed developed entirely in the United States from a single hairless rat terrier puppy named Josephine born in 1972 in Louisiana. Edwin and Willie Scott, who owned Josephine, spent 14 years developing the hairless gene into a stable breed. Unlike the Xoloitzcuintli and Peruvian Inca Orchid whose hairlessness is an ancient trait, the AHT's hairless gene mutation is entirely modern and documented. It is the only true terrier that is completely hairless. A coated variety also exists. Their lack of coat makes them particularly popular for severe allergy sufferers.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The American Hairless Terrier is a small, muscular, rat terrier-type dog with completely bare skin ranging from pink to dark brown with various spot patterns. The skin feels warm and smooth. The coated variety has a short, dense, smooth coat. Erect ears are characteristic. The body is athletic and compact. The skin shows a network of veins and musculature visible beneath.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
None
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-1-2-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
AHTs are curious, energetic, and playful — true terriers in temperament. They are intelligent and highly trainable, particularly for terrier breeds. They are sociable with people and typically tolerant of other animals. Their terrier energy means they need more exercise than their size might suggest.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
15°C to 30°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
barking, digging instinct, trembling, skin rash (stress-related)
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily vigorous exercise of 30–45 minutes. The hairless skin requires SPF 30+ sunscreen for outdoor exposure in sunlight and moisturising in dry conditions. They must live indoors and need a coat in cold weather. Skin inspection for cuts, insect bites, and dermatitis is part of daily care.
Nutrition Notes
UNLIKE other hairless breeds, AHT has full dentition (different hairlessness gene — recessive, not dominant). Skin care dietary support (omega-3/6). Sunscreen essential. Allergies in some lines.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Full dentition (unique among hairless breeds). Cushing's disease. Hip dysplasia (low rates). Allergies. Sunburn and skin cancer risk. Originated from a single hairless Rat Terrier puppy in 1972 (Louisiana). Coated variety also exists. 14-16 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
500 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
350 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally a very healthy breed. Skin protection is the primary ongoing management requirement. Dental care is important. Hip dysplasia is rare. Largely free of the hereditary conditions affecting many terrier breeds.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Only hairless breed with full teeth. Truly hypoallergenic (no coat at all). India: suits warm climate. Rare.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The American Hairless Terrier is one of the few breeds with a precisely documented founding event — a single hairless puppy named Josephine born in Trout, Louisiana in 1972 is the progenitor of the entire breed.
Unlike other hairless breeds, the AHT sweats through its skin rather than panting to thermoregulate — it is one of the few dogs that uses sweating as a primary cooling mechanism, similar to humans.
The AHT's hairlessness gene is different from the gene responsible for hairlessness in Xolos and PIOs — it is a recessive rather than dominant mutation, and dogs homozygous for the hairless gene are healthy (unlike some other hairless breed genetics).
