Portraits of popular breeds at home and abroad: American Hairless Terrier

As the name of this breed suggests, you can’t expect much hair on an American hairless terrier. This small or medium size muscled dog has hair only on its muzzle and eyebrows. But the interesting thing is that puppies are born with an undercoat which falls out only around week 8. But there is also a version of an American hairless terrier with hair. These dogs have short, soft and non-shedding hair approximately 3 mm long. Both versions, with and without hair, have very soft and warm skin without wrinkles.

As the name of this breed suggests, you can’t expect much hair on an American hairless terrier. This small or medium size muscled dog has hair only on its muzzle and eyebrows. But the interesting thing is that puppies are born with an undercoat which falls out only around week 8. But there is also a version of an American hairless terrier with hair. These dogs have short, soft and non-shedding hair approximately 3 mm long. Both versions, with and without hair, have very soft and warm skin without wrinkles.

American hairless terrier is extraordinarily friendly. If you have children (these dogs usually love them), you will also like its playful and energetic nature it usually uses to entertain them and both dogs and children get tired. The result is a sleeping child and a happy tired dog. These dogs are also very curious, so they will accompany children when exploring the world. But they can also be calm and cuddly dogs with a strong bond with their masters. They will happily warm their masters’ feet at night as they love sleeping together.

But you have to look out outdoors where its hunting instinct awakens. After all, it is a terrier and you can’t do anything about that. These dogs struggle to control themselves not to dig holes and hunt mice. This quality inherited from ancestors can be useful if you live in the countryside or even on a farm. An American hairless terrier can compete with any cat when it comes to getting rid of damage-causing animals.

It can also be a good companion for sports people and long walk lovers. It loves running and is fine with a more demanding physical activity. It will also be good in agility, once you throw a ball, it will definitely fall in love with fetching and you will have hard time trying to attract its attention by something else than a tennis ball.

But if you’re looking for a dog coach potato, look for another breed. Such life is not suitable for this one. An American hairless terrier is the happiest with many activities and movement and when something is happening all the time. Thanks to its sharpness, balance and intelligence, this breed is suitable for training even though you have to consider certain amount of stubbornness typical to terriers. It will also be a good watchdog as it is fearless and one of its favourite activities is barking.

For the owners of American hairless terriers, it is essential to choose a puppy with which they will create a good bond from the very beginning. Because the individuals from this breed are quite different in nature from each other. You can find cuddly ones as well as headstrong individualists. It is necessary to start with consistent upbringing early on and practice discipline every day.

Even if this breed is not so popular in the Czech Republic, there are a few breeding stations focusing on it. Do you have an American hairless terrier in your surroundings or even at home? Is it really so fun as it is said to be?

 

Related articles

How does a dog become a therapist

If you’re thinking about starting canistherapy with your four-legged friend, but you don’t know whether you would manage, here you will find a brief overview of the characteristics your dog is supposed to have and what he should all know.

Cat skin problems

Dermatological problems are one of the most frequent reasons of veterinary visits. Cats often suffer from them as well. A skin problem may appear due to several reasons and you may not notice it immediately. Also because of the time that cats devote to...

How to house a rabbit

If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, maybe you will find handy a bit of advice how to house him at home. A rabbit has certain needs as any other animal and it’s up to us, the owners, to make its life as comfortable as possible.

5 basic tips for camping with a dog

Holiday time is approaching fast and maybe you’re considering where to go with your four-legged friend. If you’d like to go camping, there are certainly many things you should consider. You have to plan and pack not only for yourself, but also for your...

Treibball - When the Dog Herds a Balloon

This is really what this sport is about – herding balloons. The aim is the same as for herding sheep, get all the balls into the gate. And do not be mistaken, treiball is not only for herding dogs. You can do this sport with dogs of any race, size and...