The American Hairless Terrier is a new breed, having been developed from a single hairless rat terrier and her pups since 1972. The breed was accepted by the American Kennel Club in recent times. The American Hairless Terrier is 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 12-16 pounds.
The very trainable American Hairless Terrier is considered an excellent family dog. They have a reputation for being good with children and family members. For families with an active lifestyle, these dogs’ ability to adapt to new conditions is desirable. The breed adapts well to changes in noise levels, weather, and new environments and is thereby suited to a busy household.
The American Hairless Terrier is the only AKC hairless dog breed that has good dentition. In the other three recognized breeds, the gene that causes hairlessness also causes abnormal teeth, often in the form of missing or crooked canine teeth. Not so with American Hairless Terriers, who have normal tooth development.