The American Hairless Terrier is a unique and fascinating breed, known for its sleek, hairless body and affectionate personality. This breed is a rare gem, making it essential to choose a reputable breeder to ensure you get a healthy and well-socialized pup.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an American Hairless Terrier breeder is their experience with the breed. Experienced breeders will have a deeper understanding of the breed's specific needs and will be able to provide you with valuable guidance and support.
The American Hairless Terrier is a relatively small breed, with adults typically weighing between 10-20 pounds. This makes them a great companion for families with small children or for people who live in apartments.
The American Hairless Terrier requires regular skin care to prevent skin problems, such as sun damage and skin infections. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with information on how to properly care for your pup's skin.
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Care and Grooming
The American Hairless Terrier is a unique breed that requires special care and attention. They are very energetic and need regular exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy.
One of the key things to consider when owning an American Hairless Terrier is their grooming needs. They have little to no fur, so they don't need regular brushing, but they do need to be bathed regularly - about once a week or so.
Their skin is very exposed, so they need extra care to prevent dryness and irritation. Use a mild dog shampoo and pat their skin dry after bathing. In hot weather, you may need to apply a moisturizing sunscreen to protect their skin.
Ears and teeth also need regular attention. Check their ears regularly for debris and signs of infection, and clean them if needed. Brush their teeth regularly to keep them healthy and happy.
In cold weather, American Hairless Terriers need a practical and well-fitting coat outdoors while exercising, and may even need to wear a fleecy sweater indoors if your home is drafty.
Here are some key grooming needs to keep in mind:
- Bathe about once a week with a mild dog shampoo
- Pat skin dry after bathing
- Apply moisturizing sunscreen in hot weather
- Check ears regularly for debris and signs of infection
- Brush teeth regularly
- Trim nails regularly
Adopt/Buy
If you're set on bringing an American Hairless Terrier into your life, be prepared for a potentially long wait. You may need to get on a waiting list or travel further afield to secure a puppy from a reputable breeder.
The cost of a purebred AHT can range from $1,500 to $4,000. If you're not set on buying from a breeder, there are other options available.
While it's rare to find an American Hairless Terrier available for adoption, you can try contacting shelters across the country to see if they have any terrier-types looking for forever homes.
To start your search for an AHT, consider the following resources:
- The American Hairless Terrier Club of America
- AKC Marketplace
- Rat Bones Rescues
Health and Temperament
The American Hairless Terrier is a highly entertaining companion, known for being playful, curious, and energetic.
They're also very clever and make great training companions, as they're biddable and willing to learn. This makes teaching them a relatively easy task.
Their vigilant nature makes them a great watchdog, alerting you to anything suspicious they notice, even if it's just a squirrel outside.
Here are some key temperament traits of the American Hairless Terrier:
Overall, the American Hairless Terrier's temperament makes them a wonderful addition to any family or household.
Characteristics of the
The American Hairless Terrier is a unique breed that's full of energy and drive. With a high energy level, this dog requires regular exercise to keep it happy and healthy.
Their high playfulness and trainability make them a joy to be around, and with proper training, they can learn to be well-behaved and obedient.
They're also highly intelligent, which means they can pick up commands quickly and adapt to new situations. With patience and consistency, you can teach them to be a great companion.
Here's a breakdown of their temperament and characteristics:
Health and Conditions
The American Hairless Terrier is typically a healthy canine, but like any breed, it's not immune to certain conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to stay on top of your pet's well-being.
Some serious conditions to be aware of include Cushing's disease, thyroid issues, and idiopathic epilepsy. These conditions can have a significant impact on your dog's quality of life.
Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are relatively minor conditions that can still cause discomfort for your dog. Making sure to keep an eye out for any signs of these conditions can help you catch them early.
Here are some of the conditions that the American Hairless Terrier may be prone to:
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Cushing’s disease
- Thyroid issues
- Idiopathic epilepsy
Temperament & Intelligence
The American Hairless Terrier is a delightful breed with a fantastic temperament. They're playful, curious, and energetic, making them highly entertaining companions for families and singles.
Their clever nature makes them great training companions, and many dog owners find that teaching them isn't too much of a challenge. They're biddable and willing to learn.
One of the standout features of the American Hairless Terrier is their alert nature. They'll keep you informed of anything suspicious they notice, and while they may not be the best guard dogs due to their size, they make great watchdogs.
Their high energy level means they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A moderate amount of exercise is sufficient to keep them satisfied.
Here's a quick rundown of their temperament traits:
As you can see, they're a friendly and social breed that gets along well with kids and other pets.
Sources
- American Hairless Terrier - Breeders and Kennels (eurobreeder.com)
- American Hairless Terrier Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- standard (ukcdogs.com)
- The American Hairless Terrier Club of America (ahtca.info)
- WebMD (webmd.com)
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