American Hairless Terrier Temperament

The American Hairless Terrier or "AHT" is an intelligent, inquisitive, spirited, and very loving and loyal dog. They make excellent companions for active families.

AHTs and Children

It has been our experience that they are good with children, if the children are quite used to dogs and have grown up learning how to interact with dogs appropriately. If the family is new to having a dog, we usually we suggest the children are at least 8 years or older. This way the child can be taught how to handle a small dog properly. The toy variety in particular may not be bested suited for younger children, as they can easily be hurt. AHTs are not particular tolerant of being mishandled and will let someone know if they are unhappy. They tend to be mouthy as terriers are, and can be rambunctious:)

AHTS and Socialization

AHTs can be very territorial and stubborn, but for the most part friendly with strangers and other dogs; as long as they are introduced properly, and the puppy was appropriately socialized from a very young age. They can be very protective of their family and need to feel confident and secure that a stranger or a new dog is not threatening. This is easily achieved by making sure your AHT always has positive experiences with new people and dogs, starting right from puppyhood. AHTs are particularly protective of their personal space with new people, and it is very important to allow them to approach people first. Never let anyone grab for your terrier or reach to touch the top of a terrier's head or back uninvited!

AHTS and their Environment

Both the hairless and coated varieties are sensitive to climate. In Canada, there are several considerations. The first and very important one, is the potty issue! They are not really going to go out in the snow, freezing rain, or even rain in general. Firstly it's not healthy or safe for them, and secondly, they simply don't like it. For your AHT to potty in winter, you will need to set up a lean-to or small shelter, or use a sheltered area such as a carport or porch. This area should be attached to your home, outside a door, since they won't cross an unsheltered area to get to it. Most of the time in colder weather your AHT would need to be dressed at all times in a 4 legged suit. To spend any period of time outdoors (moreso than just running out to potty), he or she will need a snowsuit and boots. Their exposed skin is similar to a baby's skin, and can get frostbite easily. The general rule is to dress them the same as you may dress a toddler for the same weather. In summer there are other issues! One is sunburn. Again, follow the rule of their skin is similar to a toddler, so make sure they have suitable sunblock on, and watch them for spending too much time in the sun, they won't know themselves if they have been in the sun too long. A light cotton t-shirt works well to keep them from sunburn. The ear tips, back of neck and tail are particularly susceptible. One other summertime issue is that they are not proficient swimmers, and therefore they need to be closely monitored or blocked off from pools, lakes, rivers, etc. The photo of Scooby playing in the water is actually very unusual for the breed...as most AHTs normally dislike the water!

AHTS and other Animals

This breed originated from the Rat Terrier, a small farm dog used for hunting and vermin control. In Canada, Rat Terriers are very rare; so most families in Canada may not be familiar with the characteristics. The most similar breed we have here that most are familiar with is the Jack (Parson) Russell Terrier. Since the Rat Terrier was the originating breed, the AHT possesses in some cases the same prey drive and desire to hunt. Not all AHTs are like this; some have no prey drive at all. But the originating breed was bred for many generations to kill small animals. Almost all of our own AHTs, if given the opportunity, would follow their terrier instincts and kill a small animal outside. In the home, many are fine with cats, and we even know of a couple who have made friends with a bunny! But there is no guarantee, even from the most placid young puppy that they will show no prey drive later in life, in particular when it comes to squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, and of course mice, voles or any other small animal. One of our girls is an excellent birder, and one of our boys even goes after and corners does or fawns.

To Sum it Up

AHTs can be extremely quick and very playful and make great watchdogs, as they will alert you to any sort of problem. They can be yappy at times, but with positive reinforcement training, this can be easily rectified. The toy variety in some cases may be suitable for an apartment, but in general this breed needs a home with a yard, and would love to live in the country! They are high energy and very active. AHTs are great snugglers and like to be with their family as much as possible. They are very dependent and loving, and really would like to be a lap warmer as often as possible! They love to sleep under the covers with you at night. The best way to sum up these unique little guys is to say that they are 100% terrier. They are active, go-getting, bold little creatures. The breed are easily trained and very are eager to please their family.