The Louisiana-born American Hairless Terrier is a smart, inquisitive, and lively dog that comes in both hairless and coated forms. He is a great option for allergy sufferers looking for a terrier with real grit and bravery.
The American Hairless Terrier is available with or without hair, and its height at the shoulder ranges from 12 to 16 inches. While the coated version has a short, lustrous coat, the hairless variety may have whiskers and brow hairs. The skin of the hairless is warm to the touch and smooth. Their large, wedge-shaped heads distinguish both kinds. Round, upright, V-shaped ears frame expressive eyes that shine with inquiry.
The American Hairless has a bouncy gait that betrays his true terrier temperament. The most hypoallergenic breed of dog is the hairless one. However, having no hair comes with its own set of problems. Sunburn is a risk, and chilly weather necessitates extra safety measures. This breed makes vigilant watchdogs and is protective of its owners.
Care as a Pet/ In Captivity
An AHT is very active and frequently viewed as more friendly than certain terrier-type dogs, but this dog can also be rather independent, so you must be prepared to put in the time and effort to train it about boundaries.
With the proper introductions, the breed can get along well with other dogs, but you should be warned that it frequently has a bossy nature and will want to be in charge. An AHT might not get along with other small furry animals since it still has a predatory instinct.
Exercise
The intelligent American hairless terrier enjoys having a task to complete. Problem behaviors may start to emerge if it is left alone for too long a period of time during the day and is not provided adequate exercise or enrichment. The AHT prefers brief bursts of movement (but not in the sun), so a few quick walks each day lasting approximately 30 minutes, together with a quick game of fetch either indoors or outside, should be plenty for exercise.
Another terrier hobby that your AHT might have acquired is digging. This can be avoided by providing your dog with a designated digging area or rewarding alternative, preferable behaviors. If your dog is extremely daring and you frequently take it off the usual path, you should keep an eye out for it trying to navigate thorny underbrush because it could more easily hurt its skin.
Grooming
Basic grooming is necessary for an American hairless terrier, but the dog’s skin needs to be treated with special care. AHTs frequently lack coats, which leaves the dog’s skin very exposed and necessitates special care. Give your dog a gentle dog shampoo bath once a week or so, and then pat the dog’s skin dry. Applying a moisturizing sunscreen (try one made for babies and toddlers) and possibly even covering its body from the sun may be necessary in hot weather.
An AHT will require a sensible, well-fitting coat when exercising outside in the cold; if your home is draughty, the dog may even need to wear a fleecy jumper inside.
Training
Keep the dog on a leash in locations where there may be too much temptation for it to begin a pursuit, and put a lot of effort into teaching your AHT a rock-solid recall. Despite being intelligent, this breed is extremely stubborn; therefore attempting to compel the AHT during training could have disastrous results. Instead, it responds well to training techniques that involve rewards. You will get the best results if you keep your training sessions brief, interesting, and enjoyable.
Nutrition
The American Hairless Terrier should thrive on a premium dog food, whether it is produced commercially or is made at home under the guidance and consent of your veterinarian. Whatever the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior), the diet should be suitable. Watch your dog’s calorie intake and weight level because certain dogs are prone to obesity. Treats can be a valuable training tool, but offering them in excess might lead to obesity. Discover which foods fit the bill for canine consumption and which do not. If you have any worries about your dog’s weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. Fresh water that is clean should always be accessible.
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