A day in the life told by an American Hairless Terrier
I wake up and feel the warm sun on my skin. No fur means I love sunny spots! I wiggle my whole body and trot to the kitchen. My human gives me a gentle scratch behind the ear. After a quick bite, we head to the park. I chase a tennis ball and zoom around, feeling the breeze. I meet a friendly poodle and we race along the fence. At home, I burrow into a soft blanket. In the afternoon, I practice a new trick, rolling over! My human claps and gives me a treat. As the sun sets, I snuggle on the couch, feeling loved and warm. It's a perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Treats they will love homemade and simple
American Hairless Terrier tipAmerican Hairless Terriers can be picky eaters and may have food sensitivities, so rotate proteins to keep meals interesting and watch for reactions to chicken or beef. Because they are prone to weight gain, use low-calorie treats sparingly during training and keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories.
Source: purina.com petmd.com
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
- 1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
- Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
- Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
- Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
Recipe from The Kennel Club
Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup
Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.
You need
- 1 cooking pumpkin
- ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
- ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle
How
- Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
- Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
- Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.
How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.
Recipe from Dogs Trust
Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)
A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.
You need
- 1 egg
- 170g boiled chicken breast
- 100g cooked plain rice
- 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
- 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)
How
- Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
- Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
- Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.
Recipe from Blue Cross
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my American Hairless Terrier, and at what times?
Feed adult American Hairless Terriers at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can vary, but consistent daily schedules help. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should an American Hairless Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.7
How often should I bathe an American Hairless Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every two weeks, but you can adjust based on your dog's needs. Hairless dogs may need more frequent baths if they get dirty or have skin issues. Use a gentle, pet-safe shampoo.8 Pet Wiki plan
How often does an American Hairless Terrier need brushing?
No brushing is needed for the hairless variety, and the coated variety only needs occasional brushing. This breed is very low-maintenance in terms of brushing. Just keep an eye on the skin for any dryness.23
How do I trim an American Hairless Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.8 Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does an American Hairless Terrier need?
This lively terrier needs about half an hour of walking daily plus energetic play, and many enjoy agility. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and play. It adapts well to flats as long as it gets enough activity.2 Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an American Hairless Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal. For teeth, aim for daily brushing as per Pet Wiki's plan.8 Pet Wiki plan
How long does an American Hairless Terrier live?
The American Hairless Terrier typically lives between 14 and 16 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life.2
Is an American Hairless Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed usually gets on well with children and other pets. It is a bright, lively dog that bonds tightly with its family and generally mixes well with other animals.324
Can an American Hairless Terrier be left alone?
This people-oriented dog likes to be with its family and may not do well if left alone for long periods. It adapts to flats but needs daily activity and companionship. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Rat Terrier
Chinese Crested
Xoloitzcuintle