American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix

The American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the American Hairless Terrier and the Australian Kelpie. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The American Hairless Terrier is known for being lively, inquisitive, and intelligent. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the American Hairless Terrier or the Australian Kelpie? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix puppy. That is, if they have any American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

American Hairless Terrier History

The American Hairless Terrier started in 1972 from one hairless female puppy in a litter of Rat Terriers. This one lone dog, named Josephine had pink skin with large black spots. She was actually given away out of the litter. Being that she was hairless and didn’t shed, the Scotts (who now had adopted the puppy), went on to breed her. Her offspring was originally registered as a hairless variety of Rat Terrier. Many American Hairless Terriers are still born with a coat, recognised as a coated variety. This breed went on to be recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2004 and the American Kennel Club in 2016. The breed still continues to this day and comes in two sizes, miniature and standard. All of this breeding was done with careful outcroppings with the Rat Terrier. If you are wondering about the Rat Terrier, they were originally bred to hunt Rats and other vermin. People would actually place wagers on them and use them as a way to place bets. However, the original breeding was done for practical purposes - to keep rats out of barns.

Australian Kelpie History

As one might imagine, the origins of the Australian Kelpie begin in Australia. Australia had large sheep farms and black Collies were imported from Britain as herding dogs in the 19th century. Of course, they were crossbred with other breeds and more than likely wild Australian dingoes. The result of this breeding was a hardy, tough dog that was able to work practically nonstop in a tough climate. They were independent and intelligent dogs that ranchers really liked. valued them for their intelligence and ability to work independently.

This interbreeding created the modern Australian Kelpie we know today. As it became a more popular dog and was known for it’s working capability it was later exported to other countries. Some parts of the United States have similar climates to Australia and it adapted well as a working dog. They have expanded their role from ranch working dog to detection work, service dog work, therapy, and sports performance. They still make great ranch hands and companions.

American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix Size and Weight

American Hairless Terrier
Height: 12 - 16 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 10 - 16 lb.
Lifespan: 14 - 16years

Australian Kelpie
Height: 15 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 25 - 46 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix Personality

The American Hairless Terrier and the Australian Kelpie are both loyal and affectionate. They are also very charming, so watch out! This dog will require a good training regimen as they can get excited. They are very loyal to their family. One of the best things you can do for any breed is to socialize it as much as possible. Please use positive reinforcement, it goes a long way! She should be rather affectionate and love being with you, she can also be stubborn so keep that in mind.

American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The American Hairless Terrier mixed with the Australian Kelpie might be prone to joint dysplasia, patellar luxation, allergies, epilepsy, dental, deafness, liver shunt, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

American Hairless Terrier Australian Kelpie Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

American Hairless Terrier Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in