American Hairless Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

American Hairless Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: full comparison

Key differences at a glance

• The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has noticeably higher shedding than the American Hairless Terrier.

Size and living space

The American Hairless Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Hairless Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Hairless Terrier takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The American Hairless Terrier is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Hairless Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Hairless Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Teddy Roosevelt Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

• For apartment or apartment living, American Hairless Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For families with young children, American Hairless Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For first-time dog owners, American Hairless Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
• For being left alone during the workday, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
• For allergy sufferers, American Hairless Terrier has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Hairless Terrier if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want less shedding around the home, or you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the American Hairless Terrier on temperament, size and care.

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