A lively, curious terrier derived from the Rat Terrier, occurring in both hairless and coated varieties. The lack of coat makes it a notable option for some allergy sufferers, but bare skin needs sun and cold protection.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
Apartment or small home with daily walks
Apartment + 2× daily 30-min walks
A small dog adapts well to apartment living with two structured walks a day plus indoor enrichment. Crate-train for alone-time and give supervised free-roam of the household when settled.
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Recommended
Home with secure yard + daily routine
House + fenced yard + 45 min daily exercise
A house with a securely fenced yard, two structured walks per day, and indoor enrichment (chews, training, puzzle feeders). Most small breeds settle well as household pets when this baseline is met.
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Ideal
Household companion with varied enrichment
House + fenced yard + sport or hobby
A household companion that joins family activities, has a secure yard, and engages in a hobby suited to the breed — earthdog, scent games, trick training, mini-agility. Mental work matters as much as the walks.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Apartment-friendly given its small size, but energetic and needs daily walks plus play and mental enrichment (30-60 minutes). Because the hairless variety has no insulating coat, it needs sweaters in cold weather, shade and sunscreen or clothing in strong sun, and should be kept indoors in temperature extremes.
Diet
Feed a quality small-breed diet in measured meals; prone to weight gain if overfed, which the small frame tolerates poorly. No special dietary needs, but good nutrition supports skin and dental health.
Behavior & temperament
Smart, alert, energetic, and affectionate, with classic terrier curiosity and a strong play drive. Trainable and eager, responding well to positive reinforcement, and tends to be less prey-driven and less prone to digging than many terriers. Good with children and other pets when socialized; can be watchful and vocal toward strangers.
Health
Generally healthy and robust. Breed concerns include patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, cardiac issues, and (in the hairless variety) skin problems such as rashes, sunburn, and reactions to grass/allergens. The hairless variety may have missing or incomplete dentition. Recommended screening: patella evaluation, cardiac exam, and eye exam. Skin needs ongoing protection and care.
Tips, DIY & hacks
The hairless variety needs no brushing but requires regular skin care: gentle bathing, moisturizing if needed, sunscreen or protective clothing outdoors, and warm layers in cold weather. The coated variety needs only weekly brushing. Many people with allergies tolerate this breed better, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Protect the skin from scratches, sun, and cold.
