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American Hairless Terriers in Cold Climates AHTs in snow?
American Hairless Terriers in snow? Yes!!! Yes, it is possible to own American Hairless Terriers if you live in snow country, but it will take a bit extra effort to keep these little ones warm and toasty. Look at these AHTs who live where the winter is long and cold!
AHT Sigge lives in northern Sweden (Boden, 66 Latitude North). When this photo was taken, the temperature was -26.5 C (-15.7 F). Sigge might be the most northen living AHT in the world! He was bred by Lena Falk and is owned by Cristina Soderstrom. Winter clothing In cold climates, American Hairless Terriers do need warm clothes in the winter. They will probably need a light sweater or pajamas inside, unless you keep the temperature in your house very warm. Be careful not to put too warm clothes (e.g. thick fleece) on your AHT while inside as not to overheat him. Check that he isn't so hot that he sweats. AHTs also need thick windproof snowsuits with booties and hats or hoods when they go for walks outside. Cover that tail, too! Dressing in layers is ideal. Basically, dress your AHT like you would dress a toddler going out to play in the same outside temperature and for the same length of time. You can buy your doggie overalls, hats, and booties or make your own with dog clothing patterns.
Saber in the snow Going potty in the snow American Hairless Terriers will tolerate colder temperatures for short periods of time if they are acclimated to it. Some people let their American Hairless Terriers go out and potty naked in the winter for very brief periods (maybe only 30-60 seconds), and some put clothes on their dogs. In any case, you will need to shovel a potty area and a little path to it so that their little legs won't sink into snow. The closer the potty area is to the door, the better. Your AHT will probably need 4-5 potty breaks a day. Some AHT owners even build special sheltered areas with walls and roofs for the AHTs to do their outdoor business in the winter. Many AHTs dislike wind and rain. A few people also paper train or litter box train their AHTs. This is useful during the coldest winter days. AHTs have their own personal preferences as well. Some are fine going potty outside unclothed and some shiver with just the thought of it.
Fluffy doing his business Nutrition You might need to increase your American Hairless Terrier's food intake in the winter to keep a good layer of fat on him. Be sure the food includes healthy fats. Fats will keep your AHT's skin nice and help prevent over-drying of the skin with furnace heat. Ask your breeder or your local specialty petfood store for advice on nutrition.
Uho in Finland trying on new overalls
Bo ready to go out
Madeline modeling her winter outfit
* * * More cold climate AHT pages: Finnish AHT photo pages at the AHT Gallery section - Finland p.1, Finland p.2, Finland p.3, and AHT Uho. Finnish AHT info & photo pages at the Hairless Dogs section (this AHT subsection) - AHTs in Finland and AHTS in cold climates.cy's 1996 - 2008 |
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