A hairless dog breed is one that either doesn’t have hair or has very short hair. This can be due to a genetic mutation or simply because they were bred that way. In the past, hairless dogs were often seen as unlucky and considered bad omens. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case and hairless dogs are now appreciated for their unique beauty and minimal amount of allergens. Find the best one for yourself!
What Hairless Dog Breeds Are There?
There are only 7 or 9 hairless dog breeds in existence (depending on what you count as a hairless breed), so you can get to know them all before making a decision. Here’s the full list:
- Chinese Crested;
- American Hairless Terrier;
- Xoloitzcuintle;
- Peruvian Inca Orchid;
- Argentine Pila Dog;
- Bolivian Hairless Dog (also known as Hairless Khala);
- Ecuadorian Hairless Dog;
- Jonangi;
- Hairless Chihuahua.
Only the first four are internationally recognized hairless dog breeds. The next three are mixes of various hairless breeds, only registered within their home countries. The Jonangi isn’t truly hairless, but it has a very short coat that shows their skin underneath. The hairless Chihuahua is a hairless mutation of the regular Chihuahua and not its own separate breed.
Some sources also list the Abyssinian Sand Terrier (African Hairless Dog), but this breed is thought to be extinct. If we count it too, that would make a full 10 hairless dog breeds in history! Now that you know what bald dogs there are, it’s time to learn more about each one.
The Chinese Crested
Out of all hairless dog breeds, the Chinese Crested is probably the most popular. This is partly because it’s one of the smaller hairless dogs, only weighing 7-12 pounds. It comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff.
The hairless Cresteds are almost completely bald, with just tufts of hair on their heads, tails, and feet (called plumes). They have long, slender bodies and tend to be very active. Powderpuff Cresteds have a full coat of soft, fluffy hair. Both varieties make great companion dogs and are known for being affectionate with their owners.
The American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a hairless mutation of the Rat Terrier. It was first bred in the 1970s and recognized as its own separate breed in the 2000s. These pups are playful, athletic and have high energy levels. They weigh 7-14 pounds on average and come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, cream, fawn, and red.
The Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless dog, is one of the oldest hairless breeds. It was worshipped by the Aztec and Mayan people for its supposed ability to ward off evil spirits. These dogs come in two sizes – Miniature (up to 12 inches in height) and Standard (12-20 inches). The name is pronounced “Show-Low-Eats-Queent-Lee.”
The Peruvian Inca Orchid (Peruvian Hairless Dog)
The Peruvian Hairless Dog, or Peruvian Inca Orchid, is another ancient hairless breed. It’s thought to have originated in South America over 3000 years ago and was bred by the Inca people. These dogs come in three sizes – small (10-16 inches tall), medium (16-20 inches), and large (20-26 inches).
The Argentine Pila
The Argentine Pila is closely related to other South American bald dogs, and it’s only recognized as a breed in Argentina. There are only 1,700 of these dogs, most of which live in the Salta province. These dogs are medium-sized, with most adults weighing 20-50 pounds.
The Bolivian Hairless Dog (Hairless Khala)
The Bolivian Hairless Dog, also known as the Hairless Khala, is a hairless breed from Bolivia. It’s thought to be a mix of the Argentine Pila and other hairless South American dogs. There isn’t much known about these dogs, and you certainly won’t find one outside of Bolivia.
The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is another hairless breed from South America that isn’t registered as a breed anywhere. It’s likely related to the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and the rarest of the bunch.
The Jonangi
The Jonangi is an Indian dog that isn’t completely hairless. These dogs have a very short coat of fur, through which their skin is visible. They’re medium-sized or large, weighing 30-60 pounds on average, and come in a variety of colors. They only exist in India.
The Hairless Chihuahua
Last but not least, we have the hairless Chihuahua. As the name suggests, this is a hairless mutation of the regular Chihuahua and not its own separate breed. These dogs are small, with most adults weighing just four or five pounds. They have long lifespans (up to 20 years) and tend to be very affectionate with their owners. If you’d like to adopt one, be prepared for a high cost – we found one announcement with a rehoming fee of $3,000!
Caring for Hairless Dogs
The skin of hairless dogs is very sensitive and needs a special grooming routine. Here are a few tips:
- Use a sunscreen when taking your hairless dog outside, even on cloudy days. They can easily get a sunburn.
- Be careful when bathing them. Only use dog shampoo (human shampoo is too harsh) and avoid hot water.
- Bathe them in a sink or tub, as hairless dogs can slip and hurt themselves in regular pet baths.
- Use a soft towel to avoid irritating their skin.
- Try not to let them get too cold or too hot. They don’t have hair to protect them from extreme temperatures.
If you have any questions or concerns about caring for a hairless dog breed, talk to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to give you more specific advice for your pet.
So there you have it – a list of hairless dog breeds from all over the world! Whether you’re looking for a small companion or a large guard dog, there’s sure to be a hairless breed that’s right for you.
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