10 Hairless Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Cuddly

Among the variety of dog breeds that exist on Earth, there are also very rare ones. They can be large in size and very small, decorative, and exotic. There are a lot of factors by which our faithful friends fall into the rare category.

These include the little-known breed, low popularity among dog breeders, as well as poor-quality selection and prevalence in only one particular region of the planet. So, in this article let’s know about the 15 best hairless dogs breed.

Here’s a breakdown of the information about hairless dog breeds, along with key takeaways:

Hairless Dogs: Unique and Often Misunderstood

Hairless dogs are a fascinating group with ancient origins. Here’s what you need to know:

10 Notable Hairless Breeds:

  • Chinese Crested: Gentle, needs skin protection, comes in hairless and downy (fluffy) varieties.
  • Hairless Chihuahua: Miniature, prone to skin issues, essentially a hairless version of the Chihuahua.
  • American Hairless Terrier: Playful, active, descended from Rat Terriers.
  • Argentine Pila Dog: Rare breed from South America, needs skin care.
  • Hairless Khala: South American, comes in two sizes. Needs warmth in cold weather.
  • Jonangi: Indian hunting breed, energetic and sociable. Not ideal for apartments.
  • Abyssinian Sand Terrier: Ancient, rare African breed. Can be protective, but friendly.
  • Peruvian Inca Orchid: Looks like a small deer, sensitive skin, strong bond with owners.
  • Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo): Ancient Mexican breed, gentle, needs skin protection like sunscreen.
  • Ecuadorian Hairless Dog: Rarest of all, not AKC-recognized, active and affectionate.

Important Considerations

  • Not Truly Hairless: All hairless breeds shed a little. The term usually refers to a lack of a long coat.
  • Skin Care is Essential: These dogs need protection from sunburn, cold, and dryness. Use specialized shampoos and lotions.
  • Temperaments Vary: Like any dog group, personalities differ by breed. Research which is the best fit for your lifestyle.
  • Potential Health Issues: Some breeds are prone to specific conditions. Be aware before making a commitment.

Key Takeaways

  • Hairless Doesn’t Mean Low Maintenance: Specialized skin care and clothing for weather protection are often necessary.
  • Fascinating History: Many hairless breeds trace back to ancient civilizations.
  • Not for Everyone: These dogs are unique and need owners committed to their specialized needs.
  • Wonderful Companions: With the right care and understanding, hairless dogs can be loving and devoted family pets.

Before Choosing a Hairless Breed

  • Talk to Breeders: Learn about the specific care, health, and temperament of the breed you’re interested in.
  • Honest Assessment: Be realistic about whether your lifestyle and environment are suitable.
  • Allergies: Hairless dogs are not always a solution for those with allergies. Dander and saliva cause reactions too.

Let me know if you want a more detailed description of a specific breed!

10 Top And Best Hairless Dogs Breed

We guess that you have already imagined a pet that leaves no hair at all. So, we have to disappoint you: there are no such breeds. All dogs shed their hair, at least a little. But still, there are pets that, indeed, almost do not shed. These are hairless, curly, and wire-haired dog breeds. So, see below the 10 top and best hairless breeds of dogs.

1. Chinese Crested:

This gentle creature does not like solitude and is attached to one person for life. Feels great in a city apartment: it has no smell and does not shed. Corydalis skin requires special care: you will have to buy a special hypoallergenic shampoo, suntan lotion, as well as clothes for walking in the cold season.

This breed has two varieties: completely hairless and with hair. Bald people have hair only on the head, paws, and tail. Woolen has soft fur on the body. As you yourself understand, the first variety sheds the least.

Chinese skin also requires special care. These dogs need to be bathed with hypoallergenic shampoos, as well as smeared with sunscreen and moisturizing lotions. Well, in winter they need all kinds of down jackets and even boots.

The Chinese Crested Dog chooses its own owner (if it has a choice, of course) and becomes very attached to this person. Therefore, before you take such a dog, you need to think carefully – dogs are difficult to adapt when changing owners.

2. Hairless Chihuahua:

The Hairless Chihuahua is the same breed as the regular Chihuahua, but with a distinct lack of coat: they have a rare genetic defect that leaves them hairless. They are prone to some skin problems, but otherwise, they are just like regular Chihuahuas.

These quadrupeds are recognized as the smallest dogs on the planet. Chihuahuas are loyal and patient animals that are often taken with them on trips or vacations. This breed has many varieties that differ from each other not only in weight or height but even in external features. About what types of Chihuahua exist, later in the article.

This miniature breed grows up to the age of seven months (often the formation is completed even earlier – for example, at six months of age). And only after the end of active growth and a set of final body weights, it is possible to measure the height of an adult dog in order to obtain a reliable indicator.

Hairless Dog Breeds

3. American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is descended from the Rat Terrier. This is a relatively young American hunting dog breed and the only one on our list that was not invented by nature. In the 1970s, breeders succeeded in getting the Rat Terriers to produce hairless offspring. And although some puppies are still born with a rare light coat, the breed is already commonly called bald. American Hairless Terriers are intelligent, active, and playful. They make good family dogs.

Chinese crested dogs come in two varieties: hairless and downy. The hairless variety, contrary to the name, has fluffy tufts on the head, ears, paws, and tail, but their density can vary from individual to individual. The downy variety has a lush, soft coat. Moreover, such a puppy can be born a completely bald offspring. Chinese Cresteds are very loving and loyal dogs that will appreciate an energetic and easy-going owner.

This breed appeared in the USA in the 80s of the last century as a result of a genetic mutation. These terriers are not exactly called naked, their body is covered with very small hairs. Not more than 1 mm long. Therefore, to the touch, such dogs seem velvety, velour.

The skin of Americans is just as sensitive, so in the summer, they need to be smeared with sunscreen before going out or equipped with some kind of light clothing. For the winter, you will have to buy overalls and special boots, because the skin of the paws of naked terriers can be injured by ice and ice. The skin of Americans is covered with a layer of protective fatty lubricant and has an increased ability to regenerate, so these dogs can be safely bathed often.

The American Hairless Terrier is pure sanguine in character. These dogs willingly play with children, participate in all their pranks, and do not growl at them, even if the naughty ones have exceeded their “authorities”. In general, AGT is an extremely peaceful dog that does not know what aggression is. And if he has done something, then the angry owner will quickly melt away from the pet’s “signature” smile.

4. Argentine Pila Dog:

The Argentine Pila Dog is a dog that is closely related to the Peruvian Dog and the Mexican Xoloitzcuintle. These three are endemic breeds of Latin America and are characterized by the fact that they have very little wool.

For those unfamiliar with this breed, it may seem that the skin of the Argentine hairy dog is affected by a disease such as scabies. However, the truth is that the hair on these dogs is practically absent, so the skin is left unprotected.

Due to their lack of coat, the Argentine Pila dog is prone to skin conditions such as dermatitis or irritation. For this reason, their skin must be constantly looked after. With proper care, the hairy dog has proven to be an extremely long-lived animal.

Pila is found mainly in the north of Argentina and is valued primarily for its smooth skin. According to Argentine legends, pilaf dogs came to the nation as a gift from the Incas, who gave them to strengthen ties.

5. Hairless Khala:

The Hairless Khala dog is a breed native to South America that comes in two sizes, small and large. Other names for it include Caa Allepo, Pila, and plain old Khala.

The dimensions of this dog are as follows: weighs between 7 and 14 kg and measures 36 to 51 centimeters in height.

These dogs lack hair, thus we advise that you get them some appropriate clothing, like a jumper, for the cold or excessively hot weather. As a hound,

Hairless Khala dog training is mostly focused on helping the dog learn valuable hunting skills. Because Hairless Khala dogs are so obedient and pleasant to teach, many trainers claim that it is a very wonderful and enjoyable experience.

6. Jonangi:

These dogs are quite sociable and get along with the majority of people. Although they are cautious around strangers, Jonangi dogs get along well with kids and other animals.

Because they were developed to have short coats to withstand the brutal heat of India, Jonangis don’t need much care. Of course, they will still require the fundamental grooming that is required for all dog breeds.

These dogs are quite energetic, therefore putting them in a flat won’t be the best thing for them. To dig holes and run around, they will require a large yard. Although the Jonangi were developed to withstand intense heat, they typically struggle in cold climates.

7. Abyssinian Sand Terrier:

Uncommonly known, the Abyssinian Sand Terrier is an ancient and extremely rare breed of hairless African canines. Apart from a few tufts on the head and tail and some individuals who are fully hairless, this breed hardly has any hair on its body.

This dog’s skin tone ranges between several hues of grey, frequently with random spots of dull pinkish color. Bat-like ears, a black snout, a long, tapering muzzle, brilliant, wide eyes, an arched neck, and long, slender legs are all characteristics of the Abyssinian Sand Terrier. The chest and stomach are parallel to its back, and the body is streamlined with a short, twisted tail.

It’s interesting to note that many members of this breed are silent until they are trained to bark and are then kenneled with other dogs of the same breed. They are fearless, though, and would act in a protective manner to protect you and your home.

The friendly Abyssinian Sand Terriers are eager to please their owners. They get along well with kids and other animals, especially dogs.

8. Peruvian Inca Orchid

Yes, this is the name of this breed. By the way, it is believed that these dogs were bred long before the Incas; burials with skeletons of dogs of this breed are found in Peru to this day. But it was the Incas who considered the Peruvian moon dog (another, no less poetic name for the breed) to be sacred, and even believed that it could heal.

Peruvians bear little resemblance to an orchid, but they do look like small hornless deer. Especially from afar. The skin of these animals is similar to humans, the only thing that distinguishes it is the temperature (37.5 – 39 degrees).

The peculiarity of the Peruvian Inca orchid is that it is an “owl” by nature. She wakes up late at night and stays up all night. Perhaps that is why it is called the moon dog. This is a good guard and companion, it is strongly attached to its owner, and it may never get used to a new owner.

9. Xoloitzcuintli:

Therefore, they are often called shortly Xolo. This breed is native to Mexico. These hairless dogs appeared around 5 to 3 millennium BC, which is why some experts consider them the most ancient breed in the world.

Xolos don’t smell “dog”, they don’t shed, and their skin doesn’t emit sweat, grease, or grease. Xolo sweats through paw pads, interdigital membranes, and tongue. Naked Xolos are gentle creatures. In winter, their skin brightens due to the lack of sunlight, become pale and vulnerable to all sorts of damage and allergic reactions. In the summer, they burn in the sun. Just like people.

The owners of these dogs praise the breed for intelligence and poise. Xolos are tolerant of other pets, they can be safely left with children. Keep in mind – in the winter these dogs need to be dressed for a walk. And when the frost is below minus 20, you need to walk with such a pet for no more than 20 minutes. Even if you dressed him up in a down jacket.

10. Ecuadorian Hairless Dog:

The Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Xoloitzcuintle were crossed to create the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog. The rarest of all hairless dogs, this one is not even a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club. This joyful and affectionate dog also enjoys being active, therefore frequent exercise is essential.

Cynologists say that of all hairless dogs, the Ecuadorian breed is the most hairless and rarest.

Distinguishing representatives of this breed’s mind and ingenuity, they are very mobile and easy to train. The average life expectancy of an Ecuadorian is approximately 12 years.

Very little is known about the dogs, which can only be found in small settlements in the African tropics, but the so-called “baldness” gene became dominant, which led to the appearance of a rare breed of hairless dogs.

Conclusion:

Hairless dogs appeared at the dawn of civilization. Even in ancient times, they were found on all continents with tropical climates. So, these are the top hairless dog breeds in the world. Often people choose hairless dog breeds, hoping that they will have less hair in the house. So, which one do you choose?

Aapt Dubey
Aapt Dubey

Aapt Dubey, a devoted canine enthusiast and experienced dog Owner, brings boundless passion to our team. With a heart full of love for our four-legged friends, Aapt is dedicated to sharing insights on dog care, behavior, and training to make every pup's life happier and healthier at ItsAboutDog.com.

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