Among dogs‘ exciting and noticeable features is their fur (hair).
But do you know some hairless dog breeds exist? This might come to you as a surprise, but some dog breeds have no fur.
What kind of hairless dogs are there? Hairless dogs come in different forms.
Some are small and sleek, while others are large and bulky.
Most hairless dogs are friendly and gentle, but some are aggressive and territorial.
Some hairless dogs are usually born with their coat but may lose them later in life.
Let us discuss some of the most popular hairless breeds that exist.
1. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is one of the most common hairless breeds. They have short bodies and long legs; their skin is smooth and shiny. The American Hairless Terrier usually ranges from 12 to 16 inches and weighs about 12 to 16 pounds.
This ancient breed descended from the Rat Terrier in the United States. In the 70s, Rat Terriers were selectively bred for the hairless trait.
And while some AHTs are still born with a lighter coat, they mostly have a hairless feature. These dogs are pretty intelligent and active, making them great family pets.
They also make excellent hunting companions for more miniature games, and they mostly have pink skin with gray or black spots.
Further, AHTs are very intelligent and trainable. They like to play fetch and tug-of-war. Also, they love to run around and chase balls; they are good swimmers and climbers. They get along well with other animals and people and don’t bark excessively.
2. Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli is a Mexican hairless dog breed, pronounced as ‘show-low-eats-queent-lee.’ The Xolo is a medium-sized dog, between 10 and 55 pounds (5 and 23 kilograms). Its height is 9 to 26 inches (23 to 67 centimeters).
It has a slender build, a long, muscular neck, and a coated variety. The coat is short, flat, and dense, varying from black, gray, or blue-gray to red, liver, bronze, or white. The hairless variety has no hair anywhere except on the nose, feet, and tail tip.
The coat color of coated Xolos is like that of the hairless variety but is usually darker. We can distinguish this Mexican breed by its dental deformities and wrinkles. They also have some duality and primitive temper.
Further, people with allergies can get this dog breed because they don’t affect them like the other breeds. However, they still produce saliva and urine carrying some allergens.
3. Chinese Crested
We can’t overlook the Chinese Crested breed while listing the most popular hairless dog breeds. The Chinese Crested Dog is available in three varieties—the Powderpuff, the Hairless, and the Hairy-Hairless. There’s also a combination of the two, which can all be born in the same litter.
The hairless type does have fluffy tufts of hair on its head, ears, paws, and tail. However, the entire body of the powderpuff kind has a long, silky double layer.
Although they also have a playful side, these dogs are frequently highly affectionate. And every variety needs to be groomed to varying degrees.
This dog breed was initially bred to hunt rabbits and other small game. Today, they are still bred for tracking purposes but also companionship.
They are intelligent, friendly, loyal, and affectionate. Their coats are usually short and smooth, but they can have long hair if desired.
The Chinese Crested comes in Black, White, and Gray colors. They weigh between 20 and 30 pounds (9 and 13 kilograms) and stand between 11 and 14 inches tall (28 and 36 centimeters).
In addition, they like to play with toys, chew things, and swim.
The double, incredibly silky, straight coat completely covers the Powderpuff. Although a Powderpuff’s skin does not grow continually, it can get long once it reaches its entire length. Also, their skin is sensitive, so they’re prone to skin issues. However, regular brushing and a weekly bath usually help.
Avoid brushing the dog’s coat when dry or dirty for the healthiest skin possible. Instead, lightly mist the dog’s coat with water or a grooming spray before brushing.
4. Argentine Pila Dog
Argentine Pilla Dogs are among the hairless dog breeds native to Argentina and Uruguay. They are one of the oldest dog breeds and descendants of ancient wolves. This rare breed is famous for its intelligence, loyalty, and beauty.
It is an active and energetic dog breed, with a height of 10 to 14 inches and a weight of 9 to 18 pounds. These dogs were initially used for hunting and herding. Nowadays, people mostly keep them as pets.
These rare breeds are very smart and trainable. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and family members. Also, they are good at playing games and fetching balls.
Argentines need to go out regularly for some exercise, as they love swimming and running. They also enjoy chewing on bones and toys.
As far as the coat goes, it is short and curly. The Argentinian Pila Dog has a unique appearance. They have a thick, wavy coat with a brownish-red color.
Most Argentine pila dogs are friendly, playful, and able to adjust to new places. Even though pila dogs don’t have much hair, some have small tufts of fur on their heads and the end of their tails.
5. Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs are native to Ecuador and come from wild dogs living in South America. These rare dogs are famous for being gentle, calm, and well-mannered.
These hairless dog breeds are medium-sized dogs with a height of about 15 to 18 inches and a weight of about 22 pounds. They are easygoing and loving dogs who are great with kids.
Also, they are often small and active, with a strong prey drive, especially for small rodents. However, they enjoy cuddling up close to their favorite individuals.
Their coats are short, dense, and soft. It doesn’t grow continuously because the hair grows only when needed. However, regular brushing helps keep the skin healthy.
Ecuadorians need to go outside often for some exercise. The reason is that they love to run around and jump into ponds. They also enjoy chewing bones and toys.
Furthermore, their coats are naturally white, red, black, tan, or gray, and some have a mixture of these colors.
6. Jonangi
The Jonangi is a rare dog breed found mainly in Nepal and India. They are famous for having long, thick, and curly coats. Their coats are either black, brown, or dark blue.
This dog breed is brilliant and highly trainable. They are very affectionate towards their families and friends. Furthermore, they are excellent guard dogs and watchdogs.
However, they can be aggressive if not properly trained. They play with other dogs and chew on shoes, socks, and ropes.
Additionally, they require daily walks and plenty of time outdoors. And they are happiest when they are busy doing something.
7. Hairless Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the same everywhere. However, hairless chihuahuas have a rare genetic abnormality that renders the former hairless. As a result, they have the same disposition as other chihuahuas.
These hairless dog breeds have a height of about 9 inches and weigh about 6 lbs. Their features include a short nose, large eyes and ears, and a small build.
They typically have strong personalities and have deep relationships with their preferred people. Also, they are territorially protective.
However, the hairless version needs special attention because it is prone to skin problems. Chihuahuas without fur are also susceptible to becoming very cold.
8. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an ancient breed of dog bred by the Inca civilization. Some people also call it the Peruvian hairless. This breed originates from Peru, where people used it to hunt guinea pigs.
It is a medium-sized dog with a length of 12 inches and a weight of 25 to 30 pounds. Its coat is short, dense, and straight. Also, it’s protective and affectionate but can develop anxiety when abandoned.
Due to this breed’s hunting ability, it has a keen sense of smell. Thus, it requires lots of exercise and training. Also, it enjoys playing fetch games with balls and sticks.
9. Hairless Khala
Khalaans (Bolivian hairless dogs) are among the oldest hairless dog breeds in the world. They were initially bred to hunt rabbits and hares. Today, they are still used for this purpose.
However, they are also popular pets now. These hairless dog breeds have been famous since the Middle Ages. They originated in Bolivia and will always protect their owners.
These dog breeds are medium-sized dogs with a height of 13 inches and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Their coats are usually black, brown, or grey.
In addition, they are intelligent, friendly, and playful. These dogs are good at guarding their homes and families. However, they may become anxious if left alone.
10. Abyssinian Sand Terrier
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is the last on our list of hairless dog breeds. Sand terriers are one of the most common hairless dog breeds. They originate from Ethiopia and Eritrea and are famous for being extremely agile and fast.
Their coats are usually black, tan, or white. These hairless dog breeds are so agile that many people mistake them for cats.
Because of this agility, they need to be exercised regularly. Additionally, these dogs love to chase after toys.
