What do a Peruvian Inca Orchid, an Abyssinian Sand Terrier, and an Argentine Pila Dog all have in common? They are all unique breeds of hairless dog!
That’s right, while we are so accustomed to the thought of our pet dogs having coats of fur, spare a moment to think about those bald pups that are born hairless. They’re still cute, they’re still dogs, and they still make for amazing pets.
In fact, there are several diverse hairless dogs that are specifically bred not only for their hairless qualities, but also for their enduring loyalty and vibrant personalities. Plus, if you have a dog hair allergy, there’s no excuse not to get a pet when you have an American Hairless Terrier or a Chinese Crested Dog to choose from!
Keep reading as we introduce to you the world’s best hairless dog breeds!
What Are Hairless Dog Breeds?
As the name might suggest, a hairless dog is one that is predominantly hairless. But while this means that they lack the traditional fur coat we expect a dog to have, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are entirely hairless.
Many breeds, such as the Chinese hairless dog, have large tufts or plumes of hair that only cover their heads or certain areas of the body. Dogs like this inevitably find their way into dog grooming competitions because of their unique look.
Breeds such as the Chinese Crested Dog are also unique in the fact that only part of the litter will be born hairless. These hairless breeds are the result of recessive genes, and while some are born completely bald, another member of the same species may have a flowing coat of fur.
The most popular breeds of hairless dogs include the following:
- Xoloitzcuintli
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Argentine Pila Dog
- American Hairless Terrier
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Abyssinian Sand Terrier
- Hairless Khala
- Jonangi Dog
Hairless dog care
They certainly are exceptional creatures, and they make for perfect companions if you or anyone in your family has minor allergies to dog fur. Their often calm demeanor also makes them some of the best dogs for first time owners.
However, hairless dogs will still need a lot of care and attention. In fact, many of the breeds we will detail next need more grooming and nit-picking than your traditional fur-coated dog!
For starters, many are kept specifically for their unique tufts, but those quirky tufts of hair over the ears or head do take some pampering to keep in top shape. More importantly, hairless dogs need their skin taken care of – there’s no fur to protect them.
Hairless dogs are prone to all sorts of skin conditions. They need regular baths to keep the hairless dog smell at bay, and moisturizing is super important for smooth skin. A hairless dog will also need plenty of sunscreen to stop them from burning, and if it’s cold outside, they are going to need their own winter coat to keep away the chill!
8 Popular Hairless Dog Breeds
Hairless dog breeds are popular across the world, and there’s real diversity when it comes to the different breeds. Here are the 8 most popular hairless dog breeds that could become your next pet dog:
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xolo is a Mexican dog that was favored by the Aztecs for its bald appearance. This unique breed is either small, medium, or large and is very easy to groom and look after regardless of whether it’s a toy, miniature, or large breed!
Average height: 10 - 23 inches
Average weight: 10 - 55 pounds
Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian hairless dog is a relic of the Inca, who prized the breed for its loyalty and intelligence. The Peruvian Inca Orchid is bred in 3 distinct sizes, running in height from 10 inches up to 25 inches.
Average height: 10 - 25 inches
Average weight: 9 - 55 pounds
Argentine Pila Dog
The Argentine Pila Dog can be small, medium, or large in the breed, but it’s always going to be predominantly hairless. These South American dogs are known for their loyalty, as well as the small fluffy bits of hair that grow on their heads.
Average height: 10 - 25 inches
Average weight: 9 - 55 pounds
American Hairless Terrier
Super playful but extremely easy to look after, the American Hairless Terrier is a favorite dog for families. With a small stature, they can be born completely hairless or with a light coat of short fur.
Average height: 14 inches
Average weight: 14 pounds
Chinese Crested Dog
The Chinese Crested Dog is a classic hairless dog breed that more often than not becomes the star of a dog grooming show!
Known for its short build, the Chinese Crested Dog has a distinctive hairdo on its head that droops over its ears and eyes – the rest of the body, though, is hairless!
Average height: 12 inches
Average weight: 10 pounds
Abyssinian Sand Terrier
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is often difficult to find, but for dog lovers in the know, they are renowned for their quiet demeanor and loyal outlook on life. These dogs are totally hairless, except for little tufts of often bright red hair on their head.
Average height: 17 inches
Average weight: 30 pounds
Hairless Khala
The Hairless Khala is a fiercely loyal dog that originates from South America, as many other hairless dog breeds do. The Hairless Khala is generally short-legged, with just a small tuft of hair sticking up from their heads.
Average height: 17 inches
Average weight: 20 pounds
Jonangi Dog
The Jonangi Dog originated on the Indian subcontinent, but unfortunately, it’s become quite a rare breed to find outside the country. The Jonangi is a hunting dog, which means they are loyal and intelligent, but can be difficult to keep confined!
Average height: 19 inches
Average weight: 40 pounds
Hairless Dog Breeds: The Final Say
Hairless dog breeds certainly look different, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make excellent pets. Loyal, tenacious, yet very often calm and collected, these breeds of dogs have a unique character as well as a unique look!
Don’t be fooled into thinking that hairless dogs don’t need care and attention, however – because very often, they are more difficult to look after than a fur-coated pet. If you’re considering a hairless dog as your next pet, then why not bookmark our helpful guide to the different breeds?
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