Jump to:
Why a hairless dog breed?
What you should know before getting a hairless dog breed
How to care for a hairless dog
8 Hairless Dog Breeds
Many dogs are loved and recognized for their curly, straight, long, or short hair.
Today, you’re about to meet the exception.
Imagine a dog who has little to no hair.
There’s no luscious fur coat that needs combing.
Haircuts are seldom, if ever.
And grooming as a whole? Well, it’s just really different.
Meet the hairless dog!
Not one, not two, but eight different hairless dog breeds are what I’m sharing today.
If you dislike the mess of dog hair all through your home, these pups are for you.
Or if you are allergic to dogs, again these breeds may be your perfect match.
Hairless dogs are exotic.
They carry a buzz in the dog world, and people can’t stop talking about them.
So why all the hype?
Here’s why.
Why a Hairless Dog Breed
First, because they don’t shed.
Dogs without hair simply don’t have hair to shed.
This means you can spend less time removing hair from your clothing and furniture and spend more time snuggling your little pal on the sofa.
Less hair (or no hair) also means minimal doggy odor.
So because there isn’t hair collecting and trapping wayward scents, your dog will be far less likely to carry unpleasant doggy smells.
Second, thanks again to not having hair, these pals are less prone to getting fleas and ticks.
In the rare case that they do fall victim, their coat is much easier to treat than their furry counterparts.
Third, hairless dog breeds can be perfect for dog lovers with allergies.
It’s important to note though, hairless dogs are not 100% hypoallergenic.
They still shed and they still have dander. Meaning they may also cause allergies.
The good news is, if it’s the hair that bothers you, then you’ll most likely do just fine with a hairless dog breed.
Of course, there’s always the fact of being exotic that hairless dogs have running in their favor, too.
These pals come in a variety of sizes.
They are curious, and they bond deeply with family.
What You Should Know Before Getting a Hairless Dog
Remember, hairless dog breeds have either very little hair or no hair at all.
As such, they are no match for cold climates.
These babes should be kept indoors where the temperature is carefully regulated.
And when the weather turns cold, get a comfy dog sweater to keep your pupper warm.
In addition to climate, skincare is a second thing to note.
Thanks to having coats with little to no hair, these pals are highly susceptible to sunburn.
Skin irritations are not uncommon either.
Oh, and they enjoy nearly anything that’s soft.
Call it a bed, make it a pillow, or snag a cozy blanket.
If it’s soft, chances are high it’ll be a favorite of your little pooch.
How to Care for a Hairless Dog
Because there simply isn’t hair, the skin is where you’ll want to direct your attention.
Proper skin care is extremely important for hairless dogs.
It minimizes blackheads, cuts down on pimples, and fights unwanted skin irritations.
So here’s how to provide your pup with good dog skincare:
Daily: wipe your dog’s skin with a warm, damp cloth. This will remove unwanted dirt without irritating the skin.
Weekly: clean your puppers ears and trim those nails.
Bi-monthly: bath your hairless dog with a mild doggy shampoo. If you are unsure which brand to purchase, ask your local veterinarian what he/she recommends for your specific breed.
In addition, here’s what else you’ll want to be doing regularly:
- When wet, always dry your puppy with a soft towel.
- Brush teeth frequently (hairless dog breeds seldom grow a second set of teeth).
- Use a soft brush on the skin to remove any dirt.
- Apply a dog moisturizer (look for one that’s approved by your local vet).
- Provide your puppy with clean bedding and clothing.
- Never squeeze pimples or blackheads on your pooch. Too often, it’ll lead to scarring and skin discoloration.
Eight Hairless Dog Breeds
In alphabetical order, here are eight popular and not-so-popular hairless dog breeds.
1. Abyssinian Sand Terrier
First up is the Abyssinian Sand Terrier. His origin is yet to be nailed down although experts believe this breed came from Africa.
He’s a quiet and calm fellow striding in a long body.
Coat colors vary and include anything from black to grey, sand, and bronze.
It’s also not uncommon for an Abyssinian to have mottled markings.
Weight for the Abyssinian ranges between 21 – 39 pounds and he’ll stand as tall as 20.5 inches.
He has bat-like ears and sports a tuft of hair both on his head and tail.
A favorite activity for the Sand Terrier includes getting exercise outdoors.
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is uncommonly rare, he barks very little, and he loves a good adventure.
2. American Hairless Terrier
Another hairless terrier, the American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless dog of North American origin.
These beauties made their debut during the 1970’s in Louisiana by a woman named Josephine.
True to their name, they have no fur and require a thick sweater in the cold.
They are also registered with both AKC and FCI.
American Hairless Terries are charming pals.
They are smart, amiable, and playful.
Like other terrier cousins, this breed loves people and is charming with children.
They are curious, playful, and adventurous at their core.
Not to mention, they are full of energy so frequent exercise is a must.
In size, the American Hairless Terrier ranges from 12 – 16″ tall and weighs anywhere between 12 – 16 pounds.
Take a look at their coat and you’ll see anything from black to apricot, red, and chocolate.
It’s even common for their coat to carry a combination of colors too.
There’s also a coated variety of this breed.
The coated variety carries a super short coat of shiny hair and sheds very little.
3. Argintine Pila Dog
True to her name, the Argintine Pila Dog hails straight from Latin America.
She’s known to live long (as in, 20 years!), although she is prone to skin diseases.
Skin care is an absolute must for these beauties.
The Argintine Pila Dog ranges in size from small to large, although small is her most common size.
The small version stands 10-14″ tall and weighs anywhere between 9-18 pounds.
Sizing up is the medium variety who stands between 14-18″ tall and weighs 18-25 pounds.
Notching up again are the largest Argintine Pila Dogs who stand as tall as 25″ and weigh up to 55 pounds.
When you greet an Argintine Pila Dog, you’ll note a tail curled forward, and narrow muzzle, and pointed ears.
Markings may be spotted or piebald.
These beauties are great family dogs and are quick to make friends with children.
They are truly playful, affectionate, and charming.
4. Chinese Crested Dog
Meet the Chinese Crested Dog.
He’s a popular little fellow and comes in two varieties: hairless and fluffy.
The fluffy counterpart is commonly referred to as Powderpuff and carries a fine, silk coat.
The hairless variety, on the other hand, is mostly bald with splotches of hair on his legs, tail, and the top of his head.
These beauties were first bred to catch rodents on Chinese vessels.
They date back to the Middle ages and refuse to let go of their high prey drive.
Fortunately, they love kids and are loyal to family.
Chinese Crested Dogs are affectionate, lively, and a joy to have around.
Plus, they do great in small spaces so if you call a small apartment home, this breed may be for you!
In size, the Chinese Crested Dog stands 11-13″ tall and weighs between 8-12 pounds.
His coat is typically spotted pink, he carries a white feather tail, and sports a slender physique.
5. Hairless Khala
Extremely rare, the Hairless Khala is believed to have originated in Latin America.
This breed is strong, protective, and courageous.
What’s more? She comes in two sizes, or better noted, two shapes.
The larger variety is commonly known as the gazehound. These beauties are graceful in nature and stride through life on long canine legs.
In contrast, the smaller variety has shorter legs and is slightly less agile. A second name for these smaller dogs is pottery.
The smaller variety stands 14-17″ tall and weighs between 14-30 pounds.
Taking it up a notch, the larger Hairless Khala stands as tall as 20 inches.
These pals carry a dark grey coat and sport a patch of white hair on their head.
They are kind and sure to make a kid feel loved.
6. Jonangi Dog
Straight from India comes the Jonangi Dog.
This breed was bred for hunting and herding.
Thanks to the decline of duck hunting throughout India, this breed stands on the edge of extinction.
They are wary of strangers yet friendly towards anyone considered family.
Children and pets are both favorites of the Jonangi Dog.
In place of the bark, expect a friendly yodel from the Jonangi Dog.
And when it comes to coat color, you’ll find colors including fawn, black, white, and chocolate with occasional piebald markings.
Their tail is permanently curled, they’ll greet you with a wrinkled forehead, and they sport fox-like features.
In height, the Jonangi Dog is 17-21″ tall and weighs between 28-48 pounds.
7. Mexican Hairless Dog (aka Xoloitzcuintli)
Oh hey! It’s the Xoloitzcuintli, pronounced show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee, or simply Xolo for short.
This breed is mystical in nature and is among the oldest of all dog breeds.
By nature, they are sensitive, friendly, and kind.
Thanks to their calm nature and stunning watchdog capabilities, they are also excellent family dogs.
And today? They’re serving as show dogs too.
The Mexican Hairless Dog attaches deeply to friends and is charmingly smart.
He also loves to please and is quick to learn new things.
Invite him indoors or call him outdoors. Either space is loved by a Mexican Hairless Dog.
When it comes to size and coat type, you can take your pick.
There is both a hairless as well as a coated variety.
Plus, there are standard, mini, and toy sizes.
Say hello and they’ll greet you with a wrinkled forehead and muscular physique.
8. Peruvian Inca Orchid (aka Peruvian Hairless Dog)
Closely related to both the Mexican Hairless dog as well as the Argentine Pila Dog, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is another hairless pooch from Latin America.
Originally from Peru, this breed is friendly and athletic all in one.
They are registered members of the AKC miscellaneous group and thrive in competitions like obedience and agility.
Take a look at their roots and you’ll find they are direct descendants of the Ecuadorian Hairless dog, an extremely rare and not officially recognized dog.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is deeply loyal to his people so socializing is key.
Take him along to outdoor shopping experiences, your local park, and dog-friendly restaurants.
Let him experience at a young age what it means to be a well-behaved, social puppy.
To your advantage, these cuties are quick to learn and easy to train.
In stature, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is long and lean.
They come in any one of three sizes: small, medium, and large.
The largest size can weigh up to 55 pounds while standing 26 inches tall.
When talking coat color, you’ll find colors including black, brown, gray, pink, tan, and white.
Hairless Dog Breed FAQ
What breed of dog has no hair?
The American Hairless Dog is the only dog native to North America who has no hair. This breed first began in the 1970s and today is playful and smart.
Do hairless dogs smell?
Because hair traps unwanted scents, meet a hairless dog and you’ll encounter only a slight odor. (Thanks to doggy dander and puppy breath, there will always be a touch of dog odor.)
Do hairless dogs get fleas?
Nope. Thanks again to not having hair, fleas have nowhere to hide on hairless dogs and puppies. The result? Hairless dog breeds seldom, if ever, encounter flees.
How much is a hairless dog?
This depends on which hairless dog breed you choose. Browse the various breeds and you’ll encounter price tags spanning from $600 all the way to $3,000 and beyond.
Do hairless dogs get cold?
Yes, they do. Thanks to not having a thick fur coat, hairless dog breeds are quick to feel cold. Always keep a warm doggy sweater on these pals when in cold temperatures.
In Closing
That’s a wrap.
Eight hairless dog breeds.
Some are tall, some are small.
Some are athletic, others prefer to lounge.
Whatever the case, they are all deeply loyal and they are all excellent companions.
Ready to find your own hairless dog breed?
Get started right here at vippuppies.com.
Until next time,
Sarah
References:
Benton, T. (2019). Hairless dog breeds. Retrieved from https://www.somerzby.com.au/blog/hairless-dogs/.
Hairless Dog Breeds (n.d.). World Dog Finder. Retrieved from https://worlddogfinder.com/blog/dog-breeds/hairless-dog-breeds.
Murphy, L. (2020). 8 Hairless dog breeds. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/hairless-dog-breeds-4801015.
Sara Ochoa, DVM is an expert veterinarian ready to help you give your dog an amazing life. Stationed in East Texas, Dr. Ochoa specializes in small and/or exotic animals. She’s currently loving life alongside her husband Greg and their three fur babies: Ruby the Schnoodle, Monkey the tortoise, and Oliver James (affectionately dubbed “OJ”) the cat.
