10 Hairless Dog Breeds Why are some dogs hairless? Are hairless dogs hypoallergenic? 400 Names for Hairless Dogs Bare Dog Breeds Bald Dog Breeds
Hairless dog breeds are known for lacking fur or hair a trait that makes them unique. Dogs that are a little quirky, strikingly unique, and practically shedding-free, hairless dog breeds might just be your dream companions. The hairlessness of these breeds is attributed to certain genes they inherit from their parents and ancestors. It means they are naturally hairless, and not because of some health condition or other. Despite being hairless, these breeds still require care like regular baths and skin protection from environmental factors like sunburn and cold weather.
What they lack in hair, they make up for with their amazing personalities and affectionate nature. So, there is much more to these hairless dogs than just their lessened grooming needs. While they vary in appearance and personality, most hairless dog breeds tend to be fairly cuddly and enjoy curling up with their humans for warmth.
Why are
some dogs hairless?
Two different genes cause hairlessness in dogs. The first (FOXI3) is responsible for hairlessness in all but one of the four hairless breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This gene leaves stylish tufts of hair on the top of the head, the tail and the ankles. Here is the weird thing - because hairless dogs are not weird enough: It also affects the teeth. These hairless dogs usually have a bunch of abnormal and missing teeth - it is normal for them to be snaggle-toothed.
There is something else odd about this hairless gene: It’s inherited as a semilethal dominant gene. Do not worry - that’s not as bad as it sounds. It just means only one copy of the hairless gene is needed to cause hairlessness; if there are two copies, the embryo dies before developing. That is why every hairless dog of these breeds has one copy of the hairless gene and one copy of the coated gene for normal hair growth. And since they carry a recessive-haired gene, hairless dogs often produce puppies with full coats.
There is one other unrelated gene that causes hairlessness in dogs: SGK3. It causes puppies to be born with a sparse, fuzzy coat that gradually disappears by a few months of age. These dogs don’t have tufts of hair anywhere on their bodies, and the gene does not affect the teeth, it is inherited as a simple recessive gene. This means that a dog must have two copies of this hairless gene to be hairless. But since no health problems are associated with it, a true-breeding line of hairless dogs can be established, as is the case with the American hairless terrier, the only AKC-recognized hairless breed with this gene.
So why do these genes cause hairlessness? In the case of FOXI3, the gene controls the normal development of both hair and teeth, so the mutated form results in abnormalities in how either develops. In the case of the SGK3 gene, it’s important for the maintenance of the hair follicle. The mutated form doesn’t do that properly, so the hair falls out.
Are hairless dogs
hypoallergenic?
As you probably have guessed, these dogs are considered hypoallergenic as they do not have any hair to shed and produce little to no dander. However, people with allergies to dog saliva may still find it difficult to have a dog as a pet, even a hairless one. Hairless dogs may be hypoallergenic, but they can still cause allergic reactions - just maybe not as much as furred dogs. It is not the hair people are allergic to but the dander from the skin.
Despite the breed’s name, it’s unlikely these hairless dogs originated in China - a genetic study actually points to Mexican origins. But no matter where they came from, the Chinese Crested has been bred to be an affectionate companion for centuries. There are two distinct varieties of the Chinese Crested Dog, the "hairless" and the "powderpuff." The hairless variety is just that: hairless, except for its feet, head and tail. The "powderpuff" has a long, soft coat. Some breeders to this day "bucket," as they call it, the powderpuffs when they are born, simply because they claim they are not worth much. When a breeder "buckets" a puppy it means they drop it in a bucket of water when it is first born and let it die. The powderpuff variety is a beautiful dog with a full coat of fur and many people do not realize they exist because a lot of websites only show the hairless variety. Both varieties are equally recognized by the major kennel clubs. The Chinese Crested is a small toy breed with two coat types: hairless and "powder puff" (fully coated). They are affectionate, lively, and sensitive companions, weighing between 5–12 pounds and standing 11–13 inches tall. Both varieties require regular grooming, and hairless ones need special skin care to prevent sunburn. They are intelligent and respond well to positive training methods. The most popular of the hairless breeds, the Chinese Crested is still very rare. These dogs are alert, charming, agile and lovable. Though affectionate and playful with children, children should be taught not to be rough with this breed as it is friendly, but it does not have the protective hair that other breeds have and can get injured easily. It is an entertaining and amusing companion. Do not baby this breed or you might cause it to be timid. Socialize your dog well, starting when it is a small puppy, exposing it to loud noises and outside activity. This intelligent dog has the ability to perform tricks. They are generally good with other pets. They are not barkers. Chinese Crested Dogs like to climb and dig holes. They tend to become very attached to their owners. These dogs enjoy companionship and need constant human leadership. Do not let this wonderful breed fall into "Small Dog Syndrome" where they lack a human pack leader. It is easy to baby a small dog, however, doing this can cause many unwanted behaviors. If your dog growls, guards objects, snaps or bites, the dog has been allowed to take over and be pack leader to the humans. These behaviors can be corrected as soon as the humans start displaying the proper leadership.
The XOLOITZCUINTLI (Mexican Hairless Dog) is an ancient, intelligent, and calm breed that comes in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard) and can be hairless or coated. They are loyal and affectionate with family but can be reserved with strangers, making early socialization crucial. Xolos are generally healthy with a long lifespan, but hairless varieties require extra skin care to prevent sunburn and other issues. The Xolo comes in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, Standard, and two varieties: coated and the hairless, with the hairless being the more sought after and popular variety. It is very hairless with or without a short tuft of hair on the head and tail. The hairless Xolo should never be hairy, or possess long hair, wire hair or wavy hair. Xoloitzcuintli is famously known as the Mexican hairless dog, though it also comes in a coated variety. The hairless version has tough, smooth skin, but some can have a bit of hair on their head, feet, and tail. The Xolo is very intelligent, loyal, alert, athletic and extremely loving to its family. It is important that all family members play a role in leadership, rearing, training and feeding the Xolo or it will bond to the one person or people who do. It is naturally protective and aloof with strangers. With proper socializing it is very good with company and children. It is a myth that Xolos are vegetarians, however they do love veggies. This breed is easy to housetrain, and learns very quickly. You must be the leader and teach the Xolo, or it will lead and run the house for you. This breed is becoming very popular as an obedience dog, in therapy, agility, and conformation. Many swear they have learned more from their Xolo than any other breed, because they are so intelligent and in tune with their family. The Xolo is often called a Velcro dog, staying with its owner at all times, it very seldom runs off or away. One owner’s testament claims she called and called for her Xolo only to look down and find it sitting right there looking up as if to say, “here I am.” So she learned quickly to simply look down first and there it will be. Another owner claims her Xolo loves to climb trees with the kids and ride the horses with the owner. The Xolo can escape anything or climb anything only to get to where you are. However, since they are so smart they can also learn to stay where you want them as long as it is not for forever. Being a primitive breed with great survival skills, a Xolo will not tolerate abuse or an unstable environment. With no shedding, no dander and no fleas, the hairless variety is very popular with clean, neat people, those with allergies and asthma, and with people who suffer from pain and arthritis type ailments. Being hairless, they radiate a warm, soothing, healing heat. This is only because they are hairless, lacking a fur barrier, their body temperature is not warmer. This is not a yappy or hyper breed so do listen when your Xolo alerts you. Do not let the Xolo fall victim to Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This will cause varying degrees of behavior issues. Do not treat the dog like a human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly, not forgetting the ever-so-important daily pack walk. You will be rewarded many times over with a stable, well-balanced dog.
The Peruvian Inca orchid is an extremely rare dog breed originating from Peru. Although not all, many Peruvian Inca orchids are hairless. Although they are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, their numbers are dwindling due to various factors, such as a small litter size and a high puppy mortality rate due to their genetics. There is also a lack of awareness of the breed, especially outside Peru. Despite all these factors contributing to the breed’s rarity, many consider the Peruvian Inca orchid a potential companion. It is the only living breed of dog indigenous to Peru. As in other hairless breeds, coated examples can also occur. The Peruvian Inca orchid is in a class of its own when it comes to dog breeds. The breed, sometimes abbreviated to the nickname of PIO or flower dog, spans the spectrum in terms of size with some pups standing small and others much larger. It's known for its usually (but not always) totally hairless body and elegant, slim build. The Peruvian Inca orchid exhibits some features that are similar to other breeds - particularly whippets and greyhounds and some characteristics that are all of its own. What this breed tends to lack in fur, however, the Peruvian Inca orchid makes up for in personality. These flower dogs are affectionate, adaptable, athletic, and make lively and interesting pets. Peruvian Inca orchids are well-balanced dogs with an affectionate and loyal personality. Given that they were kept as companions for hundreds of years, Peruvian Inca orchids are devoted dogs that bond strongly with their immediate family. While affectionate with the family, Peruvian Inca orchids tend to be reserved around strangers. Peruvian Inca orchids typically get along well with children of all ages. They have a soft spot for kids in the family and make good companions to keep children active. However, the Peruvian Inca orchid also has a sensitive side. If children in the family aren’t respectful of their space, they may not tolerate their behavior.
The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is an exceptionally rare breed from Ecuador, likely descended from or closely related to the Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) or Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo). The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog hails from the western Santa Elena Peninsula in Ecuador, where it was developed as a crossbreed between the Mexican Xoloitzcuintli and the Peruvian Hairless Dog. They’re smaller than the Xolo and just as friendly as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, but with a lovable, spunky personality. Despite the name, they can inherit some limited tufts of fur if their Xolo parent isn’t 100% hairless. The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is exceedingly rare outside of its native Ecuador, but there are a few dedicated breeders that deal with the pup. Expect to pay through the nose for one, as there are few published estimates on how much they cost to speak of. It doesn’t help that they’re not recognized as a breed by the AKC or any other kennel clubs.They are known for their playful, gentle, and affectionate nature, requiring regular skin care, physical exercise, and mental stimulation. While sometimes called a toy breed, with some sources listing a size range, others note the breed is very rare with no verified photos, and information can overlap with other hairless breeds. The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is said to be a mild-mannered, laid-back dog that prefers to spend time with their family. They’re thought to be bright and easily trained too, though sometimes they can have a stubborn streak because of how smart they are. Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs will follow you wherever you go, but they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They can be great for families, especially those with allergy sufferers in the household. Because they have little to no fur, Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs won’t shed all over your furniture and carpets like some fluffier breeds out there will. That said, they do produce a minimal amount of dander like all dogs. That means they can trigger sensitive allergies if you don’t keep on top of cleaning the areas they hang out around your house. They can be trained and socialized from a young age to tolerate being around other dogs and possibly some cats, but those are the only pets we’d recommend. Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs are direct descendants of the Peruvian Hairless Dog, which has a long history of being used as a hunting dog. That means modern Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs inherit the same strong prey drive, making them poor pets for folks with prey pets like bunnies or lizards.
The Bolivian hairless dog, also known as the Hairless Khala, is a rare hairless breed from Bolivia that comes in two sizes: Medio (medium, 14–17 inches) and Grande (large, 17–20 inches). They are affectionate with their families but can be reserved with strangers, so early socialization and training are essential. These dogs have dark skin that requires special care, such as sun protection, moisturizers, and regular bathing to prevent dryness, acne, or clogged pores. The Bolivian hairless dog (Khala) and the Peruvian Inca Orchid are two different but related breeds with shared ancestry. Both are ancient, hairless dog breeds from South America, but they have distinct regional origins and are not the same. While they look similar, the Khala is from Bolivia, and the Peruvian Inca Orchid is specifically from Peru and is considered its national dog. It is very likely that the Hairless Khala shares some ancestry with the Mexican Xolo and the Peruvian Orchid, as the Khala shows very similar colorings and tends to have fur on the forehead like those breeds. Sadly, it is nearly impossible to tell just how purebred the modern Hairless Khalas are at a glance because of how rare they are and the lack of established breed standards. Hairless Khalas are extremely rare and almost never found outside of their native country of Bolivia, but modern interest in hairless breeds has brought them out of the woodwork, so to speak. Hairless breeds like the Xolo and Khala have no standard pricing, so online estimates have a huge range. We suggest looking for online communities on social media devoted to hairless breeds like the Khala, as they may be able to refer you to breeders specializing in them. Hairless Khalas do great in families of all permutations and are admirably tolerant of young children. The smaller medio Khala would do better if you have young children because they are easier to supervise and do not get as rough as the larger, rowdier grande Khala. However, with patience, training, and socialization, either of Hairless Khalas can make a fine family dog. Hairless Khala generally gets along well with other dogs and even cats of the right temperament. That said, they need socialization from an early age to weed out fear-related aggression toward other animals. Like other hairless breeds, Khalas do best in homes with other Khalas or hairless breeds. We do not recommend Khalas for homes with small prey animals, as they have a pretty strong prey drive that could lead them to hunt, harm, and even kill critters like rabbits or guinea pigs.
The American Hairless Terrier is an energetic, intelligent, and playful small to medium-sized dog breed that originated from the Rat Terrier in the United States. They are known for their hairless coat, but also have a coated variety, and are often considered a good option for some allergy sufferers. Their temperament is curious, alert, and protective, and they thrive with training and mental stimulation. Though the cute American Hairless Terrier does not have any fur (aside from eyebrows and whiskers found on some pups, that does not mean these dogs do not need grooming. It is important to keep their skin moisturized, protected from hazards, and clean. Special care should also be paid to their teeth, ears, and nails. These dogs can be great playmates for children thanks to their rambunctious energy. American Hairless Terriers are known to be intelligent and full of energy. While they are content being indoor lap dogs, they still require regular exercise. They’re very trainable, so keeping their mind occupied with obedience and trick training is a good place to start. Like all terrier dog breeds, American Hairless Terriers are known to be affectionate, playful, and inquisitive. Regular walks and indoor playtime will keep them happy. Also like all terriers, these dogs can be watchful and bark to alert their family to visitors or strange noises. Proper training, exercise, and mental stimulation can help reduce excess barking. What the AHT lacks in fur they make up for with an energetic, bright, and fun-loving personality. If you are looking for a big personality in a little body, and one that is likely to be a bit of a challenge but lots of fun, then the American hairless terrier could be for you. However, if you are looking for a little lapdog, this is not the breed for you. The dog may be small, but is driven, athletic, and has lots of stamina.
Argentine Pila is a hairless dog breed, though some individuals may have small tufts of hair on their head or tail. This ancient breed, also known as the Perro Pila Argentino, is native to Argentina and is closely related to other Latin American hairless dogs. The breed is mostly hairless with soft, dark or light-spotted skin, and can come in three size categories: small, medium, and large. Their hairlessness is caused by a dominant genetic mutation in the FOXI3 gene, which also influences the development of teeth. They are known for being affectionate, loyal, and playful companions. Some may also have a coated variety, or they might be born with a small tuft of hair on their head or tail. The Argentine Pila is a rare, hairless dog characterized by its gentle, playful, and affectionate temperament. It is an ancient breed, closely related to the Peruvian and Mexican hairless dogs, and comes in three sizes. Known for their warm, elastic skin, they are alert and make good watchdogs. Outside of Argentina, not many people have heard of the hairless Argentine Pila dog. Even in their origin country, they’re a rare breed. That said, they have an intriguing past that makes them worth learning about. Since these dogs are mostly a mystery, we delved into their care needs, traits, and history to help you learn more about these affectionate companions. At first glance, the Argentine Pila doesn’t seem like a cuddly dog. While they lack the thick, fluffy coat of many other dogs, they are highly valued for their friendliness and affection. Despite being a hairless breed, they are incredibly warm and are more than willing to help keep the bed toasty on cold nights. The Argentine Pila is gentle and happy to socialize. They have a high level of energy that encourages their owners to get up and go. Their intelligence also needs an outlet, and they excel in obedience and puzzle-solving. Affectionate, playful, and adaptable, the Argentine Pila is one of the best breeds for families and children. They are energetic but gentle and adore their owners, no matter how old they are. Their adaptability also makes them wonderful companions for small homes. No official registries recognize the Argentine Pila except the Asociación Canina Argentina1. Much of what we know about the Argentine Pila is anecdotal or oral history.
The Chihuahua is a feisty, pint-sized dog that hails from Mexico and has gained the reputation of being the perfect purse dog. But have you ever heard of the Hairless Chihuahua? These dogs are exactly the same as the Chihuahuas that you’re familiar with, except they don’t have any hair. Has this piqued your interest? If so, keep reading for all the details about this breed! Hairless Chihuahuas are not a separate breed, but the same breed with a rare genetic mutation that causes a lack of hair. They require special care for their skin, including protection from the sun and cold, and moisturizing after baths. Their temperament is identical to coated Chihuahuas, meaning they are loyal, lively, and can be prone to separation anxiety and being vocal, so they benefit from early socialization. The Chihuahua’s ancestors go back about a thousand years to the ancient Toltec culture of Mexico. The Aztecs are thought to have refined the breed to the smaller dog that we are familiar with today. The Hairless Chihuahua is a toy breed that weighs no more than 6 pounds and is hairless due to a genetic mutation. Otherwise, they look like a regular Chihuahua, with little legs, large erect ears, and an "apple" head. Without hair, their coat is the color of their skin, which is pink or various shades of brown. They might have bits of hair on parts of their heads, like the chin or ears. Hairless Chihuahuas pack a large amount of personality into their tiny bodies, including their big-dog-in-a-small-dog's-body attitude! They love attention and want to spend as much time as possible with their beloved owners, In addition to being yappy, they are quite loyal and protective of their people, so they can make decent watchdogs. They are standoffish with strangers and have been known to snap at unknown people or small children. These dogs do best in families with older children. They are tiny dogs that can be easily hurt by young children, and if they are mishandled in any way, they will likely snap at the offender. Still, they are playful and will be great fun for children, as long as they are taught to be respectful of all dogs. That said, they are intelligent little dogs that can be loving and affectionate, as well as territorial and stubborn.
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is one of the rarest and most mysterious dog breeds. They only sport hair on the top of their head and the very tip of their tails. Some Abyssinian Sand Terriers are completely hairless. That makes them highly unique. They are also incredibly rare. Abyssinian Sand Terriers have not been seen in modern society for decades leading some to wonder if they’ve gone extinct. All of this intrigue fuels one of the most interesting dog breeds in the world. The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is also known as the African Hairless Dog. It is speculated that this breed originated in Africa. Some people claim that the Abyssinian Sand Terrier was the first hairless dog and is the progenitor of modern hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested Dog and the Mexican Hairless Dog. That means that even if the Abyssinian Sand Terrier is truly nearing extinction, its genetics and traits are still alive and well in current dog breeds. There are old photos of Abyssinian Sand Terriers that still exist. These pictures date back as recently as the 1940s and 1950s, but after that, the breed slowly dwindles and eventually vanishes from the record. According to various compendiums of dog breeds, there are no readily available examples of living Abyssinian Sand Terriers. In the West, where dog breeds are heavily tracked, traded, and loved, there is no Abyssinian Sand Terrier known to be under human care. There are also no known breeders of Abyssinian Sand Terriers. There could be some examples still living in rural portions of Africa or in their semi-wild state alongside ranchers and shepherds in Africa. Abyssinian Sand Terriers Are the Likely Ancestor to All Current Hairless Breeds. Genetic studies of hairless dog breeds and the Abyssinian Sand Terrier have shown a strong connection between the hairless gene. That means that even if the Abyssinian Sand Terrier is extinct, their genes live on in other common hairless dogs. There are numerous hairless dog breeds that have robust populations around the world. Interestingly, many current hairless breeds originate from Central and South America yet still retain a fairly strong genetic connection to the Abyssinian Sand Terrier.
The Jonangi is an Indian native dog breed, also called Jonangi Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam, originally used for herding ducks and as a hunting/guard dog. They are medium-sized, agile, and intelligent, with a short, dense coat and a loyal, single-person-oriented temperament. Known for being quiet, they respond well to positive reinforcement training and require significant exercise due to their high energy levels. Jonangi dogs can be red. The breed exhibits a variety of coat colors, and red is among them. Jonangi can be hairless, and the hairless variety is considered the original form of the breed. The Jonangi, also known as the Jonangi Jagilam, is an Indian dog breed that was traditionally used for herding ducks and hunting. While some have very short coats, many are hairless. The Jonangi Dog is a unique and ancient breed native to India, particularly prevalent in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Originally bred by the local fishermen and duck herders, the Jonangi Dog was primarily used for hunting, guarding, and herding purposes. This breed's history is deeply intertwined with the rural lifestyle of the region, where their agility and hunting prowess were highly valued. Jonangi Dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong hunting instincts. They are quiet, often communicating through body language rather than barking, earning them the nickname "silent hunters." Their independent nature requires consistent training from an early age. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-behaved around other animals and people. Family Dog: They make excellent family pets due to their affectionate and protective nature. They are good with children and can adapt well to living in homes or apartments. Farm Dog: Their natural instincts and alertness make them good farm dogs, capable of guarding livestock and property. They are particularly adept at controlling pests and hunting small game. Security Dog: Their vigilance and wariness of strangers make them effective security dogs. Their silent nature can be an advantage in guarding scenarios, allowing them to move undetected. Typically, Jonangi Dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are active and energetic, requiring regular physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy and content.
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