Though dogs are considered to be man’s best friend, one thing sometimes stands in the way of a close relationship between this pair: dog hair. Many people suffer from allergies to pet hair and dander, yet still long to share their home with a dog. Though there is no dog breed that can truly be called hypoallergenic, some dog types do shed more than others and others still have a coat that is more like hair than fur. Today, many families on the hunt for their ideal canine pal are considering hairless dogs. What are some of the most popular hairless dogs today?
What are Some Characteristics Hairless Breeds Share?
Hairless breeds aren’t hairless in the truest sense of the word. Most carry a slight covering of very short hair on the surface of their skin.
Many of these breeds are related to one another in some capacity. However, there are some hairless breeds that stand on their own without any close ties to other dog types.
Though hairless breeds by nature shed very little, this does not mean that they have no grooming requirements. The skin of these breeds must be bathed and moisturized regularly to prevent dryness. Sun and wind protection is also necessary to keep burns from occurring.
What are Some of the Most Popular Hairless Breeds Today?
- Xoloitzcuintl
The Xoloitzcuintl originated in Mexico and is sometimes referred to as a Mexican hairless dog. This ancient breed is available in a hairless version as well as with a short coat. This dog type requires sun protection and regular baths and moisturizing to keep its skin in good condition.
The Xoloitzcuintl traces it roots back to the Aztec years, making it thousands of years old. A loyal family companion, the Xoloitzcuintl makes an excellent guardian of its home and hearth as the breed is naturally protective.
- American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier traces its roots to the Rat Terrier. The breed was first developed in the 1970s when breeders sought to create a dog similar to the Rat Terrier but with less coat. As a result, the American Hairless Terrier was born. Today, some American Hairless Terriers do have a light covering of hair on their bodies, but most are born completely hair-free.
The American Hairless Terrier is renowned for its sharp intelligence. They are excellent family companions that enjoy a busy lifestyle. True to their Rat Terrier roots, this breed excels at rodent control.
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
A rarer hairless breed is the Peruvian Inca Orchid. A breed with ancient origins, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, also sometimes called a Peruvian hairless, was developed in Peru where the dog was a highly sought-after family pet.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is loving by nature and does not do well when separated from its family for any length of time. Natural born athletes, this breed has high activity requirements that must be met each day.
Though considered a hairless dog, some Peruvian Inca Orchids do display a small amount of hair on their bodies including on the head, paws, and at the very tip of the tail.
- The Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is available in a hairless version as well as a variety known as the powderpuff. Though the hairless Chinese Crested leads people to think the breed is entirely hair-free, this handsome pooch does sport a few fluffy strands of hair on select areas of its body including the paws, tail, ears, and head.
Interestingly enough, a single litter of Chinese Cresteds can produce both hair types. By nature, the Chinese Crested is highly affectionate and bonds deeply to its family.
- Argentine Pila Dog
The Argentina Pila Dog is related to the Peruvian Inca Orchid. A dog that is typically completely hair-free, one of the prized traits of this dog type is its exceptionally soft and supple skin. Considered to be a rare dog type, the Argentina Pila is typically only found in its native land.
A breed renowned for its sweetness and love of play, the Argentina Pila Dog loves to cuddle with its family. This dog type enjoys exploring new places to which it adapts with complete ease.
Like the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Argentina Pila Dog does have small patches of hair at the base of their head as well as on the tip of their tail.
- Abyssinian Sand Terrier
A dog breed with energy to spare, another popular hairless dog is the Abyssinian Sand Terrier. A very difficult dog breed to come by, the Abyssinian Sand Terrier is also sometimes called the African Hairless Dog. Small of stature, this hairless pooch is characterized by its lengthy, elegant body. Like the Argentina Pila Dog and the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Abyssinian Sand Terrier does sometimes have small bits of hair on the head and tail regions of its body.
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is highly prized as a quiet dog that has a soft and gentle disposition.
- Jonangi
The Jonangi is a dog breed that hails from India. Its original purpose was to serve its owners as herders and hunters. A breed that is exceptionally rare today, the Jonangi is naturally aloof, avoiding the company of those unfamiliar to them.
The Jonangi loves its family and friends with whom it is highly sociable and loving. In appearance and personality, this breed is similar to the Bull Terrier. However, instead of barking, the Jonangi’s vocalizations are more in keeping with a yodel.
Not a truly hairless breed, the Jonangi has a very short covering of hair over its body that is barely visible to the eye.
- Hairless Chihuahua
The Hairless Chihuahua belongs to the same family as the short and long coated varieties of this breed. However, Hairless Chihuahuas are produced as the result of a unique genetic defect that is quite uncommon in the breed. In personality, this breed is exactly like its coated brothers.
The Hairless Chihuahua has an immense heart and bonds very deeply with its family. A brave soul, this dog type will stand its ground to protect those it loves most and the place they call home.
Unfortunately, Hairless Chihuahuas do suffer from skin sensitivities, and thus, require extra care to keep their skin in good condition. This breed becomes cold easily and may require a sweater in cooler temperatures.
- Hairless Khala
The Hairless Khalas, a dog that also goes by the name Bolivian hairless dogs, is an exceptionally rare dog type that traces its roots to Bolivia. In appearance, this dog resembles the Xoloitzcuintl, a breed to which it is likely related.
Courageous, loyal, and loving, the Hairless Khala will eagerly defend those it loves most from threats both perceived and real. As with many other hairless breeds, the Hairless Khala does occasionally sport hair on its head and tail.
- Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is a pooch of ancient origins that hails from Ecuador. Believed to be related to the Peruvian Inca Orchid, it is exceedingly difficult to find one of these dog types today.
This dog is not truly hairless, but instead has a sprinkling of hair on the top of its head. The breed is full of energy and excels at providing rodent control.
Loving and affectionate, this breed is most at home when snuggling contentedly with its owner.
Thinking a hairless breed is the next dog for you? Check out our list of some of the most popular hairless dogs. You just might find your next best canine pal there!
