Hairless dog breeds are just the solution for pet owners seeking to stand out from the crowd. Dogs with no hair require unique care and maintenance and are only affordable to elite citizens. However, despite being rare, breeds of dogs without hair make excellent snuggling companions and pets.
Dogs with no hair are a breed of canines with genes that cause them to be completely hairless or have little hair. The gene mutation causes them many issues, such as skin cancer and hypothermia; hence, they need care, such as sunscreen, to protect them from the elements.
10 dogs with no hair
Hairless dogs are a fan favourite amongst hypoallergenic pet owners who prefer a tumbleweed-free home. Are hairless dogs expensive? Yes, hairless dogs are expensive because they're quite rare. Below are some breeds of dogs without hair that you should know about:
1. Xoloitzcuintli
What breed of dog has no hair? The Xoloitzcuintli are ancient Aztec hairless dog breeds that have been around for over 3,000 years. They are also known as the Mexican hairless dog. This dog breed has an average height of 18-23 inches and a lifespan of 14-17.
The Xoloitzcuintli is divided into hairless and short-coated. The dogs are relatively low-maintenance in grooming, although their skin grooming should be given paramount priority.
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Egyptian hairless dog for resembling the god Anubis, are naturally known to be calm but can also be protective watchdogs when required.
2. Abyssinian sand terrier
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is an extremely rare dog breed that goes around under the alias African hairless dog. Like their name, the dogs originated from Africa and possess long muzzles, batlike ears and sleek bodies.
The dogs are completely hairless except for the small tufts of fur on the head or tips of their tails. The Abyssinian Sand Terrier comes in different shades of colour, such as grey, sand, black or bronze, with some dogs having mottled markings.
The canines are excellent choices for exercise buddies due to their loyal, affectionate nature, and they weigh 21-39 pounds. The Egyptian hairless dogs are quiet and calm temperament dogs that are easy to please but can also be fiercely courageous in protecting their owner's homes.
3. American hairless terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless dog breed indigenous to the U.S. and a descendant of their close relative, the Rat Terrier, through selective breeding. This tiny dog breed has built a reputation as a feisty, hairless dog with a high prey drive for small rodents.
The American Hairless Terriers are playful, making them excellent family pet dogs. These dogs require cautious and constant care during summer and winter, where extreme exposure to sunshine and chilly temperatures harm them, and pet owners are advised to buy them a dog coat.
4. Chinese crested dog
The Chinese Crested is a hairless dog species with ultra-affectionate characteristics and a close bond with its owners. Despite its Chinese branding, the breed is not from China and is believed to have originated in Africa, only ending up in Asia through trade merchants.
It is closely related to African hairless dogs and has even been spotted in South America. The Chinese Crested is known for its hairless appearance, although it has spots of spiky feathery tufts on its tails, paws, and head.
The dog is divided into two subspecies, the hairless and powderpuff, with fluffy tufts on ears and a soft double coat. The dogs are playful and renowned for their friendly, cuddly, energetic nature.
5. Hairless chihuahua
The Hairless Chihuahuas are similar to the coated chihuahuas, and only a rare genetic defect causes them to be hairless. The Hairless Chihuahua is on the list of small hairless dog breeds native to Mexico, dating to pre-Columbian times.
The dogs come in sheds of black, red or cream, and just like any other Chihuahua, they are temperament but bond very closely with their favourite humans and are territorial. In winter, these chihuahuas need care with their proneness to skin cancer and hypothermia.
6. Peruvian inca orchid
The Peruvian Inca are completely hairless dog breeds that are ancient to Peru and were mostly kept as companion dogs. Aside from being family dogs, the Incas are also excellent watchdogs, although they take a while to warm up to strangers.
The dogs are agile with a hunter instinct that needs moderate exercise to keep them in a good mood. They vary between 9.75 to 25.75 inches for small and large dogs, respectively. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years and are known to develop anxiety when left alone.
7. Argentine pila dog
The Argentine Pila Dog is a close relative to the Peruvian Inca Orchid. The pila dogs have been around for over 3000 years and are native to Argentina, where they were offered to the Incan Empire as a gift to strengthen bonds between the two cultures.
The Argentine Pila Dog has a built body frame resembling a Miniature Pinscher. They are dogs without hair on their legs and have shorter backs that make them agile and able to run, jump and climb trees. These dogs are affectionate, playful, and adaptable to new environments.
8. Hairless Khala
The Hairless Khala originates from Bolivia and is also renowned as the Bolivian hairless dog standing 14-17 inches tall. The rare hairless dog breed looks identical to the Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Xoloitzcuintli, which are closely related.
The Hairless Khala are fearless warriors willing to protect their master and are prone to chase without hesitation; some training is needed to keep them friendly. What is the hairless dog with hair on his head? The Hairless Khala have dark grey skin and white tufts of hair on their heads.
9. Jonangi
The Jonangi are hairless dog species native to India and were originally bred to aid owners in herding or hunting. They were bred as hairless dogs to withstand India's sweltering summer, especially around India's coastal areas, where they were quite popular.
The Jonangi, known for their distinctive yodel instead of bark, are currently hard to find as many farmers let them loose, leaving them to fend for themselves. Are hairless dogs good pets? Yes, the Jonangi are delightful, easy-to-train pet dogs that are friendly to those they know, including kids.
10. Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is rumoured to be a direct descendant of the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and one of the rarest types of hairless dog breeds worldwide. The Ecuadorian native is one of the select breeds of dogs with no hair except for a slight amount of reddish hair on its head.
Donning a greyish brown skin, the hairless dogs have been around for thousands of years, dating back to the 5th century. However, their rarity is attributed to diseases and their restriction to the Gulf of Guayaquil, which leads to a decline in their population. Aside from being affectionate companions, they are also excellent hunters.
Dogs with no hair - Wrapping up
Dogs with no hair are an excellent choice for pet owners who suffer from allergies such as dog fur. These dogs are rare and exotic. They have high price tags and require expensive maintenance, such as sunscreen and dog coat protection for winter. Despite their hefty price tags, the dogs are loyal and make excellent companions.
Tuko.co.ke shared an article about exotic cat breeds you can legally keep as pets. Exotic cat breeds have been crossbred with other breeds to create a distinct appearance. Some pet owners refer to them as designer cats.
These cats can also have long and thick fur, vivid eyes, colours, and patterns. These cats appeal to many households because of their unusual colouring, distinct personalities, intellect, and friendly nature.
