Hairless dogs are both intriguing and unique. The benefits of owning these breeds go beyond having hairless bodies and a ton of fur all over your home. It may come as a surprise that several varieties of hairless dogs are considered ancient breeds.
One reason people choose a hairless dog is to reduce the amount of dog hair on every single surface and in every single crevice in their life. Dog owners know dog hair is magically found on floors, carpets, furniture, clothing, vehicles and sometimes even in your food.
Although these breeds are not completely hypoallergic they can reduce allergy symptoms for many people. A hairless dog still has dander and saliva which can trigger symptoms in some people highly allergic to dogs.
Hairless dogs can also be chosen by dog lovers for their uniqueness and companionship.
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Are you considering owning a hairless dog? It is important to know the many breed characteristics of the hairless dog before you bring one into your home. They are unique dogs that require your time and attention.
Affectionate Dogs. Hairless dogs make excellent companion animals. They like lots of time with their owners and become quickly attached. Some can even be demanding of their owner’s attention. If you are looking for a smart, cuddly dog (without all of the cleanup) to keep you company, the hairless dog is perfect.
Indoor Dogs. As you might imagine, a hairless dog likes to spend time indoors. A dog without a natural fur coat can get chilled quickly in cool weather. It would need protection from the elements just like a human. Hairless dogs also need protection from the ultraviolet rays as it can damage their skin.
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Clothing and sunscreen are a must to protect them from the elements. Sunscreen like Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen and Dog Sun Skin Protector Spray
Less Grooming. Hairless dogs do not need brushing or a professional trim by a groomer. Dog owners of a hairless dog can care for their dog’s skin by giving frequent baths, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears.
Size. There are five hairless dog breeds that vary in size. Most hairless dogs fit into the small to medium dog category. Depending on the hairless dog breed they can weight between 8 pounds up to a large hairless dog at 55 pounds.
Less Odor and Fleas. Hairless dogs need frequent baths to keep their skin healthy. A healthy clean hairless dog is going to smell better then dogs with fur. Fur attracts and hides insects as well as unwanted odors. A hairless dog will not get anything trapped in their hair. This breed is less likely to have issues with fleas as well.
Athletic Dogs. The hairless dog is not just a dog without fur, they are athletes. The Xolo breed is considered a highly athletic dog. Originally, they were used to hunt down rodents on ships and farms.
Today people like to train their dogs to compete in agility trials, requiring alertness, fitness, and speed. Since this breed likes to please its owner, obedience training is a must with this dog. They can compete in Rally and Utility dog training programs.
Owners of hairless dogs like to participate in the scent sport called Barn Hunt. The hairless breeds can use their natural abilities to scent out a rat in a barn setting. (The rats used for this sport are calm family pets that are placed in a safety tube.)
Long Life Span. Most hairless dog breeds have a long life span. The Chinese Crested average between 13-15 years old. The Xolo’s life expectancy is between 15-20 years old. Argentine Pila Hairless dogs can have a life expectancy of up to 20 years. The American Hairless Terrier has a life span of 14-16 years old.
Hairless dog breeds do not have many of the genetic health issues of other dogs. Two biggest factors that give this breed a long healthy life is diligent skin care and weight management.
Before you begin searching for that perfect hairless dog, be aware of these four considerations.
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- Hairless dogs do not handle cold temperatures well. They need your assistance to keep their body warm, meaning you need to dress them in warm coats, ear protection, paw protection, and even a covering for their tail.
- A skin care routine will need to be established. A hairless dog is vulnerable to skin irritations and skin infections. They need appropriate bathing and even a dog formulated sunscreen, like, Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen, to protect their skin from sunspots and skin cancer.
- When you prepare for a hairless dog, purchase soft cushioned dog beds for your home and their crate. They are sensitive to hard surfaces and prefer a protected place to relax and rest.
- Hairless dogs are known for their loyalty and attachment to their owners. They make the best dogs for people that work from home or are not gone for long periods of time.
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Five Hairless Dog Breeds
Hairless dogs are fascinating and have been around in many cultures for thousands of years.
The most popular hairless breeds are the American Hairless Terrier, the Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo) Mexican hairless dog, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and the Argentine Pila Dog.
As with most dog breeds each one has unique features and characteristics.
American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless breed that is indigenous to United States. It is also among the youngest hairless breeds. It was originally bred in Louisiana in the 1970’s and is a descendent of the Rat Terrier.
As for the size and weight of this breed, the American Hairless Terrier is a fairly small dog. It can weigh between 12-16 pounds and be up to 16” tall.
It is an intelligent dog that needs lots of exercise. Exposure to seeing and being around other dogs as a young puppy is important.
The American Hairless Terrier can be a loyal companion to one person, or it can adapt to being part of a family with children. Of all the hairless breeds, this one is highly adaptable and adjusts when the routine of the family flexes.
One excellent feature is the American Hairless Terrier is eager to please. You can easily train this dog to have good manners inside and outside the home.
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Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo) Mexican Hairless Dog
The Xolo is an ancient Mexican breed that later became popular in the show ring and as a family pet. The feature that stands out with this breed is the indigenous people believed these hairless dogs had supernatural healing powers that could cure disease.
People with illness today will often seek this out this hairless dog in hopes it will bring them healing and relief from pain.
The Xolo comes in standard, miniature, and toy size. The standard size can be between 18-13” tall and weigh up to 55 lbs. The miniature Xolo is between 14-18” in height and weigh up to 30 pounds. Toy size is between 10-14” and weighing up to 15 pounds.
The Mexican Xolo has the typical traits of a primitive bred dog with strong natural instincts, strong prey drive, loyalty, and alertness. They are eager to learn and like consistent training.
Early socialization is important if owning a Xolo to prevent a timid adult and shy dog. Supervision is advised when meeting new people and especially children.
The Xolo is known for its athleticism and abundance of energy. They are swift runners and climb easily. When installing a fenced in the backyard, begin by placing it 6” into the ground and high enough that they will not jump or climb over the fence.
The benefit of owning a hairless dog like the Xolo is it becomes easily attached to humans. Plan to spend time training this intelligent dog and not leaving it for longs periods of time by itself.
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The Chinese Crested Dog
Many people are familiar with this exotic breed of hairless dog. It was originally bred to catch rodents on Chinese vessels in the Middle Ages, thus its reputation as a “rat hunter”.
Like other hairless dog breeds, the Chinese Crested are affectionate dogs that develop strong bonds with their humans. It is best to have the whole household involved with training, so they bond to everyone, adults, and children.
This breed does not require a lot of exercise making it suitable for smaller living spaces. The Chinese Crested is considered a toy breed measuring up to 13” tall.
It is a playful and happy dog, making great companion dogs. Surprisingly the Chinese Crested can be energetic and enjoy participating in dog sports.
They are best supervised around other dogs and children. Since they are alert dogs, they can tend to bark a lot. Spending time with your dog and curbing any unwanted barking is best done at a young age.
The two types of Chinese Crested Dogs are the hairless and powderpuff (coated). The hairless only has hair on its head, feet, and tail. Each dog can vary in the amount of body hair. Its skin is smooth and comes in a variety of colors including spotted skin.
The powderpuff can be born in the same litter as the hairless. It has a double coat that is soft and silky. One interesting fact about the Chinese Crested dogs is their teeth are all pointy like their canine teeth.
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Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an elegant sighthound that was developed in Peru. Dogs that hunt largely by sight and speed, as opposed to scent and endurance, are known as sighthounds, and are also known as gazehounds.
It is considered an ancient breed that is known for its loyalty. It is a noble dog that is affectionate with family members in their household.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid comes in three sizes ranging from an average of 9” with the largest being 25” in height. The small can weigh up to 17.5 pounds and the large up to 55 pounds.
They are not exceptional playful dogs, but they do like training and athletic competitions.
Peruvian Inca Orchid like to be mentally and physically challenged. This hairless dog breed is known to please their owners, making them easier to train. They do well in obedience and rally. They are agile and smart dogs. The Peruvian Inca Orchid does well with learning the dog sport of agility, lure coursing, and they make great hunters.
They require lots of positive socialization to feel comfortable around new people and dogs. This breed can be wary of strangers, always use caution when around other children and new dogs. Overall, they are affectionate dogs to their family members.
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Argentine Pila Hairless Dog
The Argentine Pila hairless dog is native to Latin America. They were primarily bred to be companion dogs or family dogs. It a recognized breed by the Argentina kennel club. They are closely related to the Peruvian hairless dog.
Similar to other hairless breeds, the Argentine Pila comes in small, medium and large. The smallest being 10-14” in height and the large 18-24” tall. They can weigh between 9 and 55 pounds depending on the size.
The Argentine Pila makes a good family dog due to being patient, playful and very affectionate to family members. Dog owners like their naturally adaptable and loving personality.
One thing remarkable about this breed is the life expectancy can be up to 20 years old.
The Benefits of Owning a Hairless Dog
The reason for owning a hairless dog goes beyond its lack of fur or coat. Even though each hairless breed has unique characteristics, they all have one thing in common, they are affectionate dogs.
Hairless ancient breeds are noble and loyal dogs. The Chinese Crested dog and the Argentine Pila hairless dog are both suitable for families with children. Socialization is crucial the first year of owning one of these hairless dogs. Dog owners can prevent a lot of barking and fearful behaviors.
For dog owners that like to participate in dog sports the Xolo and Peruvian Inca Orchid are athletic dogs suitable for agility. These breeds are a good fit for people who have raised dogs before and have experience working around dogs.
Owning a hairless dog means less fur to vacuum and cleaner looking clothes, however they do require regular skin care to prevent skin irritations and infections.
Enjoy this intelligent breed of dog and plan on spending quality time with them. They are happiest near their owners and not left alone for long periods of time.
