Last Updated on August 7, 2021 by Fumipets

Dogs’ fur or hair is one of their most distinguishing characteristics. It helps them stand out whether their fur is curly, straight, thick, or thin. However, there are a few hairless dog breeds that are unique in their own way. These dogs have genes that lead them to be totally hairless or have very little hair on their bodies. Some of these breeds are related, while others have a distinct identity. Although they differ in look and attitude, most hairless dog breeds are affectionate and like snuggling up with their owners for warmth.

The following are some of the most popular hairless dog breeds.

American Hairless Terrier

The rat terrier is the ancestor of the American hairless terrier. Rat terriers have been deliberately bred for their hairless coats since the 1970s. While some American hairless terriers are born with a light coat, the hairless characteristic is predominant. These canines are intelligent, energetic, and playful. They are excellent family dogs with a strong hunting drive for tiny rodents.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 12 to 16 inches

WEIGHT: 12 to 16 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Small and muscular physique; coat colours include black, chocolate, red, apricot, and different combinations; can be hairless or have a very short coat.

Chinese Crested

There are two types of Chinese crested dogs: hairless and powderpuff. On the head, ears, paws, and tail, the hairless version bears fluffy tufts of fur. The quantity of hair on a dog’s body varies. The powderpuff has a long, silky double coat that covers its whole body. Hairless and powderpuff puppies may both be born from the same litter. These dogs are affectionate and cuddly, but they also have an active and playful side.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Hairless save for the head, tail, and feet; tiny and thin body; speckled pink skin with fluffy white hair.

Xoloitzcuintli

Both hairless and short-coated variants of the Xoloitzcuintli, commonly known as the Mexican hairless dog, are available. When it comes to grooming, both kinds are very low-maintenance, but skin protection is required. Xolos are an old Aztec breed with thousands of years of history. The dogs are devoted and vigilant, making them ideal watchdogs. While Xolos may be aggressive when required, they are also renowned for their peaceful demeanour.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: Toys are 10 to 14 inches tall; miniatures are 14 to 18 inches tall; and adults are 18 to 23 inches tall (standard)

WEIGHT: 10–15 pound (toy); 15–30 pound (miniature); 30–55 pound (large) (standard)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Hairless or with a short, flat coat; strong, rectangular physique; wrinkled forehead

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid, sometimes known as the Peruvian hairless, originated in ancient Peru, when it was mainly kept as a companion dog. When left alone, these dogs may suffer separation anxiety since they are extremely loving and protective of their families. They’re also athletic small dogs that need a lot of activity to exhaust themselves. The majority of Peruvian Inca Orchids are hairless, but some have little patches of fur on their head, paws, and tail tip.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 9.75 to 15.75 inches (small); 15.75 to 19.75 inches (medium); 19.75 to 25.75 inches (large); 19.75 to 25.75 inches (extra-large) (large)

WEIGHT: 8.5–17.5 pounds (small); 17.5–26.5 pounds (medium); 26.5–55 pounds (big) (large)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long, slender body; skin colour ranges from black to brown to grey to pink to tan to white; low tail; smooth skin

Argentine Pila Dog

The Argentine pila dog, a hairless breed valued for its silky skin, is a near cousin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid. This uncommon breed is available in three sizes and is mainly found in Argentina. Pila dogs from Argentina are loving, lively, and adaptable to new situations. Some pila dogs have tiny tufts of fur on the tops of their heads and tails while being otherwise hairless.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: Small: 10 to 14 inches; medium: 14 to 18 inches; large: 18 to 25 inches (large)

WEIGHT: 9-18 lbs (small); 18-25 lbs (medium); 25-55 lbs (big) (large)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Tail curled forward; small body; pointed ears; thin snout; almond eyes; skin colour varies and may include spotted or piebald markings; skin colour varies and can include spotted or piebald markings.

Abyssinian Sand Terrier

The Abyssinian sand terrier is the dog for you if you’re searching for a peaceful and tranquil canine workout partner. African hairless dog is another name for this very uncommon breed. With a long, sleek physique, it’s a small to medium-sized dog. Some dogs of the breed have no hair at all, while others have tiny tufts of hair on the top of their heads and tail tips.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 15.5 to 20.5 inches

WEIGHT: 21 to 39 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Colours include Black, grey, bronze, and sand; skin may have mottled patterns; hairless save for tufts of hair on the head and tail; bat-like ears; long snout; sleek body

Hairless Khala

Bolivian hairless dogs, also known as hairless Khalas, are a rare hairless canine species that originated in Bolivia. They resemble the Xoloitzcuintli and may have shared ancestry. These dogs adore their owners and will defend them at all costs, therefore training is essential to maintain them friendly with others. Some of these dogs, like other hairless breeds, have tiny tufts of hair, particularly on their heads.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 14–17 inches (medium); 17–20 inches (big) (large)

WEIGHT: 14–30 pounds (medium); 18–20 pounds (big) (large)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Some are short-legged while others have longer legs; dark grey skin; tufts of white hair on head

Jonangi

Jonangi dogs originated in India and were bred as herding and hunting dogs. Today, the breed is very uncommon. Jonangis are cautious of strangers, but they are very sociable to people they know, especially children and other household pets. Furthermore, Jonangis have a temperament and muscularity comparable to bull terriers, and they yodel instead of bark. Rather of being hairless, many of these dogs have a very short, silky coat that is almost undetectable.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 17 to 21 inches

WEIGHT: 28 to 48 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: May have pricked ears; curled tail; short nose; fox-like features; wrinkled forehead; colours vary but may include fawn, black, white, and chocolate; piebald markings; pricked ears; curled tail; short muzzle; fox-like features; wrinkled forehead

Ecuadorian Hairless Dog

The Ecuadorian hairless dog is an ancient Ecuadorian dog breed that is said to be related to the Peruvian Inca Orchid. It is very uncommon nowadays. These dogs have very little hair on their heads, which is typically on the top. They are tiny, active canines with a high hunting drive, which they use to hunt small rodents. They do, however, like curling up close to their favourite humans.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 15 to 18 inches

WEIGHT: 17 to 25 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: almost no hair on the body and head, with the exception of a tiny quantity on the top of the head; lengthy legs; and no premolar teeth.

Hairless Chihuahua

Hairless chihuahuas are the same breed as coated chihuahuas, however, they are hairless due to a rare genetic abnormality. As a result, they have the same disposition as any other chihuahua. They have large personalities, form strong bonds with their favourite people, and guard their territory fiercely. The hairless type, on the other hand, is prone to skin problems, therefore it requires special attention and monitoring. Hairless chihuahuas are also susceptible to being cold.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 6 to 9 inches

WEIGHT: 2 to 6 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Petite body; wide eyes; huge erect ears; short snout; thin legs