Hairless Dog Breeds

Are you intrigued by the unique charm of hairless dogs? These eye-catching companions are more than just conversation starters—they’re loyal, affectionate and deeply bonded to their owners.

With their sleek appearance and loving nature, hairless dog breeds are growing in popularity among pet enthusiasts. They thrive on human closeness, enjoying every cuddle and moment spent together.

This blog dives into the fascinating world of hairless dogs, exploring their traits, care needs and whether they could be the perfect addition to your home. Beyond their striking looks, they bring a special kind of companionship that’s hard to find.

Keep reading to discover the top 5 hairless breeds and see if one of these remarkable dogs is right for you!

5 Hairless Dog Breeds 

Any dog breed can occasionally experience a hairless puppy due to genetic mutations, but this is rare and unpredictable. However, there are 5 dog breeds currently in existence that are naturally hairless.

• American Hairless Terrier
• Chinese Crested
• Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
• Peruvian Inca Orchid (Peruvian Hairless Dog)
• Argentine Pila

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is an intelligent and playful medium sized dog that is completely hairless.

It was originally bred from the Rat Terrier in Louisiana, USA in the late 1970’s. There is also a coated variety which has very short, shiny hair that rarely sheds.

These cute hairless dogs love human companionship. Exercise needs are fairly high and long walks should be taken daily to avoid bad behaviour.

Breed Overview

Temperament: Playful, curious, intelligent

Size: 30-40 cm tall, 5-12kg

Origin: USA 1972

Health: Common health issues include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and allergies

Life Expectancy: 15 years

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a stylish and eye-catching small dog. The Hairless variety has a hair-free body and long fur on their head, feet and tail. There is also the Powderpuff variety which has silky fur all over.

It is an ancient breed originally bred to catch rodents on Chinese vessels in the Middle Ages.

The Chinese Crested is an affectionate and lively little dog. It will develop very strong bonds with its human family and gets along well with children. It is a great choice for those with small homes or yards.

Breed Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, alert, fun-loving

Size: 27-33 cm tall, 3-5kg

Origin: China 1500

Health: Common health issues include eye problems, patellar luxation and dental disease

Life Expectancy: 16 years

Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced ‘show-low-eats-queent-lee’) is a 3,000-year-old Mexican breed. Indigenous people believed it had supernatural healing powers that could cure disease. They also ate the dog as a delicacy.

Today, the Xoloitzcuintli is a popular family pet and show dog. It is very friendly and becomes attached to humans, struggling to spend long periods of time alone. It is an easy breed to train due to its intelligence and desire to please its owner.

They come in hairless and coated varieties, plus in standard, miniature and toy sizes. The Xoloitzcuintli loves spending time both inside and outside. When walking or exercising outside, be cautious of overly sunny or cold weather.

Breed Overview

Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, calm

Size: Toy – 25-35cm tall, 5kg
Miniature – 35-45cm tall, 10kg
Standard – 45-58cm tall, 20kg

Origin: Mexico 1000 BC

Health: Common health issues include acne, dry eye and dental disease

Life Expectancy: 13 years

Peruvian Inca Orchid (Peruvian Hairless Dog)

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an ancient breed from South America. There is a hairless and a coated variety and they can come in small, medium or large.

It is generally a friendly breed and is very loyal to its master. However, it can require a lot of socialisation to feel comfortable around new people. It is easy to train and has a high level of success with obedience and agility competitions.

Breed Overview

Temperament: Loyal, protective, cautious

Size: Small – 25-40cm tall, 6kg
Medium – 40-50cm tall, 10kg
Large – 50-65cm tall, 20kg

Origin: Peru 300 BC

Health: Common health issues include skin issues, irritable bowel disease and epilepsy

Life Expectancy: 15 years

Argentine Pila

The Argentine Pila is another ancient hairless dog breed, very closely related to the Peruvian and Mexican Hairless Dogs. These three breeds are native to Latin America and all have similar appearances and characteristics.

Argentine Pila are usually completely hairless but some will have a small tuft of hair on the top of their head.

They have a very long lifespan and are known for being an affectionate, loyal and playful breed. Overall, they are a small breed but they do come in three different sizes.

Breed Overview

Temperament: Playful, patient, social

Size: Small – 25-35cm tall, 6kg
Medium – 35-45cm tall, 10kg
Large – 45-50cm tall, 12kg

Origin: Argentina 1000 BC

Health: Common health issues include allergies, dental disease and skin irritation

Life Expectancy: 20 years

Are Hairless Dogs Truly Hairless?

Despite their name, hairless dogs are rarely completely hairless. Most will have a fine, downy coat that’s barely noticeable.

This minimal coat helps regulate their body temperature and offers some protection. However, it’s not enough to shield them from the elements, so they often require special care, like warm clothing in cold weather and sunscreen on sunny days.

Some hairless breeds may also have random tufts of fur that grow on their head, ears, legs or tail.

What are the Benefits of a Hairless Dog?

For most people, the main benefit of owning a hairless dog is not having to clean up dog hair from their house and their clothes. This appeals to those that like to keep a very tidy home and appearance.

The lack of dog hair can also minimise doggy odours.

Hairless dogs are not as prone as other dogs to getting fleas and ticks. Whilst it is still possible, it is rarer and easier to find and treat.

Many people are drawn to hairless dog breeds because of their affectionate personalities. They love cuddling, especially in winter when their lack of coat sees them seeking warmth from their owners.

Are Hairless Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Just like hairless cats, hairless dogs are not completely hypoallergenic. Most dog allergy sufferers are allergic to dogs’ saliva and dander, not the hair itself.

However, hairless dogs can help to reduce allergy symptoms in some people, particularly those with only minor allergies.

If you have dog allergies and are considering buying a hairless dog, we recommend spending time with the dog first as a test to see if your allergies are triggered.

Are Hairless Dogs High Maintenance?

Due to their lack of fur, hairless dogs cannot handle cold temperatures. Because of this, they can only live indoors and need to wear jackets for warmth.

No hair means hairless dogs require more focused skin care. They can easily get sunburnt from being outside on sunny days. You must apply sunscreen whenever spending time outdoors.

Their skin is prone to oiliness, as they have no fur to help absorb excess oils. This can lead to acne and skin irritation. Most hairless pups need to be bathed weekly.

Hairless dogs are also sensitive to hard surfaces. You will need to provide soft cushions and beds for them to sit on.