Dogs are usually covered with fur all over their bodies. However, this is not the case with the following 9 hairless best dogs:
- 1. American Hairless Terriers
- 2. Peruvian Hairless Dog
- 3. Hairless Khala
- 4. Chinese Crested Dog
- 5. Argentine Pila Hound
- 6. Xoloitzcuintli
- 7. Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
- 8. Abyssinian Sand Terrier
- 9. Hairless Chihuahua
Important: Hairless dogs are not automatically hypoallergenic. Because many of the above breeds still have a few hairs.
In addition to hair, a dog allergy can also be triggered by saliva and other secretions. So hair is not the only culprit.
Now let’s take a deeper look at each race.
1. American Hairless Terriers
American Hairless Terriers were not officially recognized as a dog breed until 1972. The hairless dogs descend from the so-called “Rat Terrier”.
However, unlike their furry ancestors, this breed is completely hairless. However, the animals have inherited a strong hunting instinct.
In an American competition, a single American Hairless Terrier tracked down and killed 2,501 rats in a barn within 7 hours.
The dogs also differ greatly in their skin color. From white to pink to brown and grey, everything is here. Dalmatian-like spots are also not untypical.
As paradoxical as it may sound, the American Hairless Terrier also comes with a coat. Otherwise, the animals are considered curious, lively, loving, and alert.
Fun Fact: American Hairless Terriers are often so focused on a play that they forget their non-existent swimming skills along with thirst and hunger.
2. Peruvian Hairless Dog
Even though the Peruvian Hairless Dog is native to Peru, there are said to be fewer than 1,000 specimens of this dog at present. They are also available in small, medium, and large.
In the past, this breed was mainly used as a hunting dog. They are also known to be intelligent and alert. However, they are usually reserved in front of strangers.
This type of hairless dog also has some hair. And usually a short stripe on the forehead. In addition, their skin color varies greatly.
According to Peruvian legends, dogs are said to have healing powers. In the past, they were therefore more often purchased by sick people as house dogs.
Fun fact: With the Incas, hairless dogs were not used for hunting, but primarily as bed warmers – probably the most natural hot water bottle that never gets cold.
3. Hairless Khala
Hairless kayas are among the most stubborn hairless dogs in the world. They are originally from Bolivia. This breed is therefore also known internationally as the “Bolivian Hairless Dog”.
These dogs also come in two different sizes:
- Medio: Fewer muscles and comparatively short legs.
- Grande: Greyhound builds very defined muscles.
However, both species behave in the same way. Hairless dogs are also considered gentle, loving, and reserved. They are therefore more often used as family dogs.
In addition, the Hairless Khala usually gets along well with other pets. As a result, they are harder to train and their skin is more sensitive to disease and injury.
Fun Fact: Hairless dogs should wear appropriate clothing to protect them from the cold and UV rays in both summer and winter. However, some of these dogs are said to be very picky when it comes to choosing their clothes.
4. Chinese Crested Dog
Of all official hairless dogs, the Chinese Crested has by far the most hair. There are also two different types of this breed :
- Powder Puff: Have a medium-length coat all over your body.
- Hairless: Are only hairy on the head, paws, and tail.
However, the variant without hair is more common. However, their behavior is identical. Both are considered very affectionate, cheerful, and playful. They also get along well with children.
As the name suggests, hairless dogs originated in China. There they are still used today as a family and house dogs.
The Chinese crested dog is also considered to be very easy to care for. On the other hand, animals can sometimes be very stubborn. There are easier dog breeds to train.
Fun fact: The breed only became world-famous thanks to the Chinese crested dog named “Sam”. Because he has already won the title of the ugliest dog of the year several times.
5. Argentine Pila Hound
Argentine Pila dogs are relatively rare. There are said to be only around 1,700 specimens of this breed worldwide. It has its origins in Argentina.
These hairless dogs are either completely hairless or have some fur on their foreheads. To this day, dogs are mainly used as hunting and family dogs.
They are also known for their good nature, playfulness, and loving nature. With strangers, however, the dogs are usually shy and reserved.
The vast majority of Argentine Pila dogs have gray skin. Occasionally, however, they also come in white, pink, brown, or even spotted.
Fun fact: Even when lying down, these hairless dogs’ ears are constantly moving. Because they automatically adjust to the direction of a noise.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli originated in Mexico. The hairless dogs are also available in three different sizes:
- Standard: around 52 cm high
- Medium: around 40 cm high
- Miniature: about 30 cm high
Colloquially, the animals are also known as “Mexican hairless dogs”. They are also one of the oldest dog breeds in America and can live up to 18 years.
In the early days, dogs were mainly used for hunting or as bed warmers. However, they now also serve as house and family dogs.
The Xoloitzcuintli is also considered to be good-natured, calm, reserved, and alert. According to the stories of the Atzeken, the dogs are said to have mystical powers.
Fun Fact: Since Xoloitzcuintli is very commonly misspelled, the abbreviation “Xolo” has been officially recognized.
7. Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is originally descended from the Peruvian hairless dog. That also explains his similar appearance. However, this breed is much rarer.
Due to their strong hunting instinct, these hairless dogs were mainly used for hunting. They are also known to be active, alert, and protective.
In addition, the dogs have a small piece of fur on their foreheads. To be able to withstand the winter, the animals need warm clothing.
The dogs are also known for their elegance and intelligence. In addition, their territorial behavior is relatively strong, which is why they need their territory even in the house.
Fun Fact: The hair on the hairless dog’s forehead can be a wide variety of colors. Even with dark skin, white or red hair is not uncommon.
8. Abyssinian Sand Terrier
Abyssinian Sand Terriers are also known colloquially as “ African Hairless Dogs ”. Because the dogs have their origin in Africa.
These dogs also usually have small and thin fur on the forehead. In addition, their skin color is said to vary just as much as that of the Peruvian Hairless Dog.
At the moment it is still a mystery whether this breed still exists. Because according to the natives of Africa, it should be extinct. So far, however, there has been no official confirmation.
In addition, the dogs should be particularly loyal, fearless, and tame. They are also excellent racers and very active.
The African hairless dogs should also get along very well with children and other pets. They are also considered to be very clean and odorless.
Fun fact: Abyssinian sand terriers do not bark, they can only make yodeling sounds.
9. Hairless Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the only dog breed that is not officially hairless dog. The reason for this is that Chihuahuas are normally hairy all over their bodies.
However, a genetic defect is more common in this breed, which means that the dogs are completely hairless. And this species is colloquially known as the “hairless dog.”
However, the behavior of hairless Chihuahuas is the same. They are very active, restless, and cheerful. In addition, they are very brave for their size and almost fearless.
It is also the smallest breed of dog in the world. This also explains why the animals often live up to 20 years.
The hairless version is also very popular with people with chronic digestive problems. Because there they serve as a living hot water bottle.
Fun Fact: Even today, there are large herds of feral Chihuahuas in some states in the United States. In inhabited areas, they make headlines more often.
Extinct hairless dogs
Compared to conventional dogs, hairless dogs have numerous disadvantages. Because a coat not only protects against cold but also against UV radiation and injuries.
For this reason, it is not surprising that numerous breeds of hairless dogs have already become extinct. Among them are:
- Turkish Hairless Dog
- African Elephant Dog
- Thai Hairless Boran Dog
- Small African Greyhound
- Egyptian Hairless Dog
- African Sand Dog
- Guatemalan Hairless Dog
- Ceylon Hairless Dog
- Siamese Hairless Dog
- Indian Hairless Dog
- Mayan Hairless Dog
- Nubian Dog
Due to the increasing number of allergy sufferers, hairless dogs could regain popularity in the future. To what extent this is the case, however, will only become apparent in the coming years.