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Breeds of Hairless Dogs

Breeds of Hairless Dogs

Updated on March 20, 2024
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Reviewed by Wendy Weinand
CMG, MPS, Meritus
two hairless dogs

Whether it’s because you have allergies, dislike cleaning dog hair off your furniture or want a distinctively unique pet, you’ve got your eye on a hairless dog—but which one? Many hairless dog breeds are friendly, energetic and loyal, and they can make great pets for anyone who wants the love of a canine without all the fur attached.

It is important, however, to clear up one common misconception before you start your search—hairless dogs are not necessarily hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to dogs but still want a canine in your life, you might want to consider a low-shedding breed rather than a hairless dog. You can also check out our guide Choosing the Perfect Dog.

What makes dogs hairless?

The answer is in their genetics. Dogs descended from the wolf—an animal with a noticeably thick fur coat. Somewhere in their long history, certain breeds of dogs developed a genetic mutation that resulted in little or no hair. This trait was then selected by humans and maintained through intentional breeding.

However, not all hairless dog breeds are completely without hair. They come in two varieties, known as hairless and coated. Hairless dogs include those with absolutely no hair and those with hair on their extremities—meaning their head, tail and paws. Coated dogs can possess very fine and short- to medium-length fur. Powderpuffs and some other coated dogs have tufts of hair on certain parts of their bodies.

Depending on the breed, a litter of dogs may include hairless and coated dogs as well as ones with full-length coats.

Hairless dog breeds list

Are you looking for breeds of hairless dogs but don’t know where to start? While they are somewhat rare, you do have a variety of choices. Hairless dogs come in many shapes, sizes and temperaments. Here’s a look at some of the most popular hairless dogs.

American Hairless Terrier

Size: 12” to 16” tall and 12 to 16 lbs.

american hariless terrier

This smart and friendly dog can become a playful companion for you and your family. Descended from the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier first appeared in Louisiana in the 1970s and has been stealing hearts ever since. Terriers are typically smart and learn quickly. However, don’t be fooled by their small size—these dogs are energetic and need lots of activity and playtime with their families. They have been known to develop behavioral problems if not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. Also, their Rat Terrier roots give them predator instincts to hunt for small animals. This breed can have a light coat but are mostly hairless.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

Size: Small, medium and large varieties

  • Small varieties are 9.75” 15.75” tall and 8.5 to 17.5 lbs.
  • Medium varieties are 15.75” to 19.75” tall and 17.5 to 26.5 lbs.
  • Large varieties are 19.75” to 25.75” tall and 26.5 to 55 lbs.
peruvian inca orchid

Also known as the Peruvian Hairless, this long, lean-bodied canine has been around since ancient times in Peru. Whichever size of this hairless dog breed you adopt, be ready to keep your pup active—Peruvian Inca Orchids are famous for their high energy levels. These are also very affectional and protective dogs. Make sure to give them plenty of love and attention, as they are known to develop separation anxiety if left alone too often. You should be able to find hairless and coated varieties of this breed.

Xoloitzcuintli

Size: Toy, miniature and standard varieties

  • Toy varieties are 10” to 14” tall and 10 to 15 lbs.
  • Miniature varieties are 14” to 18” tall and 15 to 30 lbs.
  • Standards are 18” to 23” tall and 30 to 55 lbs.
xoloitzcuintli

Named after an Aztec god, Xoloitzcuintlis are also known as Mexican Hairless Dogs or simply Xolos. This breed is known for being loyal, alert, calm and smart.. These dogs usually do best with patient training and positive reinforcement, and their alert nature can also make them good watchdogs. Different individuals in this breed may have coarse hair on their heads, paws and tails. This breed features both hairless and coated varieties—the latter is covered in a short, flat coat.

If you’re looking for a large hairless dog breed, the standard Xoloitzcuintli can be a good option—along with the large Peruvian Inca Orchid and the large variety of Argentina Pila Dog.

Hairless Chihuahua

Size: 6” to 9” tall and 2 to 6 lbs.

hairless chihuahua

Unlike other dogs on this list, the Hairless Chihuahua is not a separate, unique breed. Rather, they’re simply Chihuahuas with a genetic mutation that causes hairlessness. That means you’ll get all the same sassy personality from a Hairless Chihuahua as you would with a smooth- or long-coated variety of this breed. You should also get lots of love and loyalty from this pet. One thing to note is that Hairless Chihuahuas are susceptible to skin issues—you may need to spend a little extra time on skin care and maintenance. They also tend to get chilly rather easily, so stock up on your doggie apparel for colder months.

Chinese Crested

Size 11” to 13” tall and 8 to 12 lbs.

chinese crested

Small and slender, these popular dogs are bursting with personality and have a look all their own. Chinese Crested dogs are famous for the silky white hair on their heads, paws and tails. They are also known for their friendly disposition and typically love cuddles and playtime. Like many other dog breeds without hair, Chinese Crested pups have a lot of energy and need to be kept active, but they’re normally great with kids.

Argentina Pila Dogs

Size: Small, medium and large varieties

  • Small varieties are 10” to 14” tall and 9 to 18 lbs.
  • Medium varieties are 14” to 18” tall and 18 to 25 lbs.
  • Large varieties are 18” to 25” tall and 25 to 55 lbs.

Believed to be related to the Peruvian Inca Orchid, they are a rare breed of dog with a short body and curling tail. They’re known for their soft, luxurious skin and excellent health. Found largely in Argentina, this dog is usually affectionate and playful. They may also have small tufts of fur on their head and tails.

Grooming and skin care for hairless dog breeds

It’s easy to assume all hairless dog breeds require minimal grooming. Certainly, you won’t need to brush your pet or pay for trendy haircuts. However, hairless dogs require more skin care and cleaning than most dogs with coats.

Like humans, a dog’s skin produces oil known as sebum. Normally, this oil naturally spreads through the dog’s coat, but in hairless dogs, it can collect on their skin. Along with dead skin cells, excess oil can clog their hair follicles, causing blackheads and cysts.

To keep your pup clean, bathe them regularly—weekly to once a month—to remove excess oil and skin cells. Use a gentle shampoo formulated specifically for dogs that will help with oily skin. Do not use human shampoo, as humans have a different skin pH than their canine pets. If your dog’s skin feels dry or irritated, consider adding a moisturizing cream or spray after each bath.

Outdoor care for breeds of hairless dogs

A full coat of fur can help protect dogs from damaging sun rays and keep them warm in cooler weather. Hairless dogs don’t have this protection and need a little help from their pet parents when it’s time to play outdoors.

Hairless dogs are highly susceptible to sunburns and sun damage—it’s important to protect your pup when going out on walks during the day. Consider coating your hairless pup in doggie sunscreen of at least SPF 30, just like you would for your skin when spending time outdoors. Another option is to put clothing on your dog when it’s time to go out. Just don’t forget to put sunscreen on any part of your dog not covered by clothing—especially their ears and nose.

If you don’t like the idea of lathering your hairless dog in sunscreen, consider playing with them indoors or taking walks during the early mornings or evenings when the sunlight isn’t so bright and direct.

Hairless dogs can also get cold easily, even in what you may consider warm weather. Don’t hesitate to put a sweater, jacket or coat on your dog when the temperature starts to drop. A light jacket might be appropriate even in warmer weather. This is true even indoors, especially if you want to crank the air conditioning. Keep a close eye on your pup—you should soon be able to determine when they need a few layers for extra warmth. The smaller varieties of hairless dogs tend to get a bit colder.

Dental care for hairless dogs

There seems to be a genetic link between hairlessness in dogs and dental issues. Many dog breeds without hair also have a high rate of dental problems. Xolos are known for teeth that jut forward, and they can sometimes be missing a few. Chinese Crested dogs often lose teeth at an early age, and Peruvian Inca Orchids are predisposed to various dental problems.

Be sure to take these dog breeds in for regular dental checkups even when they’re young. The earlier your veterinarian can catch issues, the more likely they can keep your pet’s teeth healthy for as long as possible.

Adopting a hairless dog

Breeds of hairless dogs are relatively rare, meaning you might not be able to find them at your local animal shelter. If you wish to bring a hairless breed home, your two best options are to seek an ethical breeder or to look for a rescue group associated with your breed.

Do your homework before adopting a dog from a breeder. If possible, meet the breeder in person and ask lots of questions. Ask about their experience and the medical history of the puppy’s parents. A responsible breeder should be able to provide certificates of health screenings for the parents and the puppy. As hairless dogs are known for their dental problems, don’t forget to ask about any dental issues the pup’s parents may have had.

Is a hairless dog breed right for you?

Choosing the right dog breed for your family can be a challenge. After all, this pet will be a part of your family for the next decade or more. Hairless dogs are often friendly, protective, smart and energetic, making them great pets for many families. However, these dogs are rare—finding one outside a breeder or rescue association might be difficult.

At Petco, we offer many great resources to help you find the right dog for your home. Start with this guide to Dog Breeds, and then take a look at our resource Choosing the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle.

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