Elegant, unique, distinguished —- if you’ve ever come across a coat-free canine, you’ve likely been impressed by his show-stopping looks. 

If you’ve ever daydreamed about what it would be like to have a hairless hound of your own, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll delve into the wondrous world of hair-free dog breeds so that you can see what all fuss is about! 

The Five Most Common Hairless Dog Breeds 

The few, the proud: Here are the five most common hairless dog breeds along with their defining characteristics. 

1. American Hairless Terrier 

The American hairless terrier originally hails from Louisiana and is a relatively young breed that came into existence in the 1970s. While these pups have the perfect lap dog weight of around 12 to 16 pounds, their inquisitive nature makes them much more likely to wander about, stopping occasionally for a couple of pets. 

These bald, muscular beauties are full of energy, curiosity, and love to play. They love to be around other pets making them well-suited for homes with other dogs. This breed is particularly alert and loves to be around children, making them excellent members of busy households.

American hairless terriers have a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. If you’re looking for a playful, loyal watchdog, this breed is an excellent choice. 

2. Chinese Crested Dogs

While a few naysayers may consider them an ugly dog breed, Chinese crested dogs are known for their elegant appearance combined with their loving, highly devoted nature. These hairless homebodies make superb family dogs and will likely act as your shadow, following you from room to room. 

The breed usually lives from around 13 to 18 years and weighs approximately 8 to 12 pounds making them great for those living in a house or apartment. This lively breed is totally in tune with his or her family, though they may initially be wary of strangers. 

Though this breed is classified as hairless, they may have small tufts of hair around the ears, feet, and tail. In addition, Chinese crested dogs also come in a “powderpuff” variety that is fully furry.

Interestingly enough, powderpuff Chinese crested dogs can be born in the same litter as their hairless brothers and sisters.

3. Xoloitzcuintli

While this breed’s name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue (it’s pronounced   “show-low-eats-queen-tlee”), the Xoloitzcuintli is an independent, alert watchdog. The breed comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes with an average weight ranging from 10 to 55 pounds respectively. 

The Xoloitzcuintli has a relatively long life expectancy, of about 13 to 18 years. These energetic pups love to exercise and are well suited for owners with an active lifestyle. 

This ancient breed has a rich history dating back to 1492. While they may be initially wary of strangers, these dogs are incredibly loyal to their people and make great family dogs if brought up with children. 

4. Peruvian Hairless Dog

The Peruvian hairless dog, also known as the Peruvian Inca orchid dog, is fiercely elegant and serves as an excellent active companion. These agile dogs crave affection and have an intensely alert nature, making them great watchdogs. 

The breed comes in small, medium, and large sizes with weight ranging anywhere from 8 to 55 pounds. These pups usually live about 12 to 14 years. 

The Peruvian hairless dog comes in a wide variety of colors, and they make superb hunting dogs thanks to their curious, vigilant personality. These dogs love to play and thrive in homes with older children. 

5. Argentine Pila Dog

These playful, active dogs make perfect watchdogs for any family, as they’ll readily bark at anything they deem noteworthy. The dogs come in small, medium, and large sizes with weights ranging from 10 to 60 pounds with a life expectancy of around 13 years. 

This beautiful breed is fiercely loyal and happy to engage in a variety of activities with their owner. Argentine pila dogs love to spend time with their families, though they may be initially wary of strangers. 

You’ll find that Argentine pila dogs are eager to please, making them easy to train and adaptable. Overall, Argentine pila dogs are sure to make loyal, loving, and exciting additions to any family. 

Why Get a Hairless Dog Breed?

Hairless hounds make great companions for many homes due to their unique characteristics. Here are a couple of reasons why you may want to welcome a bald buddy into your home: 

• Minimal Shedding — Since hairless dogs have…(wait for it)…very little hair, they are tidy dogs that won’t leave your apartment or home covered in tufts of hair. They are also more likely to smell fresh since little hair for dirt or debris to grab onto. 
• Require Minimal Grooming — Hairless dog breeds have minimal grooming needs, making them great for busy owners. However, it’s important to note that they do have unique skin care needs. 
• Unique Health Advantages — Hairless dogs are less likely to suffer from ectoparasites like fleas or ticks. Though their risk is reduced, you still should consider providing flea and tick preventatives for your bald buddy.
• They’re Irresistibly Exotic — What’s not to like about a clean-shaven canine?— Hairless hounds have a unique appearance that makes them instantly lovable. 

There are endless reasons you may love hairless doggos. While each breed has its own set of general characteristics, every dog is different, so there’s no telling when one of these pooches will steal your heart. 

The Special Needs of Hairless Dog Breeds

Before considering adopting one of these pretty pooches, it’s important to understand the unique needs of hairless breeds. 

• Temperature Regulation — Hairless breeds cannot tolerate cold temperatures well, so they’ll need to live in warmer climates. You’ll also want to stock up on warm outfits – like dog sweaters – and coats for your pooch. 
• Unique Skin Care Needs — Hairless dog breeds need to be protected with sunscreen when they spend time outdoors. In addition, hairless dogs will still need regular baths to keep their skin in tip-top shape. 
• Susceptible To Injury Or Abrasions — Since hairless dog breeds don’t have a coat to protect their skin, they are more susceptible to injuries or abrasions. If you adopt a hairless pup, you’ll want to make sure you inspect your dog’s skin regularly. 
• Needs Proper Padding — These dogs aren’t as comfortable laying on hard surfaces like other dogs, so you’ll want to make sure you have a couple of beds readily available throughout your home to keep Fido cozy. 
• Not Necessarily Allergy-Free — Some owners may make the mistake of adopting a hairless pooch under the presumption that these dogs are fully “hypoallergenic”. While it’s true that hairless breeds shed less, most people are actually allergic to the dander or saliva of a dog, so a hairless dog could still trigger your symptoms. 

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Hairless dogs make excellent fur-free family members to any home with their dashingly good looks and loyal personalities. You’re bound to fall in love with any of these bodacious bald buddies. 

Do you have experience with any of these breeds or have a hairless pup of your own? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!