7 hairless dog breeds that make great pets

Not only will these hairless dog breeds keep your home free of hair grasses and potentially help relieve symptoms in people with dog allergies – most breeds that do not shed hair are hypoallergenic dogs too – but their appearance. unique evokes an exotic feeling of prestige and rarity, as they stand out from some of the more popular dog breeds. These hairless dogs, thanks in large part to their eye-catching appearance, are among the rarest dogs in the world, which also makes them one of the most expensive dogs if you can find them to buy.

Note that although they are hairless and you won’t have to brush their coats, these dogs don’t really require maintenance. They still need a regular bath and TLC for their skin and nails.

1. Crested Chinese

Ekaterina Gorokhova / Getty Images

Chinese ridges offer the best of both hair worlds, with feathery strands on the head and feet and a hairless body. Called “ultra-affectionate” companion dogs by the American Kennel Club (AKC), these cuddly friends will stay by your side. As with most hairless animals, their rose-speckled skin can be easily irritated, but daily application of breed-specific sunscreen and topical products will keep this Chinese dog breed safe.

2. American Hairless Terrier

nickpo / Getty Images

Closely related to the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier possesses great energy and is quick-witted and curious. According to the AKC, this is the only hairless dog breed native to the United States. They are small but fiery, and owners of these bald dogs should be careful to avoid sun exposure in the summer and keep their puppies safe during the cold winter temperatures. A warm dog coat can help.

3. Mexican hairless dog / Xoloitzcuintli

TaynaPanova / Getty Images

These hairless beauties are arguably the oldest breed on this list: Mexican hairless dogs have been around for about 3,000 years, according to the AKC. Believed to be the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, these cool, intelligent toy dogs have smooth, hairless skin. Unlike other hairless dogs, their hair and skin care is low maintenance. If you love small dogs but bare hair isn’t your thing, check out these other toy dog ​​breeds that will make you pass out.

4. Peruvian Inca Orchid

janpla01 / Getty Images

One of the largest hairless dog breeds, this royal and loyal dog breed from Peru can boast of having spotted and unspotted skin of almost any color. PICs are considered agile hunters and protective guard dogs, as well as being affectionate with their owners. They are also extremely rare and hold no rank among the AKC’s 197 most popular registered breeds.

5. Argentine pila

via Monica S. Cassels / wikimedia.org

Little is known about this mysterious hairless toy breed, as they are nearly impossible to find in the United States, but they are popular pets in South America. These totally hairless dogs only have a hint of hair around their whiskered mouths. Argenting Pila is known to be playful and loving companions, but with super sensitive hairless skin that requires eagle eye attention, they are high maintenance pets.

6. Hairless Khala

gustavo ramirez / Getty Images

Famous for its wispy white-haired Mohawk, this rare dog breed from Bolivia has hunting dog origins, making it the largest of the hairless breeds. These medium-sized dogs are fiercely protective of their family, and they do best with an owner who is committed to training and imposes firm authority on them to be seen by the puppy as the leader of the pack. Like other hairless breeds, the skin color can vary but usually takes on a smooth gray tint when ripe.

7. Jonangi

via Vedichunt / wikimedia.org

Originally from India, these once popular bald dogs were originally bred for herding and hunting, but are now increasingly difficult to find, even in India. These dogs are quite calm, although when they bark they make a distinctive yodel-like sound. Although not entirely hairless, Jonangi were bred to have short coats to endure the sweltering summers of India. They have a reputation for being delightfully friendly and easy to train.

Caring for hairless dogs

There are many reasons a family might consider bringing a hairless dog home. Allergies aside, most hairless breeds are affectionate and loving, making them great friends who will snuggle up at your feet.

While these breeds don’t need regular grooming or brushing appointments, they do have their own unique bald coat care needs, including regular bathing and nail trimming. All hairless breeds are sensitive to temperature and the elements, and most require a coat in the winter and breed-specific dog sunscreen in the summer.