4 Most Famous Hairless Dog Breeds

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A soft, fluffy dog coat is undoubtedly one of the most appealing things about dogs. But having a lot of hair means having to clean a lot of hair. Most dogs shed their coat, and if there is one thing most dog owners know, cleaning your dog’s fur is nearly a full-time job. Don’t get us wrong; we believe it is a thing that is worth our time if it means we get to spend our time with our furry best friends.

Some dog owners love dogs but hate the mess that comes with them. Mostly that is inevitable, and you will have to clean after your pup. Still, some options allow you to have a dog and have no excess hair problem or shedding problems. The answer to these problems is hairless dog breeds.

Hairless dog breeds are practical for many reasons. Not only do they not shed because they have no hair, to begin with, but they are also very exotic and beautiful. These dogs come in different sizes and are great for owners who hate vacuuming and those with allergies.

Dog hair is one of the most potent allergens. Some people can’t stand being around dogs for a couple of minutes without having itchy throats, red eyes, and sneezes. All of that is gone if you pick a hairless dog.

Hairless dog breed care

Caring for a hairless dog breed is not that different from caring for a fluffy dog breed. Other breeds have different energy levels and needs, but that part is the same for all breeds so that we won’t be going into too many details. Aside from brushing, which is a non-issue for a hairless dog breed, there are also some different caring techniques you will need to know as a hairless breed owner. These are the basics you should keep in mind:

1. Use a warm damp cloth to clean your dog’s skin.
2. You can use a soft brush to clean dirt off of your dog
3. Bathe them twice a month with mild, natural shampoos
4. Clean their ears with a cloth (never with a Qtip)
5. Trim their nails
6. Use dog moisturizers that are approved by your vet
7. Check their skin for pimples and do not squeeze them; ask your vet for advice

We bring you the list of our favorite hairless dog breeds. Let’s check them out!

1. Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog might be the most famous hairless dog breed in the world. It is interesting to know that these dogs come in a hairless and fluffy variety. The fluffy variety is called the Powderpuff.

This hairless dog is not entirely bald, most of their body is without fur, but the top of their head, legs, and tail are covered with hair. They are great and active family companions loyal to the bone and usually get along great with kids and other dogs. They have a high prey drive, so pets from rodent species should not be left unsupervised with these adorable dogs.

RELATED: 10 Fun Facts About Chinese Crested Dogs

2. Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli)

This hairless dog breed is known for its mystical looks and its ancient history. The Xoloitzcuintli’s history dates back to the Maya and the Aztecs. These dogs are considered one of the oldest known dog breeds and played a part in sacred rituals. The Mexican Hairless Dog was a guardian of the dead whose job was to guide its dead owners to the afterlife.

Even now, these dogs have a dose of mystery around them. Those unfamiliar with the breed can think of them as mean-looking, but the truth is these dogs are quite sensitive and even needy. Their original name can be hard to pronounce, and the correct pronunciation is show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee.

3. Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a unique breed, even for hairless dog breeds. They are friendly, active, and athletic. They are a part of the Miscellaneous Group, and their popularity is relatively constant after a man named Jack Walklin brought them to the US.

People viewed these dogs differently, even in their native Peru: some thought of them as having healing power, and others viewed them as a sign of sickness and generally as bad omens. These dogs even came close to extinction, and thankfully, in 2001, Peru declared them as a National Patrimony, and these dogs became protected by law.

4. American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier, or AHT, is the only hairless dog breed from the North American continent. It is becoming increasingly popular since the first AHT ever came to life in 1972. The first American Hairless Terrier was a female dog that was named Josephine.

These dogs have no furs so if you own an AHT in a colder climate, get them a nice doggy sweater that will keep them warm during the cold weather. These dogs are amiable and love being around kids. They are also quite energetic and typical of all Terrier breeds; they are curious, brave, and playful.

Photo by: Nikol Kopp

These breeds are registered in significant cynology associations like the American Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Some hairless breeds are still working on their goal of being entirely accepted by these associations. If you are interested in them, check out the Abyssinian Sand Terrier, Argentine Pila Dog, and the Indian Jonangi Dog.

If you want to explore more hairless dog breeds, you can check the full breed list here - hairless dog breeds.

World Dog Finder team