If people think that dogs are cute because of their fluffy furs, they have never met any Hairless dog breeds. There are many more hypoallergic dog breeds than one might imagine, and if one is those types who are allergic to pet furs, then hairless dog pets are a dream come true. These pooches who can turn heads with unique personalities may be the right dog. Having a hairless cat and dog as a pet means one has to spend less time cleaning and grooming them. Also, having no fur coats means there is less probability of the dog getting fleas. 

However, fur-free dog breeds do not mean they do not require maintenance. Like humans, their bare skin needs protection from the sun and a jacket for warmth during the cold season. If owning one of those unique dogs is a good fit for certain pet owners, extra skin care is worthwhile. 

What does a hairless dog look like? 

Hairless dogs show skin though it varies among the different types. There are two categories of hairless dogs – coated and hairless. Some are entirely hairless, while others have some hairs here and there. Coated dogs have very fine short hairs barely noticeable on the skin. The hairs are found mainly on the head, paws, and tails. The hairless varieties are those who have no hair at all. 

How many hairless dog breeds exist today? 

There are at least nine different Hairless dog breeds in the world. These dogs have some wonderful attributes that many of us are unaware of. Here are some of the best hairless dog breeds that one might consider owning.

American Hairless Terrier

The American hairless terrier is friendly, playful, smart, and a quick learner. They need mental and physical activities that are stimulating. It is a good breed for pet owners who are allergic to furs. This dog is born with hair, but by they start shedding hairs from head to tail, and by eight weeks, they become completely hairless. The terrier sweat when overheated, and they need three baths in a week as they are prone to rashes and allergies. They love to dig and need a fenced yard. An American Terrier has a lifespan of 15 years. 

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is named after flowers where they lived when discovered by the Spanish conquerors in the 1500s. This dog is coated and has a patch of hair, mohawk style on the head, and some sparse hairs on the paws and tails. These dogs have round dark eyes that squint when exposed to bright sunlight, and they have nicknamed Moonflower as their nighttime dogs. 

Xoloitzcuintli

They are the Mexican hairless breed named after the Xonotlite Aztec god. This breed has an appearance that is eye-catching and has a keen intellect. They have coarse, short hairs on the paws, tail, and head. They weigh between 10 pounds to 40 pounds and are quite agile in the running. They can do anything for their owners and are known as Velcro dogs. They tend to bond only with those who train them. They have natural protection and do not require overgrooming. 

Chinese Crested

The Chinese crested dog is the most famous among the hairless breeds. These dogs have silky hair tufts on the paws, tail, and head. They are friendly little dogs and behave well with everyone from kids to old alike. They weigh about ten pounds and are delicate in appearance with a fondness for climbing and digging apart from being noisy. Their skin can tear up easily and keep them soft and supple; bathing them with gentle shampoo is recommended. They need protection from sunburns, and since they lose teeth when young, they should not be fed with bones or chewable. 

Hairless Chihuahua

The hairless chihuahua is not as popular compared to their fluffier version. They, however, are of the same breed and have a smart and spirited personality. The hairless chihuahua gets its looks from genetic defects. 

Abyssinian Sand Terrier

Also known as the African hairless dog, the sand Terrier is an ancient breed known to have originated in Africa. They are completely hairless except for a tuft of hair on the head. 

What causes hairlessness in a dog?

It is genetics. There was some genetic mutation at some point in history, and this look was created for international breeding. This also was the reason for finding some hairless dog breeds with missing teeth. According to Dr.Patrick Hensel, veterinary dermatology at the University of Georgia, the genes shape the body and how they develop, giving rise to sphynx dog breeds. According to him, the two main reasons many people prefer hairless breeds for pets are that they don’t want pups that shed and secondly when they have an allergy to furs. 

How to care for a hairless dog? 

Skincare for hairless dogs does not require grooming the same way for dogs and cats with furs. But this does not mean that naked dog breeds do not require any care. The hairless breed requires more skincare, and bathing a couple of times a week with gentle shampoo is a must. There are dog shampoos that contain benzoyl peroxide combined with conditioners for dry and irritating skin. 

Hairless dogs require their skin to be kept clean to avoid bacterial skin infections. With no growing hairs on their skin, oils and skin cells accumulate, leading to skin infections. Sunscreen is also recommended as a spray for naked dogs. Hairless dogs’ owners should also the accumulation cover their dogs when going out as clothing can be helpful in cold weather and against sunburns. 

Conclusion 

Hairless dogs do not shed, but they still require proper skin care to prevent getting infected and permanently damaged. Unlike the other fastest dog breeds, the coat of these animals has many functions, such as protection from sunlight, and this is why hairless dogs and cats are more prone to sunburns.