Bald & Beautiful: 10 Hairless Dog Breeds You Probably Never Knew Existed

With a name that’s as sophisticated as their appearance (Xoloitzcuintli is pronounced as sho-lo-eats-Queent-lee), Xoloitzcuintlis stand tall and proud to show off their hairless bodies.

The Xoloitzcuintli, also called the Mexican hairless dog, can be completely hairless or have a small tuft of hair scattered on their head. These ancient dogs hail from Mexico and are the country’s national dog breed.

Xolos were kept as watchdogs and were viewed as sacred canines by the Aztec tribe of Mexico, who believed these dogs could ward off evil spirits (besides protecting homes from human intruders). In fact, their name was derived from two Aztec words: Xoloti, which means “the god of lightning, fire, and death,” and itzcuintli, which simply means “dog.”

This hairless Mexican dog is friendly, calm, and even-tempered. They’re super loyal to their families and love to please their owners. 

Considered among the few hairless dog breeds developed in the United States, American Hairless Terriers are native to Louisiana. This small-to-medium-sized American hairless dog was developed from Rat Terriers in the 1970s through a selective breeding program.

Besides capturing hearts with their distinct erect ears and hairless coats (which come in different colors and patterns), American Hairless Terriers are also loved for their feisty personality. They are described as high-energy, playful, intelligent, and affectionate dogs who love to keep their small bodies active.

American Hairless Terriers are also popular for their alertness, which makes them excellent watchdogs. This loveable breed is susceptible to a range of health problems, from patellar luxation to cardiac conditions and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. 

Originally domesticated by the ancient people of Inca in Peru, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is a high-energy Sighthound that’s easily recognized by its hairless body and, sometimes, a strip of hair on its head that resembles a mohawk.

Also called the Peruvian Hairless Dog or the Peruvian Viringo, the Peruvian Inca Orchid — Peru’s national dog breed — was kept as a companion pet. The ancient Peruvian tribes cherished these dogs as they were believed to bring good luck. In addition, it was believed that the urine of Peruvian Inca Orchids had healing properties and could thus cure various ailments.

Peruvian Inca Orchids are lively, affectionate, and athletic dogs who love to be part of the family setup. They are a generally healthy breed, according to the American Kennel Club. 

Chinese Crested dogs come in two varieties: the hairless variety (Chinese Crested dogs have no hair at all except around their heads, tails and/or paws) and the powderpuff variety (Chinese Crested dogs with a full coat of hair).

Contrary to what many think, the hairless Chinese Crested dogs trace their roots to Africa and Mexico. They were later introduced to China, where they were developed into a more modern dog breed. This Chinese hairless dog is known to be friendly, affectionate, playful, and cheerful. In addition, Chinese Crested dogs get along wonderfully with kids and other pets.

When you breed two powderpuff Chinese Crested dogs, all puppies in the litter will be powderpuff puppies. On the other hand, breeding a hairless Chinese Cresent dog with a powderpuff will likely result in a mix of powderpuff and hairless puppies in the same litter.

Just as their name suggests, Argentine Pila originated in Argentina. These hairless dogs — considered quite rare — are descendants of the Peruvian Inca Orchid. Their bodies are characterized by an absence of hair everywhere.

Argentine Pilas are said to have arrived in Argentina thousands of years ago as gifts from rulers of the Incan Empire of Peru, who wanted to strengthen ties between Peru and Argentina. Argentine Pilas come in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. They are hailed for their alertness, which makes them fantastic watchdogs. 

Described as energetic, intelligent, vigilant, and lively dogs, hairless Chihuahuas are similar to the standard chihuahua temperament-wise, except that they have no hair.

Hairless Chihuahuas are simply Chihuahuas born with the dominant hairless gene, hence their lack of hair (which makes them extra special, if you ask us!). Just like regular Chihuahuas, Hairless Chihuahuas are bold and overly protective of their owners. This small but courageous toy breed is predisposed to various health issues, such as heart problems, patellar luxation, and eye diseases.  

Also called the Kolleti Jagilam or the Jonangi Jilam, the Jonangi is a rare dog breed native to Southern India. Its most distinctive feature is its hairless coat, which comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Jonangi dogs were originally kept for guarding and hunting purposes thanks to their courageous nature, high energy levels, intelligence, athleticism, and odd yodel-like bark. These hairless dogs are famous for their protectiveness and loyalty toward their families.

Because of its hunting background, the Jonangi dog breed has a strong prey drive and is, therefore, not a suitable dog for households with small pets. Not to mention, Jonangis tend to be quite reserved around strangers. 

Also called the Bolivian hairless dog, the Hairless Khala may be completely hairless from head to toe or have a small tuft of hair on their head.

Hairless Khalas trace their origin to Bolivia in Latin America and have been in existence for thousands of years. They’re, however, not common outside their native country.

Hairless Khalas are athletic, intelligent dogs that form strong bonds with their families but can be quite standoffish with unfamiliar faces. Due to their strong-willed nature, Hairless Khalas aren’t ideal for first-time owners. They’re better off with experienced owners who are firm in authority.  

Also known as the African Hairless dog, the Abyssinian Sand Terrier traces its origin to Africa, specifically Ethiopia (formerly known as Abyssinia).

Abyssinian Sand Terriers lack hair throughout their bodies, except around their heads, where they tend to have a small tuft of hair. Interestingly, these ancient domestic dogs were said to possess magical healing powers. Because of their smooth, hair-free bodies, many believed the warmth from these dogs’ bodies could offer relief from muscle aches and other related injuries.

Abyssinian Sand Terriers are cherished for their loyalty, fearlessness, and eagerness to please.

The Ecuadorian hairless Dog is native to Ecuador and is considered a descendant of the Peruvian Inca Orchid. This ancient breed is known for its short tail and hairless body (with scanty traces of hair on its head). Ecuadorian hairless dogs are incredibly rare, and their existence beyond Ecuador is not well known.

They were treasured hunting dogs ages ago and are loved today for their affectionate disposition, intelligence, protectiveness, and people-friendly nature.