5 Hairless Dog Breeds For Every Lifestyle
Whether you are active or laid-back, single or married with kids, have a look at these hairless dog breeds and pick your favorite!
Why Pick Hairless Dog Breeds
These velvety companions are a great choice for people with allergies or asthma, for small children, and why not, for those of us who don’t have time to constantly be sweeping up dog hair. caring for a hairless dog is undoubtedly easier than looking after a fluffy large breed! They come in all shapes and adorable sizes, with various personalities, so you can pick the ones that fit your lifestyle the best! Remember that if you can, adoption should be your first option, before shopping, even from reputable breeders. There’s bound to be a shelter nearby that hosts a hairless dog, or a hypoallergenic one that doesn’t shed, so check there first!
Best Hairless Dog Breeds
So, without further ado, here are our picks for the top five hairless dog breeds, ranked by cuteness factor! You will also find size and weight specifications, as well as their personality type and the kind of house they would best fit. But almost any dog can be trained to live in almost any house, so don’t get too hung up on these criteria and let your heart make the final decision!
1. Jonangi Dog
This puppy is the champion at making the sad puppy face, but don’t let it fool you. Jonangi are shepherd dogs bred in India, also used for hunting, and they can be fiercely loyal, very defensive of theirs and their own, and might try to herd other pets and children in the house. They don’t bark, instead, they have a specific trill, much like huskies. They are energetic and active, and enjoy both work and play. Jonangi are medium-sized, reaching a maximum height of 21 inches and 48 pounds in weight. Unfortunately, they are getting rarer and rarer, and unless their popularity as pets increases, the species will soon go extinct.
2. Chinese Crested Dog
These small divas are easily recognized by their specific hairstyle: hairless body and flowing locks on their head. They might be the stars of shows and grooming competitions, but in fact, these tiny dogs are lovable couch potatoes. Chinese Crested Dogs are energic as puppies, but once they reach adulthood they will want nothing more than to cuddle with you. They don’t get too big, either, reaching at most 13 inches and 12 pounds, so they do well in small houses and apartments. They love people above all and are very sociable, even with strangers and friends coming over.
3. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Behind this goofy face hides an elegant and noble guard dog, built for an athletic, active lifestyle. This is the Peruvian Inca Orchid, a breed that appeared in ancient Peru and survives to this day. They are loyal and royal and are better suited for households without children. They come in three sizes, as small as 10 inches and 9 pounds or as large as 26 inches and 55 pounds. Peruvian Inca Orchids are also very smart and need mental exercise as much as physical exercise, so be prepared to keep them entertained! In turn, they will keep you company, fit, and safe!
4. Mexican Hairless (Xolo)
Xolo is very popular in Mexico, to the point where you can find multiple statues of this dog in the streets and they are part of festivals and shows. Xolos are generally alert and loyal, making them great guard dogs, but they can at the same time be calm and relaxed, so you can have them in a household with children. They can be as small as 10 inches and 10 pounds, or as large as 23 inches and 55 pounds, with an athletic build. They need some exercise but overall, they are happy with daily walks and a longer outing at the weekend. Overall, Xolos are a great choice for an active, outdoorsy family!
5. American Hairless Terrier
This is the cutest and easiest to get hairless dog breed in America. They are not just adorable, but incredibly smart as well, making teaching them tricks a breeze! American Hairless Terriers are active dogs, but because they are relatively small, they accommodate a moderately active family. They only get as tall as 16 inches and weigh 16 pounds at most, when healthy. They are playful and sweet, so don’t worry about having them around children! Besides, they are friendly and goofy so they make great growing-up companions for kids. You are likely to find this dog in a shelter near you, so check those out before hitting the breeders!
Caring For Hairless Dog Breeds
Just because they are hairless, doesn’t mean these dog breeds don’t need grooming and care! If they live mostly indoors, you need to have their nails clipped periodically, and they need baths too. Check with a local groomer to have them cared for and set up a periodical bath and groom. Alternatively, learn to bathe them at home. You need to wash hairless dogs approximately once a month to get rid of excess oil built up on their skin and moisturize after every bath. Usually, hair takes care of this excess, but with no hair to speak of, hairless dogs are prone to oil and dirt build-up in the folds of their skin, which makes them susceptible to infections.
Also, dogs use their fur to regulate temperature and protect themselves both from heat and cold. When you have a hairless dog, you need to be careful to not let them get too cold in winter, so use coats when taking them for walks. Never let a hairless dog spend winters outside if the temperature drops under 60F outside. Create a warm space for them indoors. Similarly, be careful of heatstroke in summer and provide them with a cool place to hide from the sun.
Wrapping Up
What are your reasons for wanting one of these hairless dog breeds? I’m looking forward to seeing your comments! Tell me the whys and which ones on this list you would like to adopt RIGHT NOW in the comments section below!