Updated on May 27, 2023
There have been hairless dogs ever since early civilizations developed.
For as long as there have been humans, the hairless dog has been around. The Peruvian and the Ecuadorian hairless dogs are the most well-known. Because most hairless dog breeds shed most of their hair once they’re adults, they’re an excellent choice for households with allergies.
Can you get a hairless dog?
The hairlessness in hairless dogs is real; it’s caused by a dominant gene that promotes the condition in puppies. There wasn’t any intentional breeding of hairless dogs.
There are hairless dog breeds that live in the wild, too. As soon as humans entered the picture, they began deliberately breeding hairless dogs for use in various applications. The body of hairless dog breeds are typically smooth, though they may have fine hair on their eyebrows and tails.
Keep in mind that the AKC and similar groups do not welcome and recognise every kind of dog that has been created through selective breeding. If you find one and it is not listed on the AKC website, it has not been officially acknowledged (yet).
Can You Find a Dog Without Hair?
A hairless dog is available, yes. The Xoloitzcuintli, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and the American Hairless Terrier are the three hairless dog breeds that are legally recognised in the United States.
The average adult American Hairless Terrier can grow to be sixteen inches tall. Both the typical coat variety and the hairless variety exist. Although the American Hairless Terrier may retain some hair on its face and tail, it will otherwise be hairless.
The skin of this species is similarly pleasant to the touch. Keep in mind that hairless dogs need extra protection from the sun and the cold so they don’t get sick. When it starts to rain, hairless dogs can’t stand up to the elements like canines with thick coats can, so it’s best to bring them indoors.
American Hairless Terriers make wonderful family dogs due to their extreme loyalty and protective instincts.
Among hairless dog breeds, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is the most well-known. This canine variety is show-worthy in every way, from its dashing good looks to its toned physique. The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a faithful and affectionate pet with an air of royalty. In terms of size, you can choose between miniature, standard, and jumbo options.
Adult height for the smaller Inca Orchids is around 15.75 inches, with the larger type topping out at 19.75 inches. Last but not least, the tallest of the varieties is the huge kind, which may grow up to 26.75 inches tall. A healthy Inca Orchid should live to be 14 years old.
The Xoloitzcuintli can be found in three different sizes,
depending on whether it is a toy, a miniature, or a regular. The skin on this dog is usually quite black and close fitting.
This inventory includes a wide range of hues, from scarlet to bronze. More typical are the slate-dark variants. They are graceful and devoted by nature, and despite their lack of hair, they are quick and capable workers. As a result, if you adopt a healthy Xoloitzcuintli, you may count on having a faithful friend for many years to come.
Although the Xoloitzcuintli ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to popularity, it will likely continue to make headlines for as long as people admire hairless canines.
The average size of these creatures is 23 inches at the shoulders and 55 pounds (standard size). Comparatively speaking, the Xoloitzcuintli can outlive the Incan Orchid by at least three years, as it can live anywhere from thirteen to eighteen years of age. Be aware that the Xoloitzcuintli is not a dog suited for competitive sports.
What Does a Peruvian Hairless Dog Cost?
There are two types of the Peruvian Hairless Dog, sometimes called the Peruvian Orchid, one with hair and one without. Puppies often range in price from $600 to $8000. The cost of procuring one of these animals is reflected in their rarity. The cost increases further if you require it to be suitable for display.
Don’t feel obligated to buy from breeders if that’s not your thing; there are plenty of great options at animal shelters and rescue groups. Buying a Peruvian Hairless Dog from one of these locations will save you a lot of money. Adoption fees can range from $50 to $400, but even at the higher end they’re cheaper than buying from a breeder.
You should prioritise finding a healthy puppy without any obvious defects. The task of caring for a dog, no matter the breed, is a sizable one, and if your new puppy is healthy, you’ll have a much simpler time getting settled in.
Can a Hairless Dog Detect Odor?
Hairless dogs, like all domesticated animals, can nevertheless develop distinctive scents due to the secretion of oils and other chemicals from the skin. Skin care must be done regularly and correctly.
There may be little to no coat to maintain, but even without one, the skin still needs to be washed so that it doesn’t get stale and oily. The same holds true for humans; just like animals, a person who doesn’t bathe frequently will start to smell bad due to the accumulation of dirt and sweat.
Since their skin isn’t protected by hair, hairless dogs can also leave oily smudges on furniture and other objects they come into touch with. The greasy smudges in question typically emit an earthy, unpleasant odour.
Rinse your hairless dog thoroughly after every bath with a light dog soap to eliminate oils and grime. If you take good enough care of them, no one will ever know you have rare dogs as pets.
