15 Hairless Dog Breeds

1. American Hairless Terrier

They are multi-purpose dogs with sleek, hairless skin and lots of energy, they stand between 12"-16" tall and weigh 12-16 lbs. They are considered hypoallergenic, so they are a good choice for those dog owners who have some form of allergy problems.

Originating in the 1970s in Louisiana, this breed came about when a solitary hairless puppy cropped up in a litter of Rat Terriers. Breeders selectively bred that trait to get what is today known as the American Hairless Terrier.

They have a short, smooth coat and still keep this energetic personality, though they do tend to require a bit more grooming for their coat than their hairless cousins. They are an extremely faithful and energetic canine type, they are fun-loving, smart, and fond of their family members. 

2. Chinese Crested

The definitive tufts of hair on the head, feet, and tail are what make the Chinese Crested breed. Standing at 11-13 inches in height and weighing between 8-12 pounds in weight, this slender, fine build is quite befitting of their more affectionate nature.

Its origin is not quite specific, with most of the suppositions stating that this breed either originated in Africa or in Asia. It gained popularity amongst sailors because they used them for catching rodents aboard the ships.

The breed also comes in two varieties, including the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The hairless has smooth skin, while the Powderpuff has a full, soft coat. Chinese Cresteds are gentle, loving, super clingy to their families, love to be around them a lot, and enjoy cuddles great. 

3. Peruvian Inca Orchid

They are elegant, poised dogs, medium to large, they are hairless dogs with athletic builds, and slender. They stand from 10 to 26 inches high and come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. 

This breed is an extremely ancient one that first originated in Peru and was highly valued by the Inca people for many, many centuries. Representatives of this breed can be traced back to 750 A.D., showing how high up they were within the culture of Peru, acting as harbingers of good luck.

They are a bit reserved with strangers while being gentle and affectionate with known people. Peruvian Inca Orchids suit those kinds of families which would provide them with a quiet as well as loving home atmosphere.

4. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

Sometimes referred to as Xolos, this breed is an ancient one - one-muscled, solid in build, and with an even temperament. It comes in three different-sized varieties, meaning there's a Xolo type that fits into many different kinds of households.

The breed alone can be dated back more than 3,000 years and was always respected in Mexico since it was favored by the Aztecs and Toltecs due to its mystical healing powers and its great power to keep evil spirits away. Until today, the breed is still regarded as a national treasure of Mexico.

The Xolos are intelligent and loyal. They are watchful dogs that have protective instincts yet are very calm in nature. They attach themselves very strongly to their families and are majorly reserved with strangers.

5. Argentine Pila Dog

The Argentine Pila Dog is small to medium-sized, with smooth and hairless skin, and is calm and very affectionate. Commonly, the dogs stand about 10–18 inches tall and can fit into all kinds of living environments.

They have been companion animals in Argentina for centuries, and while they are still a rare breed outside of Argentina, they are highly valued by locals. Because of its rarity and look, it is considered one of the highly valued pets for hairless canine enthusiasts.

They are gentle and loving, which is why they are suited for families because they have a very friendly disposition. They are regarded as being loyal to their families and are attached to the children yet get along well with adults too.

6. Abyssinian Sand Terrier

This medium-sized dog is also popularly called the African Sand Dog, and its lean and agile anatomy makes it hairless. They are a very athletic breed, with a very lively personality. While little is recorded about this breed, there exists a hairless and coated variety of the Abyssinian Sand Terrier.

Originating from Africa, this breed has been employed variously as a working dog in warmer countries. The Indigenous tribes of the area have used these dogs as hunting companions and guard dogs for centuries.

Friendly and active, Abyssinian Sand Terriers are loyal to their families and do great in homes that have an outdoor lifestyle. They like being outdoors and doing all kinds of activities but need a lot of mental and physical exercises.

7. Hairless Khala

The Hairless Khala is an independent, guarded, athletic-looking medium to large dog breed with sleek, hairless skin. It has been seen to be independent and guarded in nature, with heights ranging between 14–20 inches.

Originating from Bolivia, the Hairless Kola has long served as a companion to the locals and tribe members because of their loyalty and, more so, guarding nature. There are mainly two types of the breed of Hairless Khala: one big type, which is known as Hairless Khala Medio, and another, smaller type, known as Hairless Khala Grande. 

Hairless Khala Dogs are undeniably independent and usually very aloof to strangers but still very affectionate with the family. They are protective and represent a potential guard dog breed.

8. Jonangi

Originating in India, the Jonangi is an alert and agile dog that comes with a complete or partial lack of coat, hence, lean and muscular. They stand at 15–21 inches tall and do very well in hunting and herding. Its popularity ebbs and flows over time but it remains a well-liked breed across the more rural areas of the country.

The Jonangi is primarily a hairless dog, though sometimes it can be found sporting a short, sparse coat. This puts them in the category of low maintenance when it comes to grooming and fits them for hotter climates.

The breed is affectionate with family members but reserved when it comes to strangers. Jonangis need regular mental and physical exercises, and hence they are suited for active families only.

9. Ecuadorian Hairless Dog

The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is athletic in build, having a streamlined body and smooth hairless skin. Usually medium-sized, they are agile and athletic dogs, with heights ranging between 15–20 inches. Most Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs are hairless, although there are some sparse-coated varieties. 

This dog breed's roots are deeply touched by the Ecuadorian people, and it has been welcomed as a companion there for many years. Outside of Ecuador, this rare breed has received appreciation for its captivating appearance and friendly, docile nature from those interested in hairless dogs.

Sweet-tempered and devoted, Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs are very attached to their family and especially their children. They are also fun-loving and scrappy and need attention and exercise daily.

10. Hairless Shar Pei

The hairless Shar Pei is a unique variation of the traditional Chinese Shar Pei, retaining the breed’s strikingly wrinkled skin and firm yet clothed body smooth and glabrous And very adaptable in hot weather

These hairless dog breeds have been chosen to maintain the protective and dignified skin tone of the traditional Shar Pei, while offering a unique look to their preferences the hairless dogs like it, and give compliments

Hairless Shar Peis are devoted to their families and often have deep bonds with their owners. They love family members and are attentive to their surroundings, making them ideal for families looking for a medium-sized, committed companion with a natural protective instinct. 

11. Hairless Chihuahua

The Hairless Chihuahua is small, spunky, and perfect for apartment living. These little dogs weigh just about 4-6 pounds and stand roughly 5-8 inches tall, but boast energetic personalities.

The breed was originally bred in Mexico from the Kechiche dogs native to that area. These then became valued dogs by the Aztecs before gradually evolving into one of the toy breeds most favored by many in the world. The hairless variety is still quite rare.

Besides the hairless variety, this breed comes in a short-haired and long-haired type. Whatever the variety, this dog will prove spirited and affectionate. The only difference is that the hairless may need extra skin care.

The Hairless Chihuahua is very loyal to the point of becoming overly attached to just one person. They can be playful, intelligent, and pleasure-seeking canines. They pose no problem to an owner who can devote the time and effort to their social and physical needs.

12. Rat Terrier

Generally a coated breed, Rat Terriers sometimes are born without hair because of a rare gene. They stand tall between 13–18 inches, are medium in size, and are quick-witted agile canines.

The Rat Terrier is an ancient breed originating in the United States, highly valued as a farm and hunting dog. The rare variety of hairless dogs is less common but highly valued because of its appearance and hypoallergic nature.

The breed comes in both hairless and coated varieties, the rarest being the hairless variety. Both the coated and the hairless types share the same breed qualities of energy and loyalty.

Rat Terriers are loyal, intelligent, quick to learn, and hence easy to train. They do best in active families since the athletic nature of their personalities combined with needing mental stimulation is demanding.

13. French Hairless Bulldog

The French Hairless Bulldog is a rare breed, and they are strong with a muscular and hairless body that showcases its uniquely attractive appearance. Standing between 11–13 inches tall, this breed is known for being playful, affectionate and loving family companionship.

Originally bred with the traditional French Bulldog, the Hairless French Bulldog emerged as a distinct breed through selective breeding. Its hairless form is extremely rare, making it sought after by allergy sufferers and exceptionally hairy pets

French Hairless Bulldogs are gentle and friendly with family members, exhibiting loyalty and warmth, although they may be kept away from strangers. Their romantic, simple nature and adaptability to smaller living spaces make them ideal for residential buildings and urban settings.

14. Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is extremely loyal and protective, and can at times be a hairless dog. They are between 20–24 inches high with a powerful muscled body apt for guarding. In the past, they were used as guard and hunting dogs in Thailand, thus their origin commands protection, loyalty, and bravery.

They are available in hairless and coated varieties, out of which the hairless ones are very popular. The protective nature of their breed is found within both varieties

These breeds are extremely loyal and courageous dogs that make them attach to their families while being suspicious of all strangers. They are best suited to families wherein they get to guard over and watch out for their loved ones.

15. Brazilian Terrier

The Brazilian Terrier is compact, energetic, and very rarely hairless, standing about 14 to 16 inches high, agile, and fun-loving, they are doggies that love being physically active. Originating from South America, the Brazilian Terrier was first used on farms and later as a companion at home.

The rarest of this breed, the hairless variety is highly appreciated because such dogs need less maintenance and have a very unique look. Its coat can be smooth, although a rare hairless variety does exist.

Both types are alert and energetic. Intelligent and affectionate, Brazilian Terriers are dogs that attach easily to their families. They do well with activities both in and out of the water, which makes an active home fitting for them.