Hairless dog breeds are well worth considering if you’d love nothing more than to welcome a canine companion into your family but want to avoid having to spend hours each week vacuuming up all that fur!
These dogs might look like a low-maintenance breed, they actually require just as much grooming. However, while their dander and saliva can still trigger allergies in those allergic to dogs, you may find the symptoms to be less severe than if you choose a breed with fur. After all, they’re probably the closest you can get to a hypoallergenic dog breed.
If you’re looking for a dog that will really get people talking, a hairless breed will certainly achieve that. These dogs carry genes that cause them to be born either without any fur or with very little fur on their bodies. And while their temperaments vary (as you’d expect with different breeds), these fur-less babies tend to be quite cuddly and love cozying up with their owners.
Hairless dog breeds require different care to many of the most popular dog breeds, so Dr Rebecca MacMillan has also shared some advice.
Hairless dog breeds
1. American Hairless Terrier
We have no idea how a dog with no hair manages to be so darn cute, but the American Hairless Terrier pulls it off with ease. A Louisiana native, this little guy stands between 12–16 inches tall and has smooth skin that’s warm to the touch.
This American breed was originally bred to hunt rats and these days they excel in agility and obedience events.
The American Hairless Terrier moves with a real pep in its step and has all the grit and courage you’d expect from a terrier breed. They’re also alert, smart, inquisitive, and playful, not to mention highly energetic, so they’ll make for a great exercise companion.
Bald and beautiful, these pups love being lap dogs. They are an affectionate dog breed and, as long as they’re socialized from a young age, they’ll get on well with children and other pets.
2. Chinese Crested
If there’s a breed out there more unique than the Chinese Crested dog, we’ve yet to stumble across it! Sporting spotted pink skin, a spiky hairdo, furry socks and a feathery tail, this is one pup that stands out from the crowd.
Fine-boned and with graceful movements, the Chinese Crested is an elegant toy breed that stands between 11–13 inches tall.
Affectionate, happy, lively and sweet natured, the Chinese Crested is one of the friendliest dog breeds. Incredibly playful and loving, they are an absolute joy to be around. They’re also very devoted to their owners and highly attuned to their emotions, which makes them wonderful companion animals.
3. Peruvian Inca Orchid
You’d be forgiven for thinking the Peruvian Inca Orchid is a flower, but in actual fact, it’s the name of an ancient breed of dog that first appeared on ceramic vessels as far back as 750 AD and is thought to have been kept as a pet in both pre-Inca times and as part of the Incan empire.
Coming in a range of sizes, the smallest of the Peruvian Inca Orchids stands at just under 10 inches tall, while the largest can reach 26 inches.
They are lively and alert dogs when out and about and can be very protective of their family, but at home they are incredibly loving and affectionate dogs who are very sweet natured.
4. Mexican Hairless Dog
More than 3,000 years old, the Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee”) is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and part of the Aztec empire.
They were often offered up as a sacrifice to the gods and then buried alongside their owners to help guide the soul as it journeyed to the underworld.
Thankfully, no such practices exist today and the Mexican Hairless Dog is now a beloved family pet that comes in three sizes and has tough, smooth and close-fitting skin.
Thoughtful and intelligent, they are incredibly loyal dogs and while they adapt to any lifestyle, they can be stubborn and headstrong, so early training and socialization is key.
5. Argentine Pila Dog
Closely related to other South American hairless dog breeds, the Argentine Pila Dog is a very rare dog breed that is mostly found in its native homeland of Argentina. Prized for its smooth skin, it’s highly adaptable and will settle easily into most environments.
Available in three sizes ranging from 10–25 inches tall, the Argentine Pila Dog has a tail that curls forward and a short body with pointed ears. Affectionate and playful, they also make excellent watchdogs as they’re hyper-alert to movements and noise in their surroundings.
6. Hairless Khala
Also known as Bolivian hairless dogs, the Hairless Khala comes in two types – the Medio (which has short legs and is between 14–17 inches tall) and the Grande (which has longer legs and is between 17–20 inches tall).
The Hairless Khala tends to be very loving, affectionate and docile with family but it can be very aloof and standoffish around strangers. They're fiercely protective of their people, so early training and socialization is a must.
The Hairless Khala does best in a household where they have canine company.
7. Abyssinian Sand Terrier
And to finish: a mystery. It is speculated that these curious critters, also known as African Hairless Dogs, may no longer roam the earth – its existence is in fact somewhat mythical. There are no known current examples of this breed, aside from a specimen in the Natural History Museum in Hertfordshire, England.
Said to be semi-wild, Abyssinian Sand Terriers are understood to have “followed’ African cattle herders, and can’t really be called pets as most people know them.
One thing for sure? You’re highly unlikely to be able to get your hands on one. However, it’s said that all hairless dogs today descend from the Abyssinian Sand Terrier, so perhaps this legendary dog’s essence is closer than we think!
Caring for hairless dog breeds
A chief concern for owners of hairless dog breeds is sun exposure.
“Dogs with no fur are at risk from sunburn,” says companion animal vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. “You will need to make sure that your hairless dog stays out of the sun when UVs are strongest, and you should use a pet-safe sun lotion. You may even consider putting a light T-shirt or vest on them to cover some exposed skin during the summer.
“Sunburn can be painful and puts hairless dog breeds at an increased risk of skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma.”
Dr MacMillan adds that prospective hairless dog owners shouldn’t be fooled into thinking they’ll save time with no coat to care for.
“Even though these dogs don’t have hair, they still need plenty of grooming!” warns Dr MacMillan. “Hairless dogs need bathing regularly, ideally every 1–2 weeks. This helps to remove excess body oils that would normally be dispersed through their fur. It also washes off any dirt or debris that a fur coat would usually stop from reaching the skin's surface.”
Dr MacMillan adds that it’s a must to use one of the best dog shampoos.
“Just make sure you use a mild, dog-specific shampoo so you don’t cause any skin irritation.
“These dogs are prone to blackheads and spots, so an occasional mild exfoliation may be helpful, too. Some hairless dogs require antibacterial shampoo as they are more prone to skin infections than dogs with fur. It is also worth considering a moisturizer to keep their skin soft and flexible.”
As well as monitoring time in the sun, owners will need to be mindful of their exposure to the cold, too.
“During the winter months, hairless dog breeds need layering up with a woolly jumper or dog coat.
“Their lack of fur means they are more susceptible to temperature changes and will need a little extra help to stay warm. Their skin can also become dry in the winter months, thanks to central heating, so make sure that you continue using that moisturizer!”
She adds: “Some people report that hairless dogs’ nails grow faster than other dogs, so it is worth keeping an eye on this. Nails must be kept trimmed to claw injuries and discomfort.”
Ready for a complete contrast? Here are our favorite long haired dog breeds
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Bethany is an experienced writer who has been writing across the pets and equestrian sector for eight years.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on March 20, 2025 by Bethany Stone.
