Today you won’t surprise anyone with a purring sphinx, but a hairless terrier will definitely attract attention. Dog experts are still arguing about the origin of hairless dog breeds. The most popular version says that these four-legged animals owe their exotic appearance to the hot climate. Their hair, as unnecessary, either disappeared completely or was partially preserved: on the head, tail or paws. Animal fur is a strong irritant, so for people prone to allergies, hairless dogs can be ideal pets.
Hairless dogs “breathe” with their skin: their sweat glands are distributed throughout the body. They don't need to regulate their temperature with their tongues like their furry counterparts do. Grooming hairless dogs is not easy: they are susceptible to cold and scorching sun.
Today, dog experts officially recognize the Chinese Crested Dog, the Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Mexican Hairless Dog. They have an approved international standard, which allows them and their owners to take an active part in various exhibitions. In total, nine breeds can be distinguished today.
Chinese Crested Dog
A very common hairless breed. The “Chinese” can be easily recognized by their stylish hairstyle – a crest. Long fur on the tail and legs is another distinctive feature.
A variety of this breed is the downy “Chinese” with a thick undercoat. Their fur covers their entire body. The shortest pile is at the muzzle. There are also completely naked “Chinese” people.
The crested dog is miniature: its height does not exceed 30 centimeters, its weight is 3-5 kilograms. The color can be black and white, chocolate, marbled and spotted patterns are allowed.
Read Short-legged dogs - top 20 breeds
Summarize
Once you get acquainted with photographs and names of dogs representing hairless breeds, you will surely fall in love with these gentle creatures. However, before you bring a hairless puppy into your home, think carefully about whether you can provide him with proper care and give him your love and care. If yes, then a hairless dog will become not just your pet, but a family member and best friend!
The editors of most-beauty.ru ask you to write in the comments what other hairless dog breeds you know. And also write to us about whether you like dogs and what breeds you like best.
Mexican Hairless Dog (or Xoloitzcuintle)
A rare breed native to Mexico. In ancient times, the Xoloitzcuintle was used for medicinal purposes due to its high body temperature (about 40 degrees). Graceful athletes with a high forehead and developed chest are usually completely hairless. It is allowed to have sparse hair on the paws and tail, as well as a small tuft on the head. The skin of such dogs is dense, smooth, and pleasant to the touch. In color, preference is given to dark tones (black and gray), but brighter individuals (red and bronze) are also found.
“Puffs” of these breeds are allowed for breeding, but do not take part in exhibitions. Their body is covered with short, stiff hair.
Description
Peruvian hairless dogs are similar in appearance to Mexican dogs, sometimes even dog handlers confuse them.
Mexican and Peruvian hairless dog.
Here are 6 subtle anatomical differences:
- Peruvians look more graceful and slender.
- The body is less elongated.
- The belly is lean, more toned.
- The line of the back is slightly convex in the lumbar region; in Mexican dogs it is always flat.
- The ears are set wider apart.
- The transition from the forehead to the bridge of the nose is more pronounced.
Peruvian litters produce puppies that are hairless and covered with close-fitting short hair. Hairless individuals have erect ears, while woolly ones sometimes fall down under the weight of hair.
There have been cases where puppies were born with hair, but during the first molt it fell out and did not grow back. Hairless Peruvians sometimes have tufts of hair on the top of their heads, tails, and paws.
Peruvian hairless dog puppy.
Among Peruvians there are also 3 dimensional types:
- Small – height 25 – 40 cm, weight 4 – 8 kg.
- Medium - height 41 - 50 cm, body weight 9 - 12 kg.
- Large ones - height 51 - 65 cm, weight 13 - 30 kg.
The color develops gradually. Puppies are born black or pink, then contrasting spots appear. The markings grow, merge and form the final color.
Peruvian dogs live 12 – 15 years, they have good health. In some lines, a tendency to inflammation of the pancreas and epilepsy is inherited. Light-colored animals quickly get sunburned and are predisposed to skin cancer.
Character of Peruvian Hairless
Peruvian Inca orchids adapt to any lifestyle and lifestyle of the owner and become real members of the family. They treat their family with tenderness and expect attention and approval in return. They do not run away during walks and always keep their owner in sight.
Peruvian hairless dog.
Inca orchids love the company of children. They make vigilant watchmen. Dogs do not trust strangers and do not tolerate the touch of others. They treat other animals with restraint and do not enter into conflicts. They can chase other people’s cats on the street, but they don’t touch “their own” cats at home. Peruvian dogs are easy to train, but do not tolerate rough handling.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
“Peruvians” are graceful and elegant, harmoniously built, and the texture of their skin is similar to that of humans. There are two types: naked and “woolen”. In hairless animals, remnants of vegetation can be found on the head, tail and legs. The skin is smooth and elastic, ideally uniform. The presence of white or pink spots is allowed, the area of which should not exceed a third of the total surface of the skin.
Among the woolly “Peruvians” there are three types: short-haired, smooth-haired and long-haired. The latter are extremely rare. The most prized among them are the short-haired smooth Inca orchids.
Advantages and disadvantages
Selection successes make it possible to achieve almost bald skin due to several factors:
- genetic predisposition;
- mutational changes;
- fashion for a certain breed;
- requirements of society.
Hairless dogs are considered exotic due to their appearance, but at the same time their appearance can be frightening.
The advantage is as follows:
- absence of wool as an allergen for humans;
- minimal care;
- no specific dog smell;
- costs for special haircuts and combing in salons are minimized;
- They can easily tolerate hot weather.
Negative factors include:
- tendency to skin diseases;
- the need to comply with conditions for walking in the cold season, buying clothes;
- Some representatives need special education to develop a character “suited to the owner.”
American Hairless Terrier
Active dogs with well-developed muscles and a beautiful physique. The breed was officially recognized in our country more than ten years ago, when the “Americans” received the right to participate in Russian exhibitions.
A distinctive feature of the American Terrier is its minimal coat (maximum millimeter). Puppies of this breed are born fluffy. At the age of two months, the cover almost completely disappears. Small patches of fur may remain only on the face. The skin of such dogs is soft and delicate. As for color, many options are allowed: it can be solid or spotted, with gray, red, white and black tints.
Read Decorative dogs - top 20 breeds
However, among the “Americans” there are also individuals who retain their fur into adulthood. Their color is always white.
A fluffy dog is much more common, but hairless breeds did not appear yesterday
Thus, individual representatives of hairless dogs are known thanks to archaeological excavations that date back to centuries BC. Of course, at that time it was impossible to talk about any kind of breed constancy. Most likely, ancient hairless dogs were single specimens and appeared in different parts of the world as a result of a point mutation, rather than targeted selection.
The cynological community now conditionally accepts less than a dozen breeds as hairless, and only three of them have universal undeniable recognition and an approved global standard. The remaining breed branches are in the process of selection and strengthening of the breed stock.
Manchurian Hairless Dog
The Manchurian dog is similar in appearance to the Chinese Crested. This is not surprising: after all, they are genetic relatives. She has long legs, thin pink skin and preserved fur on her head, paws and tail. The main advantages of the breed are hypoallergenicity, stable immunity to parasitic infections and the absence of a characteristic “dog” smell.
Nutrition
Unfortunately, Xoloitzcuintles very often suffer from allergies, especially to specific foods. For this reason, experts strongly recommend that owners of such pets not feed them food from their table. At any moment they may experience an adverse reaction in the form of vomiting, rash, etc.
Therefore, the best product for such an animal is dry food. It can be bought in an online store, a zoological salon, and even in a veterinary clinic. A good option is to first consult with the doctor who observed your animal.
Important ! You should not feed your Xoloitzcuintle puppy a grain feed mixture. You should also avoid products that contain dyes or food additives.
If an animal has dental problems, it is recommended to give it soft dry food. It is also commercially available. Feeding it with cereals, meat or berries is prohibited.
Your pet may develop a food allergy if they eat the following foods:
- Pasta.
- Dishes prepared with a lot of spices.
- Honey.
- Delicious baked goods.
- Canned meat.
Ecuadorian hairless dog
Dogs of this breed will be difficult to find even in their homeland - Guatemala. Such four-legged animals today live in remote settlements of Ecuador and Africa. They help local residents graze their livestock and also protect their homes from rodents. Very little is known about this breed. Distinctive features of the Ecuadorian dog are velvety golden skin, thin legs and protruding ears.
Features of care
For any exotic representative you will have to select your own care products:
- a set of sunscreens to help avoid burns;
- special creams and lotions for sensitive skin;
- cosmetics for the care of the ears, eyes, and fingertips.
If you have to comb your pet, use gentle combs and brushes to avoid damaging the skin and fine hair.
Be sure to visit a veterinarian to rule out diseases. “Naked” pets are more likely than others to develop diseases of the kidneys, upper and lower respiratory tract. Allergies occur against the background of a large amount of household chemicals, so it is undesirable to get carried away with treating the room for disinfection purposes.
They need special nutrition that eliminates the possibility of injuring the oral cavity.
When going for a walk, it is advisable to take antiseptics with you to immediately treat wounds and abrasions.
Despite their outward confidence and calmness, hairless dogs originated from hunters. They are difficult to raise. If you do not have the skill of a dog handler, then it is better to entrust the socialization of the dog to a specialist.
At home, you need to take care of the absence of drafts. Walk minimally in bad weather conditions. A dog without hair freezes quickly and reacts sensitively to low temperatures. If you stay in the sun for a long time, you burn and sweat. You need to periodically pour cold water over it and carry a drinking bottle with you.
African hairless dog
Today there are less than 400 individuals of this breed in the world. There is a version that these dogs are the ancestors of the Chinese Crested. The “Africans,” like the “Chinese,” retain hair on their heads and tails.
These dogs are of medium height - their height does not exceed 35 centimeters, and they weigh about 15 kilograms. The skin is thick and durable. The color is grayish, grayish-brown, grayish-black with spots of various configurations.
Externally, sand terriers look menacing: their body is massive, their paws are thin, their muzzle is narrow, and their heads have erect ears.
Briefly about the main thing
- A hairless dog looks too exotic. Suitable for those who want to show their love for something extraordinary and unusual.
- Many breeds have their own ancient history of origin, so it is advisable to inquire in advance about their character traits and upbringing conditions.
- Lack of wool is viewed in two ways. On the one hand, there is a guarantee of hypoallergenicity. On the other hand, the dog is poorly protected from external negative factors: bites, scratches, sun or frost.
- Depending on the chosen breed, it is possible to cultivate the character traits inherent in nature: hunter, companion, guard.
- Bald dogs require special care, which includes selecting living conditions and purchasing additional cosmetics.
Hairless Deerhound (Scottish Greyhound)
The breed appeared as a result of a gene mutation in Scottish greyhounds. Professional breeders rejected balding puppies, but there were people who decided to breed unusual greyhounds.
The Bald Deerhound is a large dog: it grows up to 70 centimeters and weighs up to 35 kilograms. The body is toned, the limbs are long. Skin color – gray, light brown. Puppies are born fluffy, but after a month the recessive gene makes itself felt. The fur gradually peels off, and the puppy remains naked.
Read The best dogs for children - top 20 breeds
How to choose a puppy?
This process must be approached very responsibly:
- Assess future educational conditions. This dog is only suitable for an apartment.
- Consider taking a training course during the summer.
- Choose a reliable breeder who will guarantee the future good health of the pet.
A hairless dog puppy should be active, cheerful, and show interest in everything new. Examine the dog carefully. Pay special attention to the absence of smudges around the eyes, cleanliness of the ears, and genital crevices. If they are clean, then everything is fine.
The dog should not be too fat or emaciated. Place him on the floor and look at his gait, pay attention to his hind legs. A conscientious breeder will present documents from a veterinarian and talk about feeding and vaccinations.
Remember that some breeds are not common in Russia; they are prohibited for sale and export. Be sure to inquire about the dog’s “homeland” and how it came to be from the breeder. According to the laws of many countries, it is possible to receive a criminal sentence for offspring from “counterfeit” goods.
Egyptian Hairless (Pharaoh) Hound
Representatives of this family are among the ten most expensive dogs in the world. The “Egyptian” is distinguished by its majestic posture, slender silhouette, finely defined muscles and long limbs. The head extended forward and the ears set vertically give the dog's muzzle a resemblance to the headdress of Egyptian rulers.
The Egyptian's coat is short and lies close to the body. The most common color is reddish, chocolate and golden shades are also found. The tip of the tail is usually white. White spots may also appear on the dog's chest and head.
The weight of the Pharaoh Hound can reach 27 kg, height – 63 cm.
Hairless dogs are quite rare and expensive. They require constant attention from the owner, and due to their physiological characteristics, special care. Such dogs sincerely become attached to “their” person, and separation from whom is very difficult to bear. Therefore, before deciding to have such a four-legged friend, the future owner needs to evaluate the full degree of responsibility that he assumes.
Character
These unusual-looking animals communicate well with people, but not with their own kind. You should not expect that a small bald dog prone to dominant behavior will form a strong friendship with, for example, a Pekingese or a German Shepherd.
Some peoples consider the Xoloitzcuintle to be a breed that can cure illness.
Important ! If dogs already live in your apartment, introduce them only to the Xoloitzcuintle puppy . An adult representative of the breed will never get along with them due to his selfish nature.
These are very loyal animals who are kind to their household. They easily and quickly make contact and become attached with their souls to every person who speaks kindly to them. They tend to be friendly, caring and even sympathetic. They are great companions!
As for security skills, the Xoloitzcuintli undoubtedly has them. A dog may attack a suspicious stranger, especially if he raises his voice at his owner or tries to hit him. In the presence of such a dog, none of the household members will suffer.
It can severely bite through a person’s skin, cause him physical pain and seriously frighten him. However, she is not prone to causeless anger. Strives to resolve conflicts peacefully. He may leave if he is offended. But the feeling of physical superiority over the offender will certainly become a reason for her to attack him.
They get along well with other domestic animals only if they were socialized with them in early childhood. They tend to be independent and moderately selfish. They do not require frequent attention to their person. If the owner of the house, they will probably accompany you, but in his absence they will not get bored. Such a dog will definitely find something to do and have a good time.
These are quite temperamental and calm animals, which specialists use in psychotherapy. They have nice skin - this is one of the main reasons that pushes people to interact with them. They get along very well with children. They are never denied attention.
Price
There are very few Xoloitzcuintles in Russia. There is only 1 nursery in the capital where they are bred and sold. By making a purchase in this place, you get a guarantee of purchasing a hairless Mexican dog that fully complies with the standard of its breed. But buying it second hand is not worth it.
The price of a xoloitzcuintle in 2022 is 80 thousand rubles. There are a lot of advertisements on the Internet for the sale of non-purebred representatives of this breed, which are sold much cheaper, from 10 to 30 thousand rubles. But, most of the animals offered there have nothing in common with the Mexican Hairless.
