Living

10 Hairless Dog Breeds

By Devan McGuinness PetHelpful

Updated May 30, 2026 7:39 AM

Dogs are famous for their colorful, fluffy coats and endless shedding when the seasons change. But not every pup is covered in fur. Hairless dogs tend to stop people in their tracks because we don't see them as often as dogs with a double coat. They love to get dirty, which most of us are used to seeing. Hairless dog breeds are unforgettable because they're so cool-looking, but they're also known for their charm and affectionate behavior. They might not look super cuddly, but it's a trait many hairless dog breeds are known for.

Of course, hairless dogs come with their own special care needs, too. Their lack of a coat means certain precautions need to be taken when being out in the sun or the snow, and you'll have to trade out vacuuming for bath time, but they're so worth it. Let's take a look at some popular hairless dog breeds and some more on the rare side that have more in common with each other than forgetting to dress for the weather. Take a look!

What Causes Hairlessness in Dogs?

arena photography — burroblando / Getty Images

These dogs are hairless thanks to their genetics. More specifically, it's an evolution that's happened at least twice, according to experts. The gene is present in several natural breeds, including the Peruvian Inca Orchid, Chinese Crested, and Mexican Xoloitzcuintle, while other breeds have a hairless phenotype due to selective breeding for that trait.

Here Are 10 Hairless Dog Breeds

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested dog is known for their pink skin, and spiky, crested, fluffy head and tail, while the rest of their tiny body remains hairless. These dogs are part of the toy group, with an average height of only 11 to 13 inches.

Xoloitzcuintli

This loyal and calm dog, also called the Mexican Hairless Dog, is an ancient dog breed that comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard, and can come hairless or with a short, fuzzy coat.

American Hairless Terrier

A playful terrier breed, the American Hairless Terrier was bred to be hairless. They look a lot like the Chinese Crested dog but have lighter skin and grow a little bigger, maxing out at 16 inches.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid dog is very rare and classified as miscellaneous because it's unique and has many variations. They're hairless but can weigh up to 55 pounds, and they look similar to Greyhounds or Whippets, but smaller.

Argentine Pila Dog

The Argentine Pila Dog isn't very popular in the United States and is more commonly seen in Argentina, where it originates. These pups are also hairless and are medium-sized, maxing out around 45 pounds. They have gentle spirits and love to solve a good puzzle.

Hairless Khala

The Hairless Khala is another rare dog mostly found in South and Central America. They have a high energy level and a long history dating back as far as 2,000 years.

Jonangi

The Jonangi isn't technically fully hairless, but they don't have a lot on them, just a very thin coat that still looks like it's not actually there due to the color and patterns. These pups are loyal and energetic, but always on alert, too.

Ecuadorian Hairless Dog

The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is another rare breed thought to be related to the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and it resembles it in some ways, too. These pups are laid-back, native to Ecuador, and rarely found elsewhere.

Abyssinian Sand Terrier

The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is truly one of the rarest and most mysterious dog breeds, according to experts, and they've not been spotted in a while, leading some experts to believe they may be extinct. Also called the African Hairless Dog, they look similar to the Chinese Crested dog.

Thai Ridgeback

Another breed that's not technically hairless but is essentially so since they have such a short coat. The Thai Ridgeback isn't like many of the others on this list, since they're on the bigger side, weighing up to 75 pounds and full of muscle.

Are Hairless Dogs Hypoallergenic?

If you have an allergy to dogs and you're thinking maybe getting a hairless breed is the answer to your struggle, unfortunately, hairless dogs can still cause allergic reactions, experts say.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the trigger for dog allergies comes more from saliva and skin dander than from the hair itself, so hairless dogs aren't hypoallergenic for that reason alone. There isn't a single dog type or breed considered hypoallergenic for everyone, but some breeds might be less likely to cause a reaction, such as the Shih-Tzu, Maltese, or Poodle. Two hairless breeds, the Chinese crested and American Hairless Terrier, are also less likely to cause allergic reactions.

SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

How To Care for a Hairless Dog's Skin

There are a few grooming tips for parents of hairless dogs that are important for keeping them as healthy as possible. According to the American Kennel Club, caring for your hairless dog's skin is key, and doing things like bathing weekly, rubbing oil on your dog's skin to protect it from the elements, and using a dog-friendly sunscreen when outside are important.

Do Hairless Dogs Get Cold Easily?

It probably comes as no surprise that when your dog doesn't have any hair or has a very short coat, they won't be able to stay as warm in colder temperatures. Hairless dogs do get cold easily when the temperature drops, according to PetMD, and using a dog sweater or a blanket can help keep them cozy.

Hairless dog breeds aren't common, and they definitely have a unique look that helps them stand out among more common breeds like the Golden Retriever. But it's hard to resist falling for one after you get the chance to meet a hairless dog and fall in love with how welcoming and truly sweet they are. While welcoming a hairless dog breed into the family might require a few extra steps and considerations, they're 100 percent worth it.

This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 6:35 AM.