Hairless Dog Breeds — Everything You Need To Know

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Looking to adopt a hairless dog breed? From Chinese Cresteds to breeds originating from across the world, hairless dogs really do stand out from the crowd and make great companions – but there are a few things that you will need to take into consideration.

What causes a dog to be hairless?

“Other than medical conditions such as alopecia, like many other physical traits, genetics will determine whether a dog is hairless. It is likely that this trait has been favoured by breeders who desire this look and therefore chose to breed dogs who will continue to have these physical characteristics,” says Rover’s canine behaviourist, Adem Femi.

There are four hairless dog breeds that are officially recognised worldwide by the likes of The Kennel Club, however, there are a couple of other breeds that carry a dominant gene for hairlessness that are not widely recognised.

Are hairless dogs hypoallergenic?

According to Adem, “in terms of hairless dogs being hypoallergenic, sadly they do not solve the allergy problem for some owners. Those who experience adverse reactions when coming into contact with dogs may in fact be allergic to a dog’s dander or saliva rather than their hair, so opting for a hairless breed of dog may still have you reaching for the antihistamines.”

How to groom and care for a hairless dog?

You may not need to worry about brushing a hairless dog like you would one with lots of fur but there are still some things to consider when it comes to grooming them.

“A dog’s fur acts as an important barrier to the elements and can also assist with keeping a dog both warm and cool. Without this fur, our hairless companions may need a little more TLC to protect them,” Adem says.

They will typically need to be protected from the sun, rain and any potential irritants that they might come in contact with, such as perfume on a human’s clothes or stinging nettles when out on a walk. This is in addition to regular bathing.

“Their skin is likely to need moisturising regularly and they will also need to be protected with dog friendly sun cream if exposure to the sun cannot be avoided at all. Both wet, cool and warm coats may be needed at various points in the year,” Adem suggests.

So, during the warmer months, using a cooling vest or coat to keep them comfortable in the heat is key. Whereas, in the colder months, it is important to keep them warm, as their lack of a thick insulating coat of fur can cause them to struggle to regulate their body heat.

Keep reading for the full list of hairless dog breeds…



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