Hairless Dog Breeds Overview
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes four hairless dog breeds, the American Hairless Terrier, the Chinese Crested Dog, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and the Xoloitzcuintli. Other types of hairless dogs are recognized around the world including the Argentine Pila, the Bolivian Hairless Dog, the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog, the Jonangi, and the Hairless Chihuahua. Mixed-breed hairless dogs are a cross between two hairless breeds or between a hairless and non-hairless breed. Occasionally, but rarely, hairless pups result from a genetic mutation in non-hairless parents.
AKC Recognized Breeds
These hairless dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club. If you are interested in showing your bald buddy in the U.S., you’ll have to choose one of these purebreds.
American Hairless Terrier
These newcomers to the American Kennel Club’s officially recognized breeds list hail from Louisiana USA . They are a variation of rat terrier with loving personalities and a little bit of spunk. These dogs are perfect for those who like to play games and take walks with their pet. Read more…
Chinese Crested
The elegant Chinese Crested Dog probably originated in Africa but got their name because of their popularity with Chinese sailors. They were often kept onboard Chinese vessels as rat catchers. These dogs come in hairless and hairy versions and range in size. Read more…
Peruvian Inca Orchid
All Peruvian Inca Orchids, as recognized by the AKC, are descendants of around 13 dogs imported into the US in the 1900’s. These dogs were first noted by Europeans in Peru as inhabitants of the Orchid flowerbeds surrounding Inca palaces, hence the name. Throughout history Peruvians believed Inca Orchids have healing powers and they considered them beneficial for asthmatics and arthritics. Read more…
Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzquintle, or Xolo
The Xolo (pronounced Show Low) is an ancient breed from Mexico with a recorded history going back 3000 years. These dogs were revered by the Aztecs who kept them as pets, food (yuck), and sacrificed them to their gods. Xolos range in size from toy to large. Although quite intimidating looking in the larger sizes, these pooches are known for their gentle temperament and loyalty. They are known for the heat radiating off their skin and many owners snuggle up with them at night for warmth. Read more…
Unofficial Hairless Dog Breeds
Jonangi
The Jonangi is an ancient unofficial breed of dog that has existed in India for thousands of years. These dogs are not totally hairless but are counted among the hairless breeds by some due to their extremely sparse coat and large hair-free patches. Read more…
Hairless Chihuahua
The hairless Chihuahua is an unofficial variety of the AKC recognized Chihuahua. These dogs may be an unofficial variety, but they are officially cute! They are hairless because of a genetic mutation that is present in some standard Chihuahuas. Breeding two dogs that have the mutated gene results in hairless pups. Read more …
AKC Registered Hairless Dog Breeds
Unofficial Hairless Dog Breeds
Hairless Dog Fashions
Hairless Dog Home Essentials
South American Hairless Dogs
There is a rich tradition of hairless dogs in South America dating back thousands of years. Of the South American hairless dogs, only the Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) is recognized by the American Kennel Club. The breed we know as PIO was standardized from 13 dogs imported into the US. The other South American breeds, including the PIO’s still in Peru are less defined as individual breeds.
There is a lot of genetic overlap between the South American hairless dogs, which makes sense when viewing a map of South America. A line can be drawn from north to south where modern countries that share borders have their own individual “breed” of hairless dog. It’s easy to see how the dogs must have been exchanged and traveled along the north-south roads of the continent in the time before modern borders existed.
The PIO is covered in our AKC recognized hairless breeds section, and we will cover the remaining three unofficial South American breeds (Argentine Pila, Bolivian Khala, Ecuadorian Hairless Dog) here. Because there is national pride on the line, they are covered in Alphabetical order, thereby avoiding any possible slight of one over the other.