Adorable Hairless Chihuahua – Have you ever considered owning a hairless Chihuahua? These pint-sized pups are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and for good reason! They are incredibly adorable and make great companions.
But before you bring one home, it’s important to know how to care for a hairless Chihuahua. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to do just that.
What is a Hairless Chihuahua?
A hairless Chihuahua is a small, sprightly dog that is known for being loyal and loving. They are the smallest breed of dog and are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. These dogs are lively and playful, but can also be stubborn and independent. They are often used as companion dogs and are good with children and other pets. Some are also quite athletic and have an excellent sense of smell.
The Origin of the Hairless Chihuahua Breed
This Chihuahua breed variant arose just a few decades ago when a group of breeders from across the globe banded together to attempt to produce a hairless small dog.
After numerous efforts, successive unions of Chihuahua males with females of other hairless breeds (such as the Xoloitzcuintle or Perro Azteak) produced the first completely bald pups. The Chihuahua without hair started to gain popularity once full litters were produced from them.
In the Toltec and Aztec civilizations, a tiny dog breed known as Techichi played an essential role. Techichis were the rich’s pets, and they were burnt alongside the corpses.
This was done so that they may take on the deceased’s sins. The goal was to make sure they didn’t enrage the gods by entering the domain of the dead. The dogs should also guide the deceased through the underworld and protect them from malevolent spirits.
Some believe the Chihuahua is the result of a mix between a Techichi and a tiny, hairless Asian dog. The Chihuahua breed name is derived from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from where the little dog breed was initially shipped to the United States.
Another hypothesis claims that the Chihuahua as we know it now evolved from old Techichi lines and a mix between tiny dogs from Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.
The Characteristics of the Hairless Chihuahua
Whether he has hair or without, the Chihuahua’s personality remains the same: courageous and loyal, constantly attentive and watchful, qualities that make him a wonderful guardian despite his small stature.
It is a highly sensitive dog that requires a lot of attention and companionship, which may lead to domineering tendencies and feelings of jealousy toward other dogs and humans. In any event, with the right training, these mindsets may be changed.
The balding Chihuahuas need early socialization from the time they are puppies: they must get used to interaction with people and other dogs, as well as a variety of pictures, noises, and experiences. Without this procedure, the dog may grow up to be timid and even distrustful.
Is Hairless Chihuahua Ugly?
Hairless Chihuahuas are not ugly, but they are not as popular as their coated counterparts. Many people believe that hairless Chihuahuas are high-maintenance and require more care than dogs with fur.
Chihuahua Hairless Physical Traits
The Chihuahua without hair is a little dog that stands between 15 and 25 cm tall at the withers and weighs between 2 and 4 kilograms.
It has a compact and sturdy body that is longer than it is tall. It walks with its head and tail elevated and its ears erect, and it is quite nimble and has quick movements.
You have an apple shape in your head, and they accentuate enormous round eyes that are quite expressive.
The fur of the hairless Chihuahua is silky and velvety and comes in a wide range of colors: black, sand, brown, gray, white.
The Personality of Chihuahua Hairless
In any case, Chihuahuas are incredibly loving dogs. As a result, the short-haired Chihuahua has a proclivity for forming deep bonds with his owners. In your presence, he is very interested, clever, and aware.
Short-haired Chihuahuas might detest visitors and bark anxiously if they are not properly socialized as pups. As a result, the sooner they get used to their new surroundings, the more at ease they would feel later. They like to hang out with other dogs of the same breed.
Lifestyle and Adaptability of Chihuahua Hairless
Within normal bounds, the Chihuahua can adapt to as much exercise as you are prepared to let. Chihuahuas have spurts of energy and play enthusiastically, but they don’t need much exercise — one hour a day should plenty. Due to their delicate windpipes, Chihuahuas should wear a harness rather than a collar.
The ideal dog for a tiny urban setting, even though they need regular access to the outdoors to roam about and use the potty.
The metabolism of little dogs is quite quick. As a result, they expend a lot of energy, yet due to their tiny stomachs, they must feed often.
Tiny breed food has been particularly created for smallmouths, with enough quantities of critical nutrients and smaller kibble sizes. This also aids digestion by encouraging chewing.
Because the Chihuahua is so little, grooming is not a difficult process. A comb or brush may be used to groom the smooth-skinned version on occasion.
Chihuahuas have hair, but they don’t shed a lot of it since they’re so little. Brushing a Chihuahua’s teeth on a regular basis is a good idea since they, like many petite breeds, are prone to tartar formation.
The Health of the Hairless Chihuahua
The hairless Chihuahua is a unique and interesting breed of dog. They are known for being very loyal and loving companions. However, they are also known for having some health problems.
The most common health problem for the hairless Chihuahua is skin problems. This is because they do not have any fur to protect their skin from the sun and other elements.
They are also prone to suffering from dental issues and possibly even seizures, as well as neurological problems. It is important that you know what to look for in order to make sure your dog will stay healthy.
While you may be tempted to leave your hairless Chihuahua outside in the cold, it is important that you know what he is capable of doing.
The Nutritional Needs of the Hairless Chihuahua
The hairless Chihuahua is a small, active dog that requires a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed is also susceptible to weight gain, so a diet that is too high in calories can be detrimental to their health. They also require moderate amounts of vitamins and minerals.
The following are some of the nutritional needs of this breed:
- Protein: Hairless Chihuahuas need at least 30% of their diet to be protein. This can be found in low-fat meats, eggs, cottage cheese, and high-protein human food.
- Cereals: Hairless Chihuahuas are allowed to eat cereals, but they should be limited to 1 or 2 small cups per day.
- Fats: Hairless Chihuahuas should get at least 25% of their diet from fats. This can be found in unsaturated oils and fat-free dairy products. They should be kept away from saturated fat sources.
- Vitamins: Hairless Chihuahuas require a diet that is high in all vitamins and minerals. This can be found in fresh, frozen, and canned whole food items.
- Water: Hairless Chihuahuas should have at least 10 cups of water per day.
The Pros and Cons of Owning a Hairless Chihuahua
Hairless Chihuahuas are a unique and stylish breed of dog. They are also relatively small, making them a good choice for people who live in apartments or smaller homes. Hairless Chihuahuas do require some special care, however.
Pros:
- Their tails make them an attractive option for people who dislike dog hair.
- These dogs don’t shed nearly as much as the majority of the other breeds. This means they can be better suited for city dwellers or those with allergies.
- Their long hair makes them look very good in a fashionable shirt.
- They are a bit smaller than other breeds, making them more suitable for people who live in apartments or smaller homes.
- As long as their hair is kept clean, they rarely need to be groomed. In fact, due to their low maintenance needs, these dogs can become more popular for those who are busy with work or school.
Cons:
- Since hairless dogs don’t have an undercoat, they have to be well-groomed to prevent mats from forming. With proper care, this is a minor problem.
- Their skin can become sunburned or scaly due to a lack of hair, so they should always be protected from the sun.
- Due to their small size, these dogs should be kept in a home where the owner has plenty of room.
- These dogs do not make the best watchdogs. Most people who get them believe they are good guards, but since they don’t bark, they aren’t very effective.
- Without hair, these dogs’ ears can easily get frostbitten, and if left untreated, it may even cause hearing loss.
How to Groom a Hairless Chihuahua
Assuming you are referring to a hairless chihuahua, you would need to do the following to groom them: brush their teeth daily, bathe them as needed (every 3-4 days), and moisturize their skin.
For brushing their teeth, you can use a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste. When bathing them, use a mild dog shampoo and avoid getting water in their ears. At least once a week, bathe them in a cool bath with an exfoliating soap.
How to Train Hairless Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are remarkably intelligent and should be trained as if they were a “real dog,” since they like working with their owners. Chihuahuas have even been seen competing in Heelwork to Music in the main ring at Crufts!
Remember to utilize the tiniest goodies as incentives while teaching your Chihuahua.
While the Chihuahua can get along with everybody in the household, they are usually too little for small children and can’t handle rough play.
While many dogs are known to be child-friendly, all dogs and children must be trained to get along, respect one another, and be safe in the presence of one another.
Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and all interactions between them should be supervised by adults.
Despite its reputation as a companion dog, the Chihuahua is capable of excelling in a range of sports and canine disciplines, including obedience.
Training this dog at home is simple due to its intelligence and liveliness. In training, we must use positive reinforcement techniques such as rewards, praise, and games while maintaining our dominant position.
Without their coats, Chihuahua puppies may be mischievous and destructive. As a consequence, the process of socialization and training must begin as soon as possible.
How to Exercise Hairless Chihuahua
Assuming you have a hairless Chihuahua, the best way to exercise them is to let them run around in an enclosed area. If it is too cold outside, you can set up an indoor play area with toys and tunnels for them to explore.
Despite its diminutive size, the Hairless Chihuahua requires moderate activity on a regular basis. Take it for a stroll, but don’t leave it alone since it’s still a little dog that might be attacked by other dogs.
Because it is an omnivore dog, a Chihuahua’s food may be rather diverse. However, because of its proclivity for becoming overweight, this benefit might become a disadvantage.
Obese Chihuahuas may develop a variety of health issues, including chronic bronchitis and musculoskeletal difficulties.
Hairless Chihuahua Skin Care
In a Chihuahua without hair, the care of the skin, which is exposed and highly sensitive, is critical for optimal health. If we see wounds or scratches, antibiotics and disinfectants must be used to prevent infections.
It’s also crucial to keep him properly protected from the sun (using a decent sunscreen), moisturize his skin with a lotion to keep it from scaling and keep him warm on the harshest winter days.
How to Keep Your Hairless Chihuahua Healthy and Happy
To keep your hairless Chihuahua healthy and happy, you should make sure to keep their skin clean and moisturized. You can do this by bathing them regularly with mild dog shampoo and using a moisturizing lotion or cream on their skin.
You must also be careful not to allow them to lick their paws or other parts of their body because they can contract an illness, and again, don’t use harsh chemicals on their skin.
If you’re noticing any changes in your hairless Chihuahua, such as a decrease in appetite or increased thirst, go see your vet immediately.
Caring for a Hairless Dog in Inclement Weather
Caring for a hairless dog in inclement weather can be tricky. Their skin is very sensitive to the cold and they are prone to getting chapped or cracked skin. You will need to take extra care to keep them warm and dry.
Here are some tips:
- Dress them in warm clothing or a coat when they go outside.
- Use a humidifier in their room to help keep their skin from drying out.
- Give them regular baths with a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo.
- Apply plenty of moisturizing dog cream to their skin.
- They will appreciate being snuggled under a warm blanket when it’s cold outside.
- If your hairless Chihuahua is outside for a long period of time, take the time to brush or comb their coat out.
The Best Food and Treats for Your Hairless Chihuahua
Hairless chihuahuas are unique dogs that require special care, including their diet. The best food and treats for your hairless chihuahua are those that are high in protein and fat, as these will help to keep their skin healthy and hydrated. Avoid any foods that are high in sugar or salt, as these can cause skin irritation. The following are the best foods and treats for your hairless chihuahua:
- Chunk-style dog food: This is a type of dog food that contains small chunks of meat and bone, which are packed with high levels of protein and fat.
- Dry dog treats: Dry dog treats are healthy, high-quality dog treats that contain many different vitamins and minerals for hairless chihuahuas.
- Frozen rawhide dog chews: Rawhide bones are high in calcium and provide a good source of calcium for hairless chihuahuas, which is essential for the proper development of their bones.
- Raw chicken dog treats: These dog treats contain high levels of protein, along with other important nutrients that are essential for dogs’ health.
- Fruit and vegetable dog chews: These treats have been used to increase hair growth in a variety of dogs, including hairless chihuahuas.
- Hairless chihuahua vitamins: These vitamins contain high levels of important vitamins and minerals, which your hairless chihuahua needs to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Interesting Read: Can Dogs Eat Crab? The Pros and Cons of Eating a Seafood Animal
Adopting a Hairless Chihuahua
Hairless Chihuahuas are one of the most popular breeds of dogs and for good reason! They are absolutely adorable and make great companion animals.
They are also relatively low-maintenance, as they do not require much grooming. If you are thinking about adopting a hairless Chihuahua, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- First, you need to research the hairless Chihuahua breed thoroughly. There are many different breeds of dogs that are classified as “hairless” or “naturally hairless, ” so it is important to make sure you adopt from a reputable breeder who knows what they are doing.
- You should also ask the breeder how much grooming a Chihuahua needs. There are some dogs that do not require a lot of grooming, but if you want to groom your dog, you need to ask the breeder about that.
- Hairless Chihuahuas do not shed as much, so they require less grooming than many other breeds. Most hairless Chihuahuas are fine to go out in the rain or snow without wearing a coat, and most can even swim.
How Much Does a Hairless Chihuahua Cost?
Hairless Chihuahuas usually cost anywhere from $800-$4,000. But if you want one with papers, expect to pay anywhere from $8, 000-$12, 000. These dogs are more expensive than other breeds of dogs like the Papillon or Yorkie.
10 Rare Hairless Dog Breeds
The following are ten rare hairless dog breeds.
1. Hairless American Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is one of the few hairless dog breeds that the American Kennel Club has approved. The American Hairless Terrier was created in Louisiana in the 1970s for allergy-prone owners.
These dogs are Rat Terriers, except they don’t have any fur. In truth, they’re a natural variety of the Rat Terrier that doesn’t need cross-breeding. However, it wasn’t until a hairless Rat Terrier was born into a litter in Louisiana that these dogs were bred.
They may seem little, but they may grow up to 16 inches in length. They often have brows and whiskers, as well as ears that are always V-shaped and upright. Extra caution is required with these dogs since they are prone to sunburns and do not fare well in the cold.
2. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, commonly known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is a hairless dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They belong to the non-sporting dog category. They’re Mexican dog breeds with a history reaching back over 3,500 years.
The ancient Aztecs kept these hairless dogs as pets and watchdogs. The Xoloitzcuintli, like other hairless breeds, is also available in a coated version. The hairless dog, on the other hand, is much more well-known and iconic.
Coated dogs, on the other hand, have a short, smooth coat. In addition, the Mexican Hairless Dog comes in three different sizes. These canines are available in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Regardless of the choices, the Xolo can fit into any home.
3. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids are an FCI-registered dog breed that originated in Peru. The Peruvian Inca Orchid, like the Xoloitzcuintli, is available in three sizes and a coated form. Despite the fact that they’re called “hairless,” they don’t have no hair.
In fact, they’re well-known for their mohawk-style hair. They also have hair on their tails. It’s worth mentioning that the Peruvian Inca Orchid’s epidermis is very fragile and sensitive. To keep them healthy, proper care is required.
Furthermore, the skin is often a solid hue with patches, however, this varies greatly depending on the dog. They are, nevertheless, excellent sighthounds, comparable to the Greyhound. This indicates that they are hunting dogs that assist their owners in spotting or tracking down animals.
4. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested, to be fair, has more hair than any of the other “hairless” dogs on this list. They have a lot of hair on their heads, maybe even more than certain dogs. They’ll also have hair on their feet, despite the fact that the rest of their bodies are hairless.
The Crestie’s fur variety is known as the “powderpuff,” and it is a recessive gene. As a result, both will most often be found in the same litter. However, since hairless Chinese Cresteds have delicate skin, they are susceptible to the same skin problems that humans are.
For example, kids may get sunburns, rashes, and even blackheads or acne as a result of their exposure to the sun. Apart from the coat, there isn’t much of a difference between the two. They have almost identical temperaments and personalities.
5. Hairless Ecuadorian Dog
The Ecuadorian Hairless, as the name implies, is a hairless dog native to Ecuador’s the Santa Elena Peninsula. Even now, of all hairless dog breeds, the Ecuadorian is regarded as one of the rarest and most distinctive.
They may reach a height of 18 inches and have very little hair. In reality, the top of the head usually has a little quantity of fur on it, and that’s all. The fact that this hairless dog has no premolar teeth adds to its uniqueness.
To give you a sense of scale, most dogs have roughly 16 of these teeth. Also a descendent of the Peruvian Hairless Dog is the Ecuadorian Hairless. It makes logical, given that the two nations are adjacent and have comparable characteristics.
6. Argentine Pila Dog
The Argentine Pila dog is a hairless breed that looks and behaves similarly to the Hairless Khala. They are, nevertheless, wonderful companion dogs that come in three sizes. These canines may range in size from 10 inches to 18 inches.
Their frame is similar to that of a Miniature Pinscher, with a shorter back and a curly tail that is raised. They’re very agile canines with a unique body shape that allows them to sprint, leap, and climb trees with ease.
There are covered Pila dogs, just as there are coated variants of many other hairless canines. They’ll be dressed in a Chinese Crested Powderpuff-style fur coat. They were not purposefully bred for since they were considered “impure” canines.
7. Chihuahua Hairless
Whether hairless or not, the Chihuahua is one of America’s most popular toy dog breeds. The majority have a short single (occasionally double) coat, but did you know there’s also a hairless version? They’re a lot less common, but they do exist.
The difference between a hairless Chihuahua and a Xoloitzcuintli is often misunderstood. People often refer to either breed as a Mexican Hairless dog. The Xoloitzcuintli, however, is the actual Mexican Hairless dog, contrary to common assumption.
Chihuahuas are not bred to be hairless; rather, it is a genetic abnormality that occurs significantly less often than in other hairless canines. So, if you have the chance to maintain or even meet a Hairless Chi, consider yourself very fortunate!
8. Abyssinian Sand Terrier
This ancient and unusual hairless terrier is native to Africa and is relatively unknown on a global scale. While some are entirely hairless, others have fine hair tufts on the top of their heads and tails.
The Abyssinian’s physical feature that distinguishes them from other people is their bat-like ears. They’re usually dark gray with pink spots all over their bodies. They’re little dogs, but they’re as energetic as they come.
It’s uncertain where these hairless breeds came from. These canines used to be adored because they were supposed to have healing abilities. Furthermore, several of the hairless dog breeds on this list, including the Chinese Crested, are thought to have been developed using them, according to historians.
9. Bolivian Hairless Dog
Bolivia’s Bolivian Hairless, commonly known as the Hairless Khala, is a rare hairless dog breed. There are two distinct versions. The Khala Medio is a little, stubby dog, but the Khala Grande is a bigger sighthound.
Hairless dogs in Bolivia are primitive dogs. To put it another way, they weren’t created for a certain profession or function in society. Rather, these dogs are thought to have evolved spontaneously into hunting and companion dogs.
Even in the South American continent, it’s uncommon to locate these dogs nowadays. In Mexico and Central America, however, there are few. They are nearly non-existent in North America since they have not been recognized by any major kennel organizations.
10. Jonangi Dog
The Jonangi is the only remaining Indian hairless dog breed. The Jonangi is a talented multi-purpose dog that hails from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They’re not only great hunters, but they’re also great at herding ducks.
Unfortunately, duck farming in India has fallen dramatically in recent decades, leaving many of these dogs “unemployed” and abandoned. As a consequence, many of them ended up like stray dogs that gradually learned to live without people.
They had to learn new abilities, such as an excellent fishing approach, after living on their own for years. Local farmers were disgruntled by their transformation into fish-hunting dogs, and they finally drove them to extinction.
Final Thoughts: Hairless Chihuahua
Hairless chihuahua pups are becoming an increasingly popular choice for pet parents looking for a unique companion. While they may require a little more care than their furry counterparts, these pups are incredibly adorable and make great companions. In this article, we give you some tips on how to care for a hairless chihuahua, review the history of the hairless breed, and explore the unique characteristics and health concerns of this one-of-a-kind dog.