The Hairless Chihuahua is certainly a very strange type of sub-breed of Chihuahua with a protective streak. This brave dog can be very feisty and barky as a way to protect its owners. Unfortunately, the Hairless Chihuahua isn’t as popular as a regular Chihuahua due to its physical appearance. However, despite its appearance, this dog will be a faithful companion to you for the rest of its life, as it has an almost unrivalled loyal streak.
Image credit: alma.and.hermine
Hairless Chihuahua – At a Glance
| Weight: | 3-7 pounds |
| Height: | 6-9 inches tall |
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Coat Colors: | No coat – just skin, so pink! |
| Temperament: | Loyal, loving, protective, playful & affectionate |
| Suitable for: | Families, single individuals & the elderly |
What Does a Hairless Chihuahua Look Like?
As you might have guessed, the Hairless Chihuahua is, well, hairless. These dogs are born with a genetic mutation which causes them not to grow hair. You can expect your Hairless Chihuahua to look like a regular Chihuahua – short in the legs, long-ish in the body, with a tail that stands up! Narrow eyes and a long snout are other hallmarks of a Chihuahua, with pointy ears.
The History of the Hairless Chihuahua:
The Hairless Chihuahua is the result of a crossbreeding between the Xolo – Mexico’s curious hairless dog – and the traditional Chihuahua, which is usually not hairless, and either has short or long coats. The exact timeframe of the crossbreeding is difficult to pin down, however, the Xolo has been around for at least a thousand years, with the breeding stretching back to the 9th century Aztecs. It’s from the Xolo that the Chihuahua is thought to have been bred.
Given this potential crossbreeding, we can surmise that the Hairless Chihuahua came from this cross.
How Popular Are Hairless Chihuahuas?
As the Hairless Chihuahua isn’t officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, they aren’t found on the AKC’s popularity rankings. This is because having thin hair is considered disqualifying by the Breed Standard. Therefore, it’s difficult to ascertain exact popularity figures, however, research has shown that breeders don’t tend to produce hairless Chihuahuas nearly as often, as they are less desirable pets.
The Hairless Chihuahua is a result of a genetic skin condition affecting Chihuahuas, and as such, the dogs are a rarity in the Chihuahua breeding market. Chihuahuas that are hairless carry a recessive hairlessness gene within their DNA. That is, both parent dogs also carried a hairless gene – recessive, in this case, meaning that this gene has a negative consequence for the inheritor.
Who Are Hairless Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
In general, Hairless Chihuahuas are great for folks who suffer from allergies, as you don’t have to worry about the dander that triggers the allergic reaction. If you’re someone who wants a low-maintenance dog, then it doesn’t get much more low-maintenance than a hairless dog! This lack of maintenance makes Hairless Chihuahuas in particular a wonderful pet for the elderly and their small frame and lightweight build make them easier to walk and handle – again, perfect for the elderly dog lover.
How Did Hairless Chihuahuas Come About?
The Hairless Chihuahua is a result of a skin disease that affects certain Chihuahuas – the parent breed itself stems from Mexico – stretching back to the time of the Aztecs. It was descended from the Xolo breed, an ancient Aztec dog breed of similar size and physical appearance.
What is the Temperament of the Hairless Chihuahua?
You can expect little difference between the Hairless Chihuahua and a short-haired Chihuahua – that is, you’ll get a loyal, loving, affectionate dog with a hyperactive and stubborn streak. It will also be very protective of you and your family, so if you’re introducing new pets or strangers into the home, prepare for the Hairless Chihuahua to be standoffish and perhaps even growl at your guests.
Are Hairless Chihuahuas Friendly?
Naturally, the Chihuahua can appear standoffish, but with some training and warming up to people, they become some of the most loving and affectionate dogs around.
Are Hairless Chihuahuas Easy to Train?
The Hairless Chihuahua doesn’t differ from its hairy counterpart, they are in general quite easy to train – because of their history as a show dog.
Are Hairless Chihuahuas Rare?
The hairless Chihuahua is the same as a coated Chihuahua but they are considered rare. Since the hairlessness is caused by a rare genetic mutation there are far less hairless chihuahuas than their coated counterparts.
Consider yourself lucky if you find one of these pups!
How Much Can Hairless Chihuahuas Weigh?
In general, a Hairless Chihuahua will weigh between 3 and 7 pounds.
How Tall Can Hairless Chihuahuas Get?
The shortest dog you’re likely to find, the Hairless Chihuahua will stand approximately 5 to 8 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
While there are few dogs that compare in size to the Chihuahua, here are a few examples of breeds that will be similar in size to the Hairless Chihuahua: the Japanese Chin, the Toy Fox Terrier, the Chinese Crested, the Miniature Pinscher, and the English Toy Spaniel.
How Much Exercise Does a Hairless Chihuahua Need?
Like a Chihuahua, the Hairless Chihuahua will require a moderate amount of exercise – one walk per day – with roughly half an hour to an hour of exercise. They’re not huge runners, so you won’t need to give them plenty of off-leash time – but these dogs will appreciate the odd off-leash run.
How Long Does a Hairless Chihuahua Live?
Like their long-haired brethren, the Hairless Chihuahua can expect to live between 12 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Hairless Chihuahua Have?
How Can You Find a Hairless Chihuahua For Sale?
Adoption is the preferred method of acquiring a Hairless Chihuahua, as they’re not routinely bred by Chihuahua breeders – this is due to their lack of public desirability, mostly based on their appearance.
If you wish to adopt a Chihuahua, including a hairless one, you can check out this link – Adopt a Pet gives you the option to search by locality, so you can find a Chihuahua that’s closest to you!
How Much Does a Hairless Chihuahua Cost?
While we suggest and encourage adoption, as opposed to purchasing a puppy, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 – $500 USD for a Hairless Chihuahua pup.
If you’re going to try the route of the breeder, you should check the AKC’s reputable breeder list first. And read their guidance on how to find a reputable breeder.
Is the Bald Chihuahua the Right Breed For You?
If you’re allergic to dog dander, then the Hairless Chihuahua might in fact be the perfect breed for you! Regardless of allergies, the Hairless Chihuahua is, much like their hairy brethren, a great family pet that displays love and affection for all of its (traditionally) long life.
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