“Naked dogs,” or hairless breeds, offer a distinctive presence in the canine world. Their smooth skin and striking silhouettes set them apart, drawing attention and curiosity. These unique companions showcase the incredible diversity within dog breeds.
Understanding Hairless Dog Breeds
The Chinese Crested is a widely recognized hairless breed, characterized by tufts of hair on its head, paws, and tail, with a mostly hairless body. These small dogs, under 10 pounds, are known for their warm temperament, playfulness, and affectionate nature. They can also come in a “powderpuff” variety, which has a full coat of soft, fine hair.
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is an ancient breed with a history spanning over 3,000 years. Xolos come in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—and can be either hairless or coated, sometimes even within the same litter. They are loyal and intelligent, often reserved around strangers but friendly with familiar people.
The American Hairless Terrier originated in the United States from Rat Terriers. Unlike some other hairless breeds, they are completely hairless, including whiskers. These energetic dogs are known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them suitable companions for active families.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is another ancient hairless breed from South America, also found in both hairless and coated forms. The hairless variety has delicate skin and is known for its affectionate yet protective nature, often forming strong bonds with their families. These dogs are athletic and require regular exercise to stay content.
Specific Care Requirements
Hairless dogs require specific skin care due to their exposed skin. Applying pet-safe sunscreen is important, especially during outdoor activities, to prevent sunburn. Lightweight clothing can also provide a physical barrier against UV rays. Regular moisturizing is necessary to prevent dryness, and natural oils like coconut or jojoba oil can keep the skin supple.
Frequent bathing, every week or two, helps manage natural skin oils that can accumulate and lead to issues like blackheads or acne. Using lukewarm water and moisturizing, perfume-free shampoos helps prevent irritation. Gently cleansing skin folds is important to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
Temperature regulation is a consideration for hairless breeds. In colder climates, sweaters or coats are necessary for warmth. During hot weather, protection from overheating is important, which may involve limiting outdoor time during peak heat and ensuring access to shade. When under anesthesia, hairless dogs need close monitoring to prevent hypothermia, and supplemental heat sources should be used carefully to avoid burns due to their sensitive skin.
Hairless breeds have dental considerations. Many hairless dogs may have missing or misaligned teeth. While these dental abnormalities do not prevent them from eating normally, regular dental care, including brushing, can help maintain oral hygiene and reduce tooth loss.
The Science Behind Hairlessness
Hairlessness in several dog breeds, including the Chinese Crested, Peruvian Inca Orchid, and Mexican Xoloitzcuintli, is linked to a specific genetic mutation. This mutation involves a 7-base-pair duplication in the first exon of the FOXI3 gene. The FOXI3 gene is a member of the forkhead box transcription factor family, which plays a role in the development of hair, ears, jaws, and teeth.
This genetic variation causes a frameshift mutation that leads to a premature stop-codon, resulting in abnormal hair follicle development. Dogs that inherit one copy of this mutated FOXI3 gene (heterozygous) exhibit the hairless phenotype. Inheriting two copies of the mutation (homozygous) is lethal, leading to embryonic death.
The phenomenon of pleiotropy is evident in these breeds, where the FOXI3 gene mutation influences not only hairlessness but also other physical traits. It affects dental structure, leading to missing or abnormally shaped teeth, particularly incisors, canines, and premolars. Malformations of the outer ear have also been observed. Another gene, SGK3, is associated with hair loss in breeds like the American Hairless Terrier and Scottish Deerhound, although its inheritance pattern differs.