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The Hairless Chihuahua is a genetic variant of the breed that gives the animal a unique appearance. The origin of this puppy is unknown. Scientific literature provides excellent information on how this trait arose and spread through the breed. Hairlessness is not unique to Chihuahuas; many breeds have it to varying degrees, but Chihuahuas are unique in this regard.
Breed Overview
color:
Pink, brown, gray, black
Suitable for:
Families with older children looking for a playful, loyal dog
temperament:
Loving, brave and protective
Chihuahuas are delicate animals, but don’t let their small size fool you. These puppies are energetic and independent, yet charming and engaging. Their small size belies their striking personality. Chihuahuas have a long history as pets and, in some circles, are revered.
Characteristics of Hairless Chihuahuas
hairless chihuahua puppy
True hairless Chihuahua puppies are rare and this trait is caused by a genetic mutation. Each parent provides one copy, or allele, of a particular gene. It is a dominant trait, so a puppy needs to inherit exactly one allele from one parent to have it. This physical expression, or phenotype, is called canine ectodermal dysplasia (CED). It also occurs in Chinese Crested Dogs and Mexican Hairless Dogs (Xoloitzcuintli).
Unfortunately, studies have shown that the lack of hair is a weakness of hairless Chihuahuas, and they have a higher mortality rate than their hairy counterparts.1
Origin and History of the Hairless Chihuahua Breed
Charles Darwin reported the existence of hairless dogs. The hairless gene is also present in the American Hairless Terrier and Scottish Deerhound, although they have different genetic origins. It is not known whether breeders have bred hairless Chihuahuas or other dog breeds, except for the few recognized breeds mentioned here.
Of note, the hairless trait is not recognized by the official breed standard of the American Kennel Club (AKC) or its parent clubs, which only consider short-haired and long-haired varieties of Chihuahuas. The American Chihuahua Club also considers the teacup size to be “inaccurate and misleading.” This should be a red flag for potential buyers who don’t have the protection of the animal’s legitimacy.
The offspring of a hairless Chihuahua and a hairy puppy will likely have the trait in a 1:1 ratio. Puppies who inherit this allele from both parents will die. This is in part due to other diseases that hairless dogs can inherit, which can have a negative impact on the animal’s quality of life and longevity.
Hairless Chihuahua Temperament and Intelligence
The Hairless Chihuahua lives up to its name: it’s energetic and cheeky. This personality is more common in small dogs, and scientists theorize that puppies compensate for their size with this temperament. Puppies may be more defensive and reactive. However, you also need to take into account your puppy’s role as an animal companion. Chihuahuas are known for their protective nature, as they will guard their space and their caretakers.
Are these dogs suitable for families? 👪
Hairless Chihuahuas make great pets in homes with older children. Parents should instruct children not to pick up the dog and should supervise playtime. Research has shown that Chihuahuas can become aggressive, so early socialization and training are essential.2
They are sensitive, do not tolerate being alone and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
Does this breed get along with other pets?
Hairless Chihuahuas do well with other pets if they are exposed to other dogs at a young age, but you should monitor their playtime if it includes time with larger puppies. An active social life is a great way to prevent fear that may lead to aggression when meeting other animals.
Introducing your Chihuahua to cats and dogs from an early age and taking him on short trips to meet friends will reduce the chances that he will become stressed or frightened in unfamiliar situations.
Chihuahuas have a moderate predatory instinct and may chase small animals, but they can get along well with cats if raised alongside them.
What you need to know when owning a hairless chihuahua
Hairless Chihuahuas do not tolerate the cold well, which is a major concern for pet owners. If you live in a northern climate and want to potty train your dog, this can be a problem. Boots and clothing are essential for your hairless Chihuahua if you take them outside in extremely cold weather. Below, we will discuss some factors to consider when owning a hairless Chihuahua.
Food and Dietary Requirements 🦴
Hypoglycemia is a problem for Chihuahuas. Puppies should be fed a high quality commercial formula four times a day. Royal Canin We manufacture breed-specific formulas that are appropriate for these puppies.
Once your dog reaches adulthood, you should transition to a two times a day feeding schedule. Hairless Chihuahuas have a moderate tendency to gain weight, so it is important to carefully regulate food portions and monitor their weight.
exercise 🐕
Hairless Chihuahuas are moderately active. A few walks and a few play dates will provide them with plenty of exercise and intellectual stimulation. This pup is intelligent and will undoubtedly thrive by spending time with people. You can use this time to hone your pet’s leash manners and meet new human and canine friends to further enrich their lives.
If you have a puppy, exercise it lightly and do not let it jump from high places. Puppies are delicate but active, so they require special care when they are young.
training 🎾
Due to the Hairless Chihuahua’s sensitive nature, positive reinforcement is best used for training. They are eager to please and dislike harsh words and punishment. We recommend using treats to motivate your training.
Hairless Chihuahuas are intelligent and relatively easy to train, although they can be stubborn at times.
Grooming ✂️
Grooming a hairless Chihuahua is much easier than other breeds. You can bathe your dog monthly, but wipe the coat with dog wipes between baths to keep it healthy and clean. Nails are unlikely to wear down quickly, so you should trim them every 4-6 weeks.
You should also brush your Chihuahua’s teeth. Your vet can show you how. Chihuahuas are prone to dental problems, so it’s important to have regular vet visits and cleanings to protect their teeth and gums. Manufacturers produce tasty toothpastes to make the job easier. Your pup might even beg you to brush his teeth.
Health and Condition 🏥
Hairless Chihuahuas are relatively healthy, but they are more likely to suffer from some problems, such as dental disease. Reputable breeders will carry out any recommended pre-breeding health tests to prevent any health conditions being passed on to their offspring.
We strongly recommend that you buy from a seller who offers a warranty. Some diseases may not show up until later in the animal’s life. The breeder should provide you with a medical history, including vaccinations and deworming.
Minor symptoms
- Epilepsy
- Morella
- Heart murmurs
- Hypoglycemia
Serious Situation
- Dental diseases
- Patellar dislocation
- Heart disease
Male vs. Female
The size difference between male and female Hairless Chihuahuas is very small. The same can be said about the temperament of the animal. A pet’s temperament is not genetic, but rather depends mainly on the environment and upbringing. We recommend consulting your veterinarian about spaying or neutering. This surgery may increase the risk of other health conditions in some pets.
3 little-known facts about hairless Chihuahuas
1. The Aztecs worshipped hairless dogs
The Aztecs believed that these animals were guides through the trials of the afterlife and must accompany their owners on their journeys.
2. Chihuahuas have brains that weigh as much as humans
A human brain weighs about 2% of their body weight. Studies have shown that a Chihuahua’s brain weighs about 3.03% of their body weight, almost the same weight as a human’s.
3. The Chihuahua was the inspiration behind the name of a minor league baseball team
El Paso considered the Chihuahua’s individuality an asset, and even named their minor league baseball team after the breed.
Do Hairless Chihuahuas Make Good Pets?
If you want a cuddly dog, look no further than the Hairless Chihuahua. They love people and, perhaps due to their size and sensitivity to the cold, they demand attention from their owners. They make great pets for individuals and families who can provide them with the love they need.
Hairless Chihuahuas are great for new pet owners because they are intelligent and easy to train, but they are not recommended for owners who travel a lot and are rarely at home, and they are not suitable for homes with young children because they can easily be injured by rough play.
Conclusion
The Hairless Chihuahua is a unique breed that requires a loving, caring owner. They are prone to certain health problems but are generally relatively healthy. However, for a dedicated owner, they make an ideal companion. Regular veterinary care is essential for their health and happiness, and they need plenty of stimulation for their mental wellbeing.
The charming personality and energetic behavior of the hairless Chihuahua will surely charm you, and you might not be satisfied with just owning one.
Featured image credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock
