Hairless Chihuahua Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts

The Hairless Chihuahua is a genetic variation of the breed, giving the animal a unique appearance. The origin of this pup is unclear. The scientific literature provides excellent information on how the trait may have occurred and spread within the breed. Hairlessness is not specific to the Chihuahua. It exists with many dogs to varying degrees, but the Chihuahua gives it a different twist.

Breed Overview

The Chihuahua is a delicate animal. However, don’t let their small size fool you. This pup has a feisty, independent streak but is, at the same time, charming and irresistible. They have prominent personalities to make up for their little bodies. Chihuahuas have always been companion animals with a history of being worshipped in some societies.

Hairless Chihuahua Puppies

True Hairless Chihuahua puppies are rare, and the trait occurs from a genetic mutation. The parents contribute one copy or allele of the specific gene. It is a dominant trait, so puppies only need one allele from one parent for it to be present. This physical expression or phenotype is called canine ectodermal dysplasia (CED). It also occurs in Chinese Crested Dogs and Mexical Hairless Dogs or Xoloitzcuintlis.

Sadly, research has shown being hairless is a vulnerability in Hairless Chihuahuas; they have a higher mortality rate than those with hair.¹

Hairless Chihuahua Breed Origin & History

Charles Darwin reported the existence of hairless dogs. The hairless gene is also present in the American Hairless Terrier and Scottish Deerhound, albeit with different genetic origins. It’s unclear whether breeders propagated the Hairless Chihuahua or any other dogs, except for the handful of recognized breeds we’ve mentioned.

It’s worth noting that the hairless trait isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the parent club’s official breed standard. The AKC only considers the short- and long-haired variants of the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua Club of America also believes the teacup size is “…incorrect and misleading.” That raises a red flag for would-be buyers without the protection of the animal’s legitimacy.

Offspring of the Hairless Chihuahua with a pup with hair would likely be a 1:1 ratio of having or not having the trait. Any puppy inheriting the allele from both parents would perish. That’s partly due to other conditions a hairless dog may inherit, which can adversely affect the animal’s quality of life and longevity.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Hairless Chihuahua

The Hairless Chihuahua is just as feisty and sassy as the dog’s namesake. This attitude is typical in small breeds, and scientists theorize the pups compensate for their size with this temperament. They may be more defensive and reactive. However, you must also consider the pup’s role as an animal companion. The Chihuahua defends their space and caregiver, and they’re known for their protective nature.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Hairless Chihuahua can make an excellent family pet in households with older children. Parents should instruct the little ones not to pick up their dogs and must supervise playtime. Research has shown the Chihuahua can be aggressive, making early socialization and training imperative.²

They are sensitive and not tolerant of being alone, and when they’re left alone for long periods, they can suffer from separation anxiety.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Hairless Chihuahua can get along with other pets if introduced to other dogs when young. Nevertheless, you should monitor playtime if that includes time with bigger pups. An active social life is an excellent way to prevent fearfulness, which can spur aggression when meeting other animals.

Exposing your Chihuahua to cats and dogs when they are young and taking them on short trips to meet friends will reduce the chance they suffer from stress or fear in unfamiliar situations.

The Chihuahua has a moderate prey drive and may chase small animals, but they can get along with cats if they grow up with them.

Things to Know When Owning a Hairless Chihuahua:

The Hairless Chihuahua isn’t cold-tolerant, which is a primary concern for pet owners. It can be an issue if you want to housebreak your dog and you live in a northern climate. Booties and clothing are essential for the hairless Chihuahua if you take them outside in frigid weather. Below, we’ll discuss the factors to keep in mind when you want to adopt a hairless Chihuahua.

Food & Diet Requirements

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is an issue with the Chihuahua. You should feed your puppy four times daily with a high-quality commercial formula. Royal Canine produces a breed-specific formula suitable for these pups.

You should transition your dog to a twice-a-day schedule when they reach adulthood. Hairless Chihuahua has a moderate tendency to gain weight, and it’s vital to portion their meals carefully and monitor their weight.

Exercise

The Hairless Chihuahua is moderately active. A couple of walks and a few play sessions will provide adequate exercise and opportunities for mental stimulation. This pup is intelligent and undoubtedly nurtured by the time they spend with people. You can use this time to hone your pet’s leash manners and meet new human and canine friends for additional enrichment.

If you adopt a puppy, keep the exercise light and don’t let them jump from high places. They have a delicate frame, but they can be energetic, and you have to be more careful when they’re young.

Training

Positive reinforcement is the best approach for training the Hairless Chihuahua because of their sensitive nature. They are eager to please and will shun harsh words and punishment. We recommend using treats as training aids for added motivation.

Due to their intelligence, hairless Chihuahuas are relatively simple to train, but they can be stubborn at times.

Grooming

Grooming the Hairless Chihuahua is much easier than other breeds. You can bathe the dog monthly, but in between baths, you can wipe down their fur with doggy wipes to keep it healthy and clean. They’re unlikely to wear down their nails quickly, and you’ll have to trim them every 4 to 6 weeks.

You should also brush your Chihuahua’s teeth, and your vet can show you how to do so. Chihuahuas are vulnerable to dental problems, and it’s crucial to maintain veterinary appointments and dental cleanings to protect their teeth and gums. Manufacturers make palatable toothpaste to make your task easier. Your pup may even beg to get their teeth brushed!

Health and Conditions

The hairless Chihuahua is relatively healthy, but a few issues, like dental disease, are more likely to affect them. Reputable breeders conduct the recommended pre-breeding health screening to prevent them from passing health conditions on to the offspring.

We strongly urge you to buy from sellers who offer a guarantee. Some conditions may not show up until later in the animal’s life. Breeders should provide a medical history, including vaccinations and deworming.

Male vs. Female

The size difference between male and female Hairless Chihuahua is minimal. We can say the same about the animal’s temperament. The environment and how they’re raised are the main drivers of a pet’s temperament instead of genetics. We suggest discussing neutering or spaying with your vet. The procedure can increase some pet’s risk of other health conditions.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Hairless Chihuahua

1. The Aztecs Worshipped Hairless Dogs.

The Aztecs believed these animals were guides to the challenges of the afterlife and had to accompany their owners on their journeys.

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2. The Brain Weight of the Chihuahua Is on Par With the Weight Ratio of Humans.

The brain weight of a human is about 2% of their body weight. Research has shown that the Chihuahua is right up there, with the organ weighing about 3.03% of the animal’s weight.

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3. The Chihuahuas Inspired the Name of a Minor League Baseball Team.

El Paso saw the personality of the Chihuahua as an asset and named their minor league baseball team after them.

Does the Hairless Chihuahua Make a Good Pet?

If you want a dog you can cuddle, look no further than the Hairless Chihuahua. They love people! They demand attention from their owners, perhaps because of their size and cold intolerance. They can make an excellent pet for an individual or family who can give them the love they need.

The hairless Chihuahua is intelligent and trainable and is a good choice for novice pet owners. However, they’re not recommended for owners who travel frequently and are rarely at home. They also aren’t suitable for families with infants since the dogs can easily be injured by rough play.

Conclusion

The Hairless Chihuahua is a unique canine that requires a loving owner who can spend plenty of time with them. They’re vulnerable to some health issues but are relatively healthy overall. However, they will make an ideal companion for the devoted dog owner. Regular veterinary care is vital for their health and well-being, and you must also provide adequate enrichment for the dog’s mental health.

The hairless Chihuahua’s charming personality and feisty behavior are sure to win you over, and you may not be satisfied by just adopting one.

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Featured Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

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