What breed of dog has no hair? - briefly
The Chinese Crested is a breed of dog that is known for its lack of hair. This breed comes in two varieties: the Hairless and the Powderpuff, with the Hairless variety being almost entirely devoid of fur.
What breed of dog has no hair? - in detail
The question "Which breed of dog has no hair?" is often posed with a touch of curiosity and humor, but it is important to clarify that all dogs possess hair to some extent. However, there are several breeds known for their minimal hair or lack of noticeable fur, which might lead one to believe they have none at all.
One such breed is the Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as the Xoloitzcuintli (show-low-itz-queen-tlee). This ancient breed originates from Mexico and is recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Xolo comes in two varieties: a coated version with short hair and a hairless variety that has little to no fur. The hairless Xolos often have patches of hair on their heads, tails, or paws, but their bodies are largely devoid of fur. This lack of hair makes them sensitive to temperature changes and requires special care, such as the application of dog-safe sunscreen when outdoors.
Another breed that might be considered "hairless" is the Chinese Crested Dog. Similar to the Xolo, the Chinese Crested also comes in a powderpuff variety with a full coat of hair and a hairless variety with tufts of fur on the head (often called the "crest"), paws ("socks"), and tail tip. The hairless variety has smooth, often wrinkled skin that requires similar care as that needed for the Xolo.
While these breeds may appear to have no hair, it is crucial to note that they do possess some hair on specific parts of their bodies. The term "hairless" is somewhat misleading because all dogs are mammals and thus require some form of hair or fur for protection and temperature regulation. These breeds simply have unique genetic traits that result in a significantly reduced amount of hair compared to other dog breeds.
In conclusion, while no dog breed is entirely hairless, the Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli) and the Chinese Crested Dog are recognized for their minimal hair coverage and are often referred to as "hairless" breeds due to their unique physical characteristics.