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.

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