PicoPets

Hairless Breeds

Unique, Sensitive, and Low-Shedding Companions

Hairless breeds, such as the Xoloitzcuintli, Chinese Crested, and American Hairless Terrier, are known for their distinct appearance, minimal shedding, and hypoallergenic qualities. These dogs are excellent companions for those who suffer from allergies, as they produce less dander than coated breeds. Despite their lack of fur, these breeds have unique care requirements, especially when it comes to skin protection, temperature regulation, and regular moisturizing. Hairless dogs are often affectionate, loyal, and playful, making them a perfect fit for families or individuals looking for a low-maintenance yet loving companion.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

Hairless breeds are typically active and enjoy regular exercise to stay healthy. Although they can live comfortably in both indoor and outdoor settings, extra care is needed when exercising outdoors due to their sensitive skin. Activities like indoor play, walks during cooler times of the day, and mental stimulation through puzzle toys can help keep them fit without risking sunburn or skin irritation.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Indoor puzzle toys to engage their minds
  • Tug toys for interactive play and bonding
  • Fetch indoors or during cooler outdoor hours
  • Puzzle toys for mental stimulation
  • Soft chew toys to keep them entertained without causing skin irritation
  • Gentle walks or light outdoor activities with sun protection

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

Hairless breeds are often highly social and thrive on companionship. They enjoy being around their families and can be very affectionate, making them great lap dogs. Early socialization is important to help them adjust to various environments and reduce any potential for shyness around strangers.


They generally do well with children and other pets when introduced properly. However, hairless dogs can be more sensitive to cold or rough play due to their exposed skin, so care should be taken during interactions.

Affectionate + Loving

Thrive Socially

Sensitive To Handling

Breed-Type General Temperament

Hairless breeds are known for their affectionate, playful nature but can sometimes be prone to anxiety if left alone for long periods. Because they bond closely with their owners, they may become clingy or restless if not given enough attention. When stressed, they may exhibit behaviors like excessive licking, barking, or chewing. To help prevent stress, regular interaction, positive reinforcement training, and consistent routines are key.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Excessive licking or chewing of the skin
  • Barking or vocalization
  • Restlessness or pacing
  • Anxiety in unfamiliar environments

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

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Common Breed Health Goals

Hairless breeds require special attention when it comes to skin care, as they are prone to dryness, sunburn, and irritation. Moisturizing their skin regularly and applying sunscreen when they are outdoors is essential. They also need extra warmth during colder months, as they lack a protective coat. In addition to skin care, regular dental care is important, as some hairless breeds may be prone to dental issues. Joint health is also important for maintaining their mobility and agility, especially as they age.

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Suggested Preventive Care

Regular grooming routines, even without fur, are necessary to maintain skin health. Bathing hairless dogs helps remove dirt and prevent clogged pores, but over-bathing can cause dryness, so using gentle, moisturizing shampoos is recommended. Providing them with comfortable, warm clothing during colder months can prevent chilling. Sun protection and routine dental care are also critical to ensuring their long-term health and well-being.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

4: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

Skin hydration is critical for these breeds, requiring regular moisturizing and proper electrolyte balance to avoid dryness.

Skin hydration is critical for these breeds, requiring regular moisturizing and proper electrolyte balance to avoid dryness.

3: Innate Immune Function

Average immune support is needed, but protection against skin infections is a priority due to their exposed skin.

Average immune support is needed, but protection against skin infections is a priority due to their exposed skin.

3: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

Average joint health, but aging dogs may need more joint support to prevent stiffness.

Average joint health, but aging dogs may need more joint support to prevent stiffness.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Generally good digestive health, but a balanced diet is important to support their energy needs.

Generally good digestive health, but a balanced diet is important to support their energy needs.

3: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

Moderate energy needs, but regular activity is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Moderate energy needs, but regular activity is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism.

3: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

Cognitive function benefits from regular mental stimulation through play and interaction.

Cognitive function benefits from regular mental stimulation through play and interaction.

3: Respiratory + Lung Health

Generally healthy, but like all dogs, respiratory health should be monitored, especially in colder weather.

Generally healthy, but like all dogs, respiratory health should be monitored, especially in colder weather.

5: Skin Health + Wound Healing

High-priority aspect due to exposed skin, requiring extra care to prevent dryness, sunburn, and irritation.

High-priority aspect due to exposed skin, requiring extra care to prevent dryness, sunburn, and irritation.

3: Heart Health + Circulation

Generally healthy, but heart health support is beneficial as they age.

Generally healthy, but heart health support is beneficial as they age.

3: Infection + Resistance

Prone to skin infections if not properly cared for, requiring regular immune support.

Prone to skin infections if not properly cared for, requiring regular immune support.

4: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Hairless breeds often live long lives but require attention to joint health and skin care to age gracefully.

Hairless breeds often live long lives but require attention to joint health and skin care to age gracefully.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

To support their unique health needs, Hairless breeds can benefit from targeted supplementation that promotes skin health, joint support, and overall wellness:

  • Pico Silver®: Offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits to help reduce skin irritation and protect against infections, which hairless dogs can be more prone to due to their exposed skin.
  • PicoMyte: Supports joint health, ensuring smooth mobility, especially as hairless breeds may experience joint stiffness as they age.
  • ReMag®: Promotes relaxation and muscle function, helping hairless dogs stay comfortable and stress-free, especially during exercise or high-energy play.
  • Pico Selenite®: Provides antioxidant support, promoting cellular health and longevity, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and overall wellness in hairless breeds.