Hairless Khala (Bolivian Hairless Dog): Pictures, Personality & Facts

Are you looking for a dog that won’t leave tons of hair and isn’t terrible for those with dog allergies? If you answered yes to this question, the Hairless Khala or Bolivian Hairless Dog is the perfect pet for you. Not only are these dogs hairless, but they are also one of the coolest dog breeds around. Check them out below to learn more about this amazing breed.

Breed Overview

The Hairless Khala originated in Latin America thousands of years ago. As you can gather from the name, this incredible dog breed is hairless, making it a breed that is considered hypoallergenic, and great with families. They are loving, loyal, intelligent, and fun. Once used to protect livestock, these cuties can be strong-willed but make an ideal pet for experienced pet owners who are willing to open their lives and homes to them.

Hairless Khala Characteristics

Hairless Khala Puppies

The Hairless Khala was originally found in several Latin American countries. These hairless dogs are considered quite rare. This means that here in the United States, you’ll need to contact a breeder in hopes of bringing one of these dogs into your home. As with any dog, you should carefully research the breeder in question to ensure they are providing their Hairless Khalas with the care they deserve.

Like with most puppies, Hairless Khalas need everyday items before you bring them home. You’ll need high-quality, nutritious food. You’ll also need food and water bowls, a comfy bed, toys, a leash, and a collar. One thing your Hairless Khala will need that not all puppies require is sweaters and shirts. As hairless dogs, they can get cold and require a bit more warmth. You’ll also want to be prepared with sunscreen for when your dog is out and about on bright, sunny days.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Hairless Khala

The Hairless Khala is a very adaptable dog. They do well in most situations and are quite loving to their families. They are quite intelligent but require proper training and socialization at a young age. Hairless Khalas tend to be standoffish or weary of strangers. If you plan on having company over or taking your pet out often, socialization will be key. Other than that, they fit into most situations easily. They are ideal for city and country living. They even do great with elderly owners as they are very docile and don’t require extensive exercise.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, these dogs do great with families. Hairless Khalas are very tolerant of children and don’t mind games throughout the day. They will even go on long walks and partake in backyard play. Just remember to protect their skin when they are going to be out in the sun for long periods.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Hairless Khala can be taught to get along with other pets quite easily. However, they do best with other hairless breeds. For this reason, many owners decide to bring two of these dogs into their homes at once. When it comes to other dogs, Khalas aren’t big on confrontation. This is due to them not having a lot of adult teeth or much in the way of defending themselves. If you do plan on having other dog breeds in the home with them, make sure the other breed is well-trained and doesn’t intimidate or mistreat your Hairless Khala.

Things to Know When Owning a Hairless Khala:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Diet is very important to the Hairless Khala thanks to the potential of skin irritations in this breed. A proper diet needs to include food that is high-quality and nutritional. Vitamins, minerals, and especially fatty acids are needed by this dog breed to keep their skin moist. All these needs can be found in commercial food that coincides with your dog’s age and activity level. If you’re concerned about feeding your Hairless Khala the best food for its breed type, speak to your veterinarian for suggestions. You should also make sure your pets always have access to cool, fresh drinking water.

Exercise 🐕

The Hairless Khala isn’t an overly active dog. They require daily exercise like walks. They also enjoy playing in the backyard. You must remember that these dogs are hounds, however. The area where they play should be fenced as they may decide to chase or rush off without any warning. Other than walks and backyard play, these dogs will also enjoy mental stimulation. Games like fetch or puzzle toys are great ways to keep their minds sharp.

Training 🎾

Training with a Hairless Khala should start at a young age. These dogs have an aloofness when strangers are involved which means socialization is key. You’ll also need a bit of training experience when working with this breed. They must be shown that you are the alpha. If not, you could face issues with the dog acting out. Stay firm in training but remember not to make your dog fearful. You want your Hairless Khala to love and respect you, not fear you.

Grooming ✂

Even though these dogs are hairless, they still require grooming. Your Hairless Khala will need occasional bathing. You’ll need to use a dog shampoo that doesn’t hurt their sensitive skin. If you’re unsure of which brand you’d like to use, your veterinarian will have suggestions. It also helps to keep your Hairless Khala’s skin moisturized between baths. You’ll also need to keep your dog’s ears cleaned to avoid any issues.

Your Khala’s nails are a sensitive subject. They are often referred to as claws and may grow longer than most other breeds. They also aren’t fans of having them trimmed, which needs to be done often, so be prepared. You’ll also need to clean your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times per week with dog-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help fight the dental diseases that these dogs are known for having.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Overall, the Hairless Khala is considered a healthy dog. They are still subject to certain diseases other breeds deal with. The biggest issues, however, that these dogs deal with are skin allergies and dental diseases.

Male vs Female

There isn’t a lot of difference when it comes to male and female Khalas. In some instances, the female is considered to be the larger of the sexes. You may also find that females are more reserved when it comes to strangers and require more time to warm up to new people. Having your pet spayed or neutered at a young age will help avoid issues with aggression or territorialism when females are in heat.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Hairless Khala

1. A Hairless Khala Wants to Be Part of the Fun

We’ve already mentioned how well the Hairless Khala does in a family environment. You’ll also love the fact that these dogs enjoy being part of all family activities. Whether it’s playtime, cookouts, or simply chilling on the sofa, this dog will want to be in on the fun.

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2. These Dogs Date Back 2000 Years

Artifacts have been found that show depictions of the Hairless Khala. These depictions show the dogs in ceremonial dress, making it appear as though they were one of the first domesticated dog breeds in the Americas.

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3. Khala Means “Naked” in Quechua

The Quechean people were known for using their Khalas as gifts to receive food, goods, and services. In Quechua, Khala stands for “naked”. This makes sense considering these dogs are hairless.

 

Final Thoughts

The Hairless Khala, also known as the Bolivian Hairless Dog, is an amazing pet to have as part of your family. If you’re in the market for a dog that doesn’t leave tons of hair around the house, loves being with the family, and can adapt to whatever situation you’re in, this is the one for you. Not only are these dogs legendary and rare, but they also make ideal companions to snuggle with when you want a little company.

• See Also: Argentine Pila Dog Breed Info

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Featured Image Credit: Hairless Khala  Monica S. Cassels Wikimedia Commons, CC 3.0