Ecuadorian Hairless Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Personality & More

Hairless dogs have become extremely popular over the last few years. Hairless Chihuahuas are the top “bald” canines, but there are other hairless pups that you may be unaware of, such as the Ecuadorian Hairless dog. They are native to Ecuador and are a massive part of the area's culture and history. Although they are hard to adopt in the United States due to their rarity, we’ll discuss their unique characteristics and care needs below.

Breed Overview

The Ecuadorian Hairless dog is the result of crossing a Peruvian Inca Orchid with the Xoloitzcuintle. Because they have a tiny population and are incredibly rare, it’s difficult to find accurate information about the breed. However, we’ll go into detail about everything we know about the dog so that you can determine if one could be the ideal pet for your home.

Ecuadorian Hairless Dog Characteristics

Ecuadorian Hairless Dog Breed Puppies

Adopting an Ecuadorian Hairless puppy from a rescue shelter or breeder will be challenging since they’re so rare. However, you can contact shelters in other states and pet finder organizations to see if they have any puppies available. Ecuadorian Hairless adults are little dogs, and as puppies, they must be handled gently to prevent injuries. They’re energetic adults, and if you’re lucky enough to find a puppy, you can expect to have your hands full. Because the puppy’s bladder is so small, you’ll need to provide more bathroom breaks until they’re potty trained.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog

Ecuadorian Hairless dogs are said to be intelligent animals that are loving and energetic. They’re social pups that get along with children and other pets. However, you need to train and socialize your hairless friend as a puppy to prevent undesirable behaviors like barking and chewing on furniture.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Ecuadorian Hairless dogs are energetic, which means they love to play games with the family. They are loving, friendly, and eager to please their pet parents. However, you need to start training the dog early puppy to ensure they can get along with younger children.

It’s also a good idea to teach your kids how to treat your Ecuadorian Hairless so they don’t injure their new pet. Since they don’t have much hair to protect them, they cannot live outdoors and need sunscreen to protect them in the summertime.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog also gets along well with other pets. However, as with most hairless dog breeds, they were bred to hunt and have a strong prey drive. It’s best to train and socialize the dog as a puppy when it comes to having the dog around other pets. Because of their hunting instincts, they don’t make the best roommates for gerbils, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

Things to Know When Owning an Ecuadorian Hairless Dog:

Now that you know that the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog breed is a rare breed and how it gets along with families and pets, we’ll give you some information on the food, diet, exercise requirements, and more for the breed below.

Food & Diet Requirements

Since the Ecuadorian Hairless is a high-energy dog, serving high-quality protein-rich food is crucial. A balanced diet is essential for the continued good health of your hairless pal, especially as a puppy. If you’re unsure which dog food brand to choose, consult your vet. Because of their size, they’re affordable dogs to feed.

Exercise

The high-energy Ecuadorian Hairless requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Playing games like fetch and tug of war are excellent choices, but they also enjoy running. Two daily walks and a few intense play sessions in the backyard should keep them fit. However, they do not need as much exercise as puppies, and because of their size, they must be supervised when playing with young children.

Training

With the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog, obedience training should start early. Training shouldn't be hard since the dog is intelligent and easy to please. It’s best to teach them using positive reinforcement. Never yell at or punish your dog for not obeying quickly enough.

Socialization is also essential with this dog. Ensuring they are exposed to different environments, animals, other people, and children will prevent them from feeling anxious in unfamiliar situations.

If you have any problems with training your dog, there are professionals who can help. However, if you’re consistent and use positive reinforcement, you really shouldn’t have many problems training your Ecuadorian Hairless Dog.

Grooming

Since they’re hairless dogs, skincare is extremely important. To keep your Ecuadorian’s skin healthy, make sure to use the proper moisturizer and sunscreen. They’re not protected from the elements and need warm coats in the winter and cooling jackets in the summer when they play outside. They need regular baths, and you’ll have to use doggy wipes to clean their skin daily. Brushing their teeth at least three times a week and regularly clipping their nails is also important.

Health & Conditions

As with all canines, the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog can develop various health conditions. Since the Ecuadorian is a hairless dog, they’re prone to getting sunburnt in the summer and can become sick from the cold in the winter. We’ll give you a few other conditions to watch out for in the section below.

If you see any signs of the conditions above in your hairless pal, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet for help and treatment.

Male vs. Female

We could find no differences between the males and females of the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog breed. The male might be a bit bigger than the female, but that’s about it.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog

Now that you know everything there is to know about the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog, you can determine if it’s the right dog for you to give a forever home. However, we have a few little-known facts about the breed that you might also be interested in knowing.

1. Hairless Dogs Have No Premolar Teeth

The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog has no premolar teeth, which is one of the reasons that they can have a few dental issues. This occurs in all hairless dogs. It’s thought that the gene for hairlessness prevents them from growing premolars.

2. Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs Have Some Hair on Their Faces

We guess you could say the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog breed isn’t completely hairless. They do have tufts of hair on their face. The fur isn’t long, though; it’s short and placed randomly on the dog’s face.

3. Ecuadorian Hairless Dogs' Skin Turns Golden in the Sunset

An Ecuadorian Hairless Dog has gray or brown skin, and the color of their nose and eyes depends on their coat color. However, when the sun hits their skin, it turns a gorgeous golden color.

Conclusion

The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is a rare breed considered the rarest hairless dog in the world. If you’re considering giving one of the loving dogs a forever home, locating a puppy may take a while. It’s also important to remember that their skin must be moisturized and protected from extreme temperatures. They can get sunburned quickly and should be kept indoors during frigid weather. In fact, it’s safer for Ecuadorian Hairless dogs to stay indoors except to exercise and go to the bathroom. If you can care for this rare hairless pup, you’ll get a loyal, loving, playful, energy-filled companion in return.

Featured Image Credit: TatyanaPanova, Shutterstock