Hairless Khala
The Hairless Khala is the traditional hairless dog of the Andean peoples of Bolivia — a relative of the Peruvian Inca Orchid and Xoloitzcuintli.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Bolivia
Lifespan
10–14 years
Weight
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
Height
38–51 cm (15–20 in)
Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food. The hairless skin requires dietary skin-supporting nutrients.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Hairless Khala is the traditional hairless dog of the Andean peoples of Bolivia — a relative of the Peruvian Inca Orchid and Xoloitzcuintli. All three Americas hairless breeds share the same hairless gene mutation and are descended from ancient hairless dogs that were present throughout South and Central America at the time of European contact. The Khala exists in two varieties: the graciado (slender greyhound-like type) and the medio pesado (heavier mastiff-like type). It was considered sacred in pre-Columbian Andean culture and was believed to have healing powers.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A medium-sized, athletic dog with completely bare, warm, smooth skin. The skin has a characteristic warmth (hairless dogs run slightly higher in surface temperature). Dark grey to black is the most common skin colour. Two types: the slender, elegant graciado and the heavier medio pesado.
Grooming
High
Shedding
None
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-1-2-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Loyal, gentle, and affectionate with its family. Sensitive to rough handling — responds well to gentle, positive training. Alert watchdog despite gentle nature.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Ideal Weather
15°C to 30°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
hiding, wariness, trembling, avoidance
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Weekly skin bathing with gentle shampoo to remove oil buildup. Daily moisturising in dry climates. Sun protection for outdoor exposure — hairless skin sunburns easily. Warmth essential in cold temperatures.
Nutrition Notes
Same hairless/dental link. Skin care dietary support. Bolivian Andean breed — historically used as living hot water bottles for joint therapy.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Dental issues (hairless). Skin care. Very few known health issues otherwise — extremely rare breed with limited health data. Bolivian healing dog — body heat used for joint therapy. Not FCI/AKC recognized. 12-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
600 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
400 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same hairless gene health profile as Xoloitzcuintli and Peruvian Inca Orchid — hairless individuals lack certain premolar teeth (linked to the hairless gene). Skin infections and sunburn. Generally healthy.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Extremely rare — one of the rarest breeds in the world. Bolivia only. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $4,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Hairless Khala was believed by Andean healers to have therapeutic properties — their warm, hairless skin was pressed against painful joints and muscles as a form of living heat therapy. This belief in the medicinal warmth of hairless dogs is shared across Mesoamerican and South American cultures.
