Image: Karina Gromova/Shutterstock
Best friends. Bed buddies. Fur babies. Whatever you call your pet, you love them dearly and take the best care of them, treating them better than family. We’ve always known that dogs were man’s best friend, but we also know of something they provide more than just love and companionship—health benefits. Research has proven that dogs can improve your health. From getting you outside to soak up vitamin D, they also enhance social skills, balance emotional and psychological mood swings and decrease risk of heart attack by being a calming force. But some hairless dog breeds can even help alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli, more commonly known as the Mexican Hairless dog, have the exact same body temperature as any other dog. And it would seem counterintuitive that dogs with bodies full of hair wouldn’t emit more heat than dogs with no hair, but that’s actually been found to be true. Because this breed is suited to warmer climates, and there’s no hair to block from their warm skin, people have used them in the place of hot water bottles since the dawn of time—or at least for the past 3,000 years.
Beside the joy having a pet can bring, the heat that these hairless dog breeds radiate act as a natural muscle relaxant for people who deal with pain daily. They also share something in common with people who have fibro: their unprotected skin is sensitive. So they’re cute and they can empathize with you. Here are five of the most well-known hairless dog breeds that make perfect pets for fibromyalgia sufferers and some interesting facts about them:
Xoloitzcuintli
Image: Utekhina Anna/Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Temperament: Friendly and protective, needs training
Fun fact: They’re the “first” dog of the Americas
“Xolos”, as they are often called, are one of the oldest and rarest breeds in existence. Believed to have accompanied explorers across the Bering Strait, they eventually migrated with men to the Southern reaches of Mexico and Central America. Hairless dog breeds like Xolos were popular for the the warmth of their bodies, and villagers often used them to soothe arthritis, asthma, toothaches and insomnia, making them their very own hot water bottles. Their full name derives from the name of the Aztec Indian god Xolotl and Itzcuintli, the Aztec word for dog. For more information visit their AKC page.
American Hairless Terrier
Image: Mac-leod/Shutterstock
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Temperament: Intelligent and energetic
Fun fact: Their skin prevents them from hunting as they’re bred to do
Even if your fibro brings you down, the American Hairless Terrier will be there to pep you up because they’re always game. Though they come in a small package, Terriers are one of the most diverse popular breeds, especially in America and Europe (there are several Terrier clubs of America, one for each type). But these dogs weren’t bred for playtime. In fact, Terrier ancestors were bred to hunt rats and other vermin. But unlike other Terriers, the hairless variety are not suited to hunt, which means more snuggly wuggly time for you. However, before you adopt one make sure they have someone to play with, or all that pent up energy will cause them to combust. A multi pet family would be desirable, that way you can let them exasperate each other while you rest. For more information visit their AKC page.
Chinese Crested Dog
Image: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Temperament: Sweet and happy
Fun fact: They’re cat-like
Wouldn’t they make the perfect lightweight heat pack? The hairless Chinese Crested Dog is one of the cutest hairless dog breeds who love pleasing their owners, and once they do something that amuses you they’ll probably do it again to get your attention. But they also like perching on high places or on the arms of furniture, just like cats. Although they are generally regarded for their stately appearance and playful attitude, they’re frequently entered in ugly dog competitions (resulting in this hilarious news blooper) — but this doesn’t make us love them less. For more information visit their AKC page.
Peruvian Hairless Dog
Image: Yuri Hooker/Wikipedia
Lifespan: 11-12 years
Temperament: Loving, but reserved
Fun fact: They come in multiple sizes
Originating in Peru, the Peruvian hairless dog, a darker skinned version of the Peruvian Inca Orchid, is like Xoloitzcuintlis in that it’s an old breed. Their ancient history is a story told through reliefs of these dogs, which began appearing around 750 A.D. They have been depicted in Moche, Chimu, Chancay and Inca pottery. The Chancay people loved them so much that they even drew them with sweaters on, and like most of the other hairless dog breeds on this list they were regarded for the healing property of their warmth. Of course, this might have been taken too far when their urine and feces was used in medicines. For more information on Peruvian hairless dog breeds you can visit the Inca Orchid AKC page.
Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
Image: SAExpeditions Travel Blog/Nick Dall
Life span: Unknown
Temperament: Intelligent and affectionate
Fun fact: They’re naked as a baby
The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog is so rare that it’s not on any registry, and some people now think it’s a cross between the Peruvian Hairless dog and the Mexican Xoloitzcuintli. While some variations of this breed have hair on the top of their head, this elegant dog is typically characterized by their distinct lack of hair anywhere, making it one of the more desirable hairless dog breeds for people with fibro. Their rarity is due to their ancient history, with figurines from Valdivia demonstrating a domestication of these animals as early as 4,500. B.C.
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