Hairlessness
Also known as: Canine Ectodermal Dysplasia · Dominant Hairlessness · FOXI3 hairlessness · Ektodermale Dysplasie · Erbliche Haarlosigkeit · …
Overview
What it is
This is a genetic condition known as ectodermal dysplasia, which affects the development of the outer layer of tissue in a developing embryo. This impairment specifically impacts the skin, hair follicles, and teeth, preventing them from forming normally. As a result, affected dogs are born with little to no coat and often have missing or malformed teeth.
How it presents
Owners will notice hairlessness across most of the body starting from birth, along with missing or unusually shaped teeth as the puppy grows. The exposed skin is also highly sensitive to sunburn, extreme cold, and minor injuries.
Treatment
While the underlying genetic condition is lifelong and cannot be cured, it is manageable with daily skin care, sun protection, and protective clothing. Regular veterinary dental care is also required to manage missing or abnormal teeth, with lifetime management costs typically ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 EUR.
How it's tested
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
Primary testDNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Hairlessness?
This is a genetic condition known as ectodermal dysplasia, which affects the development of the outer layer of tissue in a developing embryo. This impairment specifically impacts the skin, hair follicles, and teeth, preventing them from forming normally. As a result, affected dogs are born with little to no coat and often have missing or malformed teeth.
How is Hairlessness tested?
Tests currently in our database: Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Argentine Pila, Ecuadorian Hairless Dog, Hairless Chihuahua, Hairless Khala, Peruvian Hairless Dog.