Hairless Khala
The Argentine Pila or Perro Pila Argentino is an Argentine breed of hairless dog. It was recognised by the Asociación Canina Argentina in 2007. It forms part of the large group of South American hairless breeds and types, but is distinct from other modern breeds such as the Chinese Crested, the Peruvian Hairless and the Xoloitzcuintle. It is generally dark-skinned, or light-skinned with dark spots. Hairlessness in this breed along with other South American breeds is caused by a dominant mutation in the FOXI3 gene, which results in a loss of hair as the mutation affects ectodermal development. As the FOXI3 gene not only has an influence on hair follicles but the formation of teeth as well; the same mutation also causes dental differences. It is estimated that approximately 1,700 of these dogs are in Argentina, predominantly in the Salta province in the north of the country.
| Life Span | 10-14 years |
| Weight | 10-30 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Hairless Khala
Finding a responsible Hairless Khala breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells dogs commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Hairless Khala. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Hairless Khalas appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for a Hairless Khala breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
Search USDA Breeders
