Khala

The Khala is a Bolivian hairless dog, and its name is Aymara for naked.

History

It belongs to the family of South American hairless dogs alongside the Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Argentine Pila, and it has been kept in the Bolivian highlands for a very long time. It comes in two builds — a standard and a short-legged form — and local tradition, as with the other hairless breeds of the Andes, credits it with easing aches through its warm bare skin.

Temperament

The breed is known for being affectionate with its own household, alert and reserved with strangers, and quieter than its size suggests.

Care and training

Exercise needs are moderate. The bare skin needs sun protection, warmth and washing rather than grooming.

Health

Known concerns are the dental irregularities linked to the hairless gene and skin conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.