Khala (dog breed)
The Khala is a rare dog breed originating from the Himalayan region. Individual Khala (dog breed)s vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
About the Khala (dog breed)
The Khala is a rare dog breed originating from the Himalayan region. Learn more about its characteristics, temperament, and history on this comprehensive breed encyclopedia page.
Overview
A hairless dog is a dog with a genetic disposition for hairlessness and hair loss. There are two known types of genetic hairlessness, a dominant and a recessive type. The dominant type is caused by ectodermal dysplasia as a result of a mutation in the FOXI3 autosomal gene.
Dominant genes
Dogs with dominant genes for hairlessness can pass their attributes to their offspring in natural conditions; that is, not under the control of humans. Therefore, it is possible that, in some parts of the world, groups of hairless dogs came into existence without human intervention . Later in history, people developed these groups into recognized breeds. Worldwide recognized breeds at this time are the Chinese Crested Dog , the Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless Dog), the Peruvian Inca Orchid . The Argentine Pila , the Hairless Khala from Bolivia, and the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog are not registered hairless dog breeds. Other breeds that were said to have existed in the past were the African hairless dog (also known as the Abyssinian sand terrier, Egyptian hairless dog and African elephant dog, the last being a reference to its grey skin) and the Siamese Hairless Dog. This type of genetic structure is said to be homozygous pre-natal lethal for the dominant gene. This means that zygotes with two dominant genes cannot live. Therefore, all dominant-hairless dogs have a heterozygous gene structure. This allows a homozygous recessive type to persist, which is the coated variety. For dogs where hairlessness is a dominant gene, hairless to hairless matings will on average produce 66.6% hairless and 33.3% coated puppies. For hairless to coated matings, there will be an average of 50%/50% coated to hairless ratio, while for coated to coated matings, all puppies will be coated. The Chinese Crested Dog''s coated variety is called a "Powderpuff" and is a recognized type. The coated variety of the Xoloitzcuintle is recognized as a valid type for conformation showing with some registries, including the AKC. Coated varieties of the other breeds may or may not be recognized as valid varieties for conformation showing , depending on the breed and show or registry organization.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Khala (dog breed)?
The Khala is a rare, hairless dog breed resulting from a dominant genetic mutation. They have a unique, wrinkled skin and a short, smooth coat. Their skin requires regular care to prevent skin issues. They are intelligent, active, and social dogs, requiring regular exercise and attention.
Is the Khala (dog breed) a good family dog?
As a social breed, the Khala can make a suitable family pet for experienced dog owners. However, their skin care needs and potential health issues may require extra attention. They are generally good with children, but proper supervision and training are essential to ensure a harmonious household.
What health problems do Khala (dog breed)s have?
As a breed with a dominant genetic mutation, the Khala may be prone to ectodermal dysplasia, skin issues, and potentially other health problems associated with the FOXI3 gene mutation. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Khala (dog breed) puppy cost?
The cost of a Khala puppy can vary depending on factors like breeder reputation, bloodline, and location. On average, expect to pay between $1,000 to $3,000 or more for a Khala puppy. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a dog.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Khala (dog breed), supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.