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Argentine Pila

A walker's guide to the Argentine Pila: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 8 to 25 kgActiveHairlessSun and cold sensitiveThree sizesVery rare
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleRelaxed, affectionate
With other dogsGenerally easy

Overview

The Pila is a hairless dog of the Andean north-west of Argentina, kept for generations as a household companion and, it is said, a warm body to sleep against. It shares ancestry with the Peruvian Hairless and the Xoloitzcuintle and comes in three sizes, from a small lap dog to a medium type.

There is almost no breed-specific walking information because so few exist outside Argentina. Treat it as a primitive-type companion: alert, attached to its people, often reserved with strangers, with the practical limits of bare skin in a cold, wet climate.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour a day in two moderate walks is a sensible baseline, adjusted to the size and the dog's own enthusiasm. Many hairless dogs are more active than their delicate look suggests and enjoy a run and a game.

The weather decides the length. Cold, wind and rain all cut a walk short; strong sun needs shade and timing.

Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeDepends on the dog

On the walk

  • Skin: No coat means scratches from brambles, sunburn on the back and chilling in wind. Pick open, soft routes and keep the dog in a coat when it is cold.
  • Strangers: Primitive-type dogs often take their time with new people. Let the dog come to you and keep your hands low.
  • Other dogs: Generally sociable, but exposed skin bruises and tears easily in rough play. Choose gentle company.
  • Teeth: Hairless breeds often have missing teeth, so chewing sticks or tugging hard on toys may be a bad idea. Ask.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Keep a coat and a towel for the dog in the van whatever the forecast says.
  2. Use a soft, padded harness rather than anything that rubs bare skin.
  3. Shorten the walk if the dog shivers or seeks shelter; it is telling you it has had enough.
  4. Report any scrape or sore spot to the owner, as skin problems show quickly on a hairless dog.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • How does the dog cope with cold and wet, and what should it wear?
  • Does it need sunscreen in summer, and which product and areas do you use?
  • Any missing teeth, skin conditions or allergies that affect what it can chew or walk through?
Peruvian Hairless DogAn ancient hairless dog from the Peruvian coastXoloitzcuintleThe Mexican HairlessChinese Crested DogA tiny companion breed that comes hairless or coatedAmerican Hairless TerrierA small