Pet Wiki

Argentine Pila

Also called Perro Pila Argentino, Argentine Pila Dog, Khalas, Calientapies (historic nickname)

Watchful and alert, with plenty of agility: it runs fast and is happy to climb and jump.

SizeSmall
Height25 to 45 cm (10 to 18 in)12
CoatHairless (coated variants also occur)
OriginArgentina, mainly the north-west (notably Salta province); thought to descend from Peruvian hairless dogs spread during Inca times.12
Rare breedShort profile
alert little guardian
agile, quick and a good jumper
warm, cuddly companion
2

Personality what they are like

Watchful and alert, with plenty of agility: it runs fast and is happy to climb and jump. Historically it was treasured as a warm companion that shared its owners' beds.2

Coat and looks how to spot one

hairless (coated variants also occur)

Mostly bare-skinned, sometimes with a few tufts on the head, tail or feet, or a faint fuzz. Coated puppies with short, long or wiry hair can appear in the same litters.12

Coloursany colour; skin ranges from black to yellowish, plain or light with dark spots12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Argentine Pila. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Quick and athletic, so it enjoys daily play and chances to run and jump.2

The story where it all began

Hairless dogs were known in the Andes long before the Spanish arrived and were given as prized gifts within the Inca world. After the conquest, local populations developed separately, and the Argentine type became a regional breed that gained national recognition in 2007.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    One of its old names, 'khalas', comes from Quechua and means 'naked'.2

  2. 2

    In 19th-century towns around the Río de la Plata it was nicknamed 'calientapies', the foot-warmer, because people kept it in bed for warmth.2

  3. 3

    Its hairlessness comes from the same FOXI3 gene variant found in other South American hairless breeds.1

  4. 4

    Hairless and fully coated puppies can be born in the same litter.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Perro Pila' comes from the Spanish word 'pila', meaning 'pile' or 'battery', historically used as a nickname 'calientapies' (foot warmer) because of its warm, hairless body.3

Name ideas for your new friend

CalientaChispaCocoFuegoIncaLunaMochiNinaPilaSaltaSolTito

A day in the life told by an Argentine Pila

I wake up on the warm spot where my human slept. I stretch, then climb onto the windowsill to watch the street. A bird lands nearby – I tap the glass. My human laughs and opens the door. I race out, jump onto a low wall, then do a victory lap around the garden. I find a leaf and chase it until it flies away. Back inside, I curl on the sofa, then suddenly leap up to chase a sunbeam. I climb onto the bookshelf to see the whole room. At night, I burrow under the blanket, warm and happy.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Asociación Canina Argentina (as named by Wikipedia)
Recognised nationally in 2007.1
FCI
Not recognised internationally by the FCI (unlike the Mexican and Peruvian hairless breeds).2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Argentine Pila, and at what times?

Feed your Argentine Pila at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular meal times help keep them comfortable. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should an Argentine Pila eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a balanced dog food suitable for your Pila's age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give alcohol, caffeine, or raw bones. Always check with your vet for a safe diet.5

How often should I bathe an Argentine Pila?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your Pila gets dirty or has skin issues. At least once every three months is a good general rule. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect the skin.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Argentine Pila need brushing?

Brush your Argentine Pila weekly, as Pet Wiki suggests. Even though they are mostly hairless, a weekly brush helps remove loose skin cells and keeps the coat healthy. For coated variants, brush more often if the hair is long or silky.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Argentine Pila's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 21 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Argentine Pila need?

Your Argentine Pila is quick and athletic, so daily walks and play are essential. They enjoy running and jumping, so provide chances for active fun each day. A tired Pila is a happy Pila.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Argentine Pila's teeth and ears?

Brush your Pila's teeth daily with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and check ears weekly. Their floppy ears can trap moisture, so dry them gently after cleaning. Never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Argentine Pila live?

The lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 10. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long life. Ask your vet for specific guidance for your dog. Pet Wiki plan

Is an Argentine Pila good with children and other pets?

Argentine Pilas are watchful and alert, and historically they were treasured as warm companions. Their temperament with children and other pets can vary, so early socialization is important. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.2

Can an Argentine Pila be left alone?

This depends on the individual dog's personality and training. Some may tolerate being alone, while others may need company. It's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance tailored to your Pila.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Peruvian Hairless DogXoloitzcuintle

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Argentine Pila - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, sizes, colours, genetics
  2. Perro pila argentino - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, varieties, coat, temperament, fun facts
  3. asociacioncanina.org asociacioncanina.org
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.