Argentine Pila
Also called Perro Pila Argentino, Argentine Pila Dog, Khalas, Calientapies (historic nickname)
From Argentina, mainly the north-west (notably Salta province); thought to descend from Peruvian hairless dogs spread during Inca times.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
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
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
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
One of its old names, 'khalas', comes from Quechua and means 'naked'.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
Its hairlessness comes from the same FOXI3 gene variant found in other South American hairless breeds.1
- 4
Hairless and fully coated puppies can be born in the same litter.2
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
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Argentine Pila. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.3
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.4
How often should I bathe an Argentine Pila?
Furry Diary'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.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does an Argentine Pila need brushing?
Brush your Argentine Pila weekly, as Furry Diary 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.5 Furry Diary 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.5 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.5 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Argentine Pila - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, sizes, colours, genetics
- Perro pila argentino - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, varieties, coat, temperament, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.