There will always be aspects of the animal kingdom that puzzle and shock human beings. We live in awe of other species, and we constantly strive to understand how they think, function, and evolve.
Dogs have been our faithful companions for centuries. We rely on them for unconditional love and loyalty. Not only are they super fun to play with, but they’re adorable and always willing to spend quality time with us.
The more time we spend with our dogs, the more we want to know everything we can about them. What makes them tick, why they act or behave the way they do, and why some of them have more hair on their bellies than others.
Why do dogs have bald bellies?
If you have a dog, at some point, you’ve probably asked yourself why most of them don’t have much hair on their bellies. So whenever Fido flips over for a belly scratch, it’s likely you can see his skin through the fur, if there’s any fur there at all!
It’s true that some hairier breeds, such as Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs, might have more hair on their stomachs than other dogs. Still, it’s thinner than the fur that covers the rest of their bodies.
So what is the deal with bald bellies?
Bald bellies are part of the way many animals evolve
Many animals have lighter, or zero, fur on their bellies. Dogs are not an exception to this rule. Animals ranging from chipmunks to alligators all have a lighter color on their stomach, whether fur or scales.
Lighter skin and fur patterns are part of evolution. However, the circle of life can be vicious, and animals must have a way to blend in to survive. A pale belly helps animals blend in with their surroundings instead of maintaining the same bold color pattern from head to hoof or paw.
Bald bellies aid in survival
Though the domestic dogs that we share our homes with today don’t have much of a need for light or bald bellies, they evolved from wild animals that do. It doesn’t matter what part of the world from which an animal hails. The sun is always in the same place, overhead.
Animals with pale bellies and dark backs balance out the amount of light reflecting off of them, making it easier to hide from predators. This concept is true for wolves and the wild dogs of years past.
Your dog could have a medical condition
Evolution aside, if your dog has patchy fur or inflamed skin on his stomach, this could be an indication of a medical or skin condition. Many dogs have skin sensitivities, and it’s not uncommon for hot spots and hair loss to show up on their tummies.
This situation will be noticeable in all dogs, even those that don’t have much hair on their stomachs to lose. If there is a change in the appearance of your dog’s belly, don’t hesitate to take it to the vet for a checkup. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Bald bellies are normal
Don’t worry about your dog having a hair-free tummy. It’s normal for many animals, and dogs are notorious for lack of belly hair!
Do all dogs have bald bellies?
The short answer here is no. Not all dogs have hairless tummies. However, many of them do, and there’s nothing wrong with either situation.
Whether or not your dog has a bald tummy will vary by age and breed. For example, a dog with a bald belly as a puppy might very well fill out as he grows, and older dogs tend to lose hair, especially in places that spend a lot of time on the floor, like stomachs and elbows.
On the other hand, breeds like Dobermans and Dachshunds don’t have any belly hair, while Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds have plenty. Many genetic factors help determine if a dog will have a bald belly or not.
Why is my dog losing fur on his belly?
There are a few reasons for hair loss that don’t cause concern, but if your pup is suddenly losing hair on his belly, it’s a good idea to see your vet. Causes can vary here, so it’s best to consult a professional.
Hormonal imbalances
If your dog is suffering from a hormonal imbalance, like Hypothyroidism, he may start to lose hair on his body, stomach included. A simple blood test will give insight into what hormones could be off, if any, and if that is the cause of sudden hair loss.
Serious illness
More severe conditions, such as liver and kidney disease, could explain sudden hair loss. Often, this isn’t the case, but asking your vet will bring your peace of mind on the topic.
Allergies and skin conditions
Many dogs have allergies stemming from the likes of food sensitivities and the change of season. Your veterinarian can perform an allergy test on your pup to see if allergies are the culprit causing his belly hair loss.
Also, skin conditions such as mange will cause a dog to lose hair on its stomach. It’s treatable, but if not caught early, it will spread. Mange is contagious as well, so if you suspect a skin condition, it’s vital to care for it right away.
Laying in the same spot
If your pup lays on his stomach often, he may begin to lose hair from the constant surface rubbing. But, unless it’s irritating his skin, this hair loss isn’t a big deal. If he has thin tummy hair, to begin with, you might not even notice until you vacuum!
What dog breeds don’t have hair on their bellies?
Many people search for dog breeds that don’t have belly hair for various reasons; lack of time to clean up dog hair and allergies being two frontrunners. While hairless dog breeds exist, most short-haired dogs have little upkeep and close to no hair on their tummies.
These include:
- Beagles
- Bloodhounds
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Bulldogs
- Dalmations
- French Bulldogs
- Great Danes
- Greyhounds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Pointers
- Pugs
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Weimaraners
And the list goes on! In addition to the ones on this list, there are many dogs that don’t have any hair on their bellies. Most existing and potential dog owners know what breed of dog they prefer to own.
It’s not often that belly hair plays a role in that decision-making, but it is nice to know what to expect when you bring home your new puppy or take in an adult dog. Knowing what your dog breed of choice should look like when healthy is a great way to indicate if they are sick.
When do puppies get hair on their bellies?
Puppies always look a bit strange when they’re born. They come into the world somewhat hairless and blind, and as unbelievable as it is, it takes mere weeks for them to turn into a romping, biting, silly little furball.
However, many puppies will remain bald in their belly area. This baldness may change with time, or it could stay the same depending on breed and genetics. For example, it’s easier to predict when a Samoyed puppy will get fur on his belly than a mixed breed, as it may be unclear which breed the puppy is.
All puppies will develop hair on their bellies in their own time. So we really can’t predict when or if it will happen. Dogs grow at a much faster rate than people, so if your pup is going to develop a plethora of belly hair, you can likely expect it by 12 weeks old. But, again, every puppy is different.
Bald bellies are just as adorable as furry ones, so when it comes to whether your puppy will grow tummy fur or stay as bald as a newborn baby, just roll with the punches. You’ll love him either way!