When men lose their hair, it’s often due to male pattern baldness. Dogs can also lose their hair in a common skin disease called acquired pattern Alopecia.  It begins by a gradual thinning of the dogs hair coat. The hair is usually lost in a symmetrical pattern.  The hair is lost first on the ears, then the neck, then the chest, abdomen and around the tail. Acquired pattern alopecia affects some breeds more than others.  One breed that it hits really hard are Dachshunds.  Boston Terriers, Chihuahua’s, Whippets and Greyhounds lose hair too. Medically, Alopecia is really not that serious a problem for a dog. It’s more of a problem for the owner because the dog looks a little unsightly. There is a genetic basis for pattern baldness. This is one thing that you and your best friend could have in common. It doesn’t matter if he’s going bald or not. Give him lots of love, toys and treats. Remember, Your pets count!