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Alopecia is the loss or absence of hair from an area of the body where hair should normally be present. Hair is important in dogs not only for cosmetic reasons but it also functions to communicate emotions (e.g. hair stands up on the back of a dog that is angry) and protects the animal from environmental factors such as heat, cold, bacteria and fungi. Because of these important properties of hair, pet owners become concerned when their dog develops alopecia. The veterinary surgeon needs to be familiar with the types of alopecia and the possible differential diagnoses so that the underlying cause can be identified, managed and/or treated. Alopecia can be focal or multifocal. Focal alopecia is usually limited to one area or spot on the body. Multifocal implies that more than one area of the body is affected. Multifocal alopecia can be symmetrical (present on both sides and in a similar location) or asymmetrical (not in a uniform pattern and not located in a similar location on both sides).The chapter considers the following topics: Differential diagnosis; Clinical approach; and Normal alopecia.