The Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient breed that developed through natural evolution since the Mayan and Aztec era. The Mexican dog is believed to have traveled to the region from Asia alongside the ancient ancestors of the Aztec Indians. The dogs were cherished for their comforting properties, and they were utilized for warming beds on cold nights and for relieving body aches and pains. They were also believed to ward off evil spirits. Today, the Xoloitzcuintli remains a beloved household companion, prized for its loyalty, affection and tranquil demeanor. In 2001, the American Kennel Club recognized the Xoloitzcuintli as a member of the non-sporting group.
The Xolo is a hairless or powder-puff coated dog that can come in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. Xolos are slender, athletic dogs with pronounced muscles. They have broad skulls and long muzzles. Their ears are triangular, large and sit erect on top of their skulls. While the powder-puff variety has a full coat of hair, the hairless variety has some short, sparse strands of hair on its head and tail. The hairless variety will have to be bathed and wiped once or twice a week. Owners should also apply sun lotion to protect it from the sun and cover the hairless Xolo in cold weather. The coated variety should be brushed regularly.
Personality
The Xolo is a friendly, alert and intelligent breed. Xolos are very loyal and affectionate with their human family, but they need assertive and consistent leadership from all family members otherwise he may think he runs the show. Xolos need daily exercise in the form of a walk or a jog/run. They are protective and may be aggressive towards other dogs if they feel threatened. They are usually aloof towards strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Xolo, Mexican hairless dog, Tepeizeuintli |
Xoloitzcuintli Build Information
The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three different sizes, the toy size stands 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 9 to 18 pounds. The miniature Xoloitzcuintli stands 15 to 18 inches tall and weighs 13 to 22 pounds. The standard variation measures 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 20 to 31 pounds. There are two varieties of the Xoloitzcuintli, which are hairless and coated. The hairless variety is truly hairless. Some hairless Xoloitzcuintlis may have short tufts of hair on top of their heads and on their tails. The coated variety has a full coat that is very short and sleek. Both varieties are solid colors, which may be black, gray, slate, liver, bronze and red. White markings may be present. The Xoloitzcuintli’s ears are pointed and stand erect, and the tail is long and curved. The Xolo is a hairless or powder-puff coated dog that can come in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. Xolos are slender, athletic dogs with pronounced muscles. They have broad skulls and long muzzles. Their ears are triangular, large and sit erect on top of their skulls. While the powder-puff variety has a full coat of hair, the hairless variety has some short, sparse strands of hair on its head and tail. The hairless variety will have to be bathed and wiped once or twice a week. Owners should also apply sun lotion to protect it from the sun and cover the hairless Xolo in cold weather. The coated variety should be brushed regularly.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
The Xoloitzcuintli is an effective watchdog and a devoted companion. It is affectionate, bonds closely with its family and thrives on snuggling. It is not uncommon for the Xoloitzcuintli to bond especially closely with one chosen family member. Attentive and wary with strangers, the Xoloitzcuintli is protective. The breed gets along well with other household dogs and cats, and it gets along with children when it is raised among them. The Xoloitzcuintli is intelligent and easy to train and housebreak, but it can be headstrong at times. This breed excels in agility coursing and in activities that are mentally stimulating. The Xolo is a friendly, alert and intelligent breed. Xolos are very loyal and affectionate with their human family, but they need assertive and consistent leadership from all family members otherwise he may think he runs the show. Xolos need daily exercise in the form of a walk or a jog/run. They are protective and may be aggressive towards other dogs if they feel threatened. They are usually aloof towards strangers.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Xoloitzcuintli that is hairless has no coat to groom, but it will require some attention in caring for its skin. Bathing should be restricted to once a month to prevent stripping the skin’s natural oils. Sunscreen should be applied when the dog will have exposure to sunlight. For the Xoloitzcuintli that has a coat, brushing the coat once a week will removed dead hairs and help to redistribute the skin’s natural oils. Brush the teeth of both varieties of the Xoloitzcuintli every other day to maintain oral health.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Xoloitzcuintli Common Health Conditions
The Xoloitzcuintli is a hardy dog with few known health problems. The Xoloitzcuintli lives an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. The Xoloitzcuintli’s sensitive skin is prone to sunburn and skin conditions, such as acne.
Xoloitzcuintli Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
One of the oldest and most rare breeds in the world may be hairless or coated and comes in three sizes. The Xoloitzcuintli is an excellent choice for a watchdog, a loving companion and a comforting therapy pet. The Xoloitzcuintli originated in Mexico. The Xoloitzcuintli is also called a Xolo, a Mexican hairless dog and a tepeizeuintli. The Xoloitzcuintli is an affectionate and devoted family dog. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The Xoloitzcuintli comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes. The Xoloitzcuintli has a moderate energy level. The Xoloitzcuintli requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Xoloitzcuintli is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
