Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, originates from Mexico and was domesticated by the Aztecs. Named after the Aztec god of fire and death, Xolos are known for their loyal and calm temperament. Available in hairless and coated varieties across toy, miniature, and standard sizes, they are adaptable and affectionate companions. Their unique skin requires special care, but their loving nature makes them well-suited for various living environments.

written by

Harper Jefcoat

Source: AKC

Breed Group

Purebred

Height

10-23 inches

Weight

10-50 pounds

Life Span

12-15 years

Average Cost

$2,500 - $4,000

Color

White, Black, Fawn, Brindle

AKC Group

Non-Sporting Group

All About Breed

Read all the basic information you need to know about the Xoloitzcuintli:

Xoloitzcuintli History/Origin

The Xoloitzcuintli, unlike dogs bred through intentional crossings, is regarded as a natural breed likely originating from a spontaneous genetic mutation. Centuries of natural selection, rather than human intervention, have shaped its development.

Archaeological findings suggest that the ancestors of the Xoloitzcuintli accompanied migrating peoples across the now-submerged Bering land bridge from Asia to the New World. The breed derives its name from Xolotl, the Aztec deity of fire and guide of the dead, combined with “itzcuintli,” Aztec for dog.

According to legend, these Xolotl dogs possessed healing abilities, particularly noted for treating ailments like asthma, rheumatism, and insomnia. They were also believed to ward off evil spirits during their lives and guide souls to the afterlife, albeit often through sacrificial means. Unfortunately, they were also considered a source of food.

Despite these challenges, the Xoloitzcuintli persisted and experienced periods of popularity. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 under the name Mexican Hairless, under Non-Sporting Group the first AKC-registered Xolo was Mee Too, a dog from Mexico.

The breed briefly regained attention in 1940 when Chinito Jr. became the first and only Xolo to win an AKC championship. Artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo immortalized them in their works.

Xoloitzcuintli as Mexican Hairless – Source: AKC.org

However, the breed fell into obscurity once more and was even deregistered by the AKC in 1959. Thanks to dedicated enthusiasts, the Xoloitzcuintli was saved from extinction.

Today, it is considered a national treasure in Mexico, honored as Dog of the Year in 2010, and approximately 30,000 Xolos are estimated worldwide. These purebred dogs was reinstated by the AKC in 2011 and now occupies a unique position where rarity meets renewed popularity.

Diego Rivera with Xoloitzcuintli – Source: American Indian Magazine

Xoloitzcuintli Personality

The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the dog breeds known for its calm demeanor and aloofness towards strangers while being attentive and affectionate towards its family members. They often bond closely with one person but show affection to all family members.

Xolos enjoy sunbathing and cuddling to stay warm, and they prefer not to be left alone for extended periods. They make excellent watchdogs due to their alert nature but are not excessive barkers.

Temperament of the Xoloitzcuintli

Xoloitzcuintlis are wary of strangers and may be territorial towards other animals. Without proper socialization, they can exhibit aggression towards unfamiliar people or dogs. They require consistent training using positive reinforcement methods to thrive. Xolos are intelligent and sensitive, responding well to gentle correction once they understand expectations. They are athletic and may attempt to scale fences if not properly contained.

Potential Challenges with the XoloitzcuintlI

Owners should be prepared for the Xoloitzcuintli’s need for early socialization to prevent potential aggression towards strangers and other animals. They are not suitable for first-time dog owners due to their intelligence and potential to manipulate inexperienced handlers. Xolos also require secure fencing and ample physical activity to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, especially during their energetic puppy phase.

Xoloitzcuintli Physical Appearance

The Xoloitzcuintli’s physical appearance is unmistakable due to its unique hairless coat, which sets it apart from other dog breeds. Occasionally, they may have a tuft of hair on their head or tail, adding to their distinctive look in the canine world.

Size

Xolos come in three sizes:

Toy Size: Xolos in the toy category stand at least 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder.

Toy Size- source: Pinterest

Miniature Size: Miniature Xolos measure more than 14 to 18 inches in height.

Miniature Size- Source: xolo_mio

Standard Size: The standard Xoloitzcuintli is taller, ranging from more than 18 to 23 inches in height.

Standard Size- Source: xolo_mio

Coat color

The hairless Xoloitzcuintli has smooth but tough skin that fits closely to their body. They have minimal hair on the top of the head, feet, and the last third of the tail, up to the tip. In contrast, the coated Xoloitzcuintli is completely covered with short, smooth, close-fitting hair. Both varieties may come in various colors, typically black, gray-black, slate, red, liver, or bronze, and some hairless Xolos may exhibit white spots and markings.

Liver Xoloitzcuintli with black mask – Source: xolo_mio
Black Xoloitzcuintli – Source: Pinterest

Xoloitzcuintli Gender Differences

Both male and female Xolos are physically identical in size. The primary difference between genders lies in temperament: males generally display higher energy levels, while females are often calmer. These distinctions are less noticeable in spayed or neutered dogs.

Xoloitzcuintli Feed/Nutrition

Recommended daily feeding amounts for Xoloitzcuintlis vary based on their size, ranging from 5/8 to 1.75 cups of high-quality dog food split into two meals per day. The quantity your adult Xoloitzcuintli requires depends on factors such as size, age, body structure, metabolism, and activity level.

It’s crucial to prevent overfeeding as obesity can strain their joints. Maintain your adult Xoloitzcuintli’s optimal weight by measuring their food portions and offering meals twice daily instead of free-feeding.

Additionally, offering mango as an occasional treat can provide a healthy snack that adds some variety to their diet.

Xoloitzcuintli Health

The Xoloitzcuintli is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they should be vaccinated and dewormed before being brought home. While not prone to serious genetic diseases, there are unique traits that affect their care and appearance.

Firstly, their hairlessness requires protection from the sun and cold weather. Use dog-safe sunscreen, especially in light-colored areas, and provide shade outdoors. In cold climates, a sweater or coat helps keep them warm.

Indoors, let them stay unclothed to prevent overheating and skin issues, as their resilient skin heals quickly from cuts or abrasions.

Another notable trait is the genetic link between hairlessness and dentition. Many adult hairless Xolos lack premolars, which doesn’t impact their eating ability, and aren’t penalized in show competitions. Coated Xolos typically have complete dentition.

Xoloitzcuintli Care and Grooming

Trim your Xoloitzcuintli’s nails weekly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort; if you hear them clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim. Introduce nail trimming early to make it a stress-free experience for both you and your dog.

Schedule annual vet check-ups for overall health maintenance. During grooming sessions, carefully inspect for any signs of sores, rashes, redness, tenderness, or inflammation on their skin, ears, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. Healthy ears should have minimal wax, and eyes should be clear without any discharge.

While Xoloitzcuintlis clean themselves like cats and are less likely to attract fleas, they sweat through their skin and paw pads, requiring regular cleaning. Wash their feet weekly to keep sebaceous glands clear and bathe them every couple of weeks using a gentle dog shampoo. Additionally, training your dog to stay is an important skill that can help with grooming and overall behavior.

Avoid applying oils or lotions to their skin unnecessarily. After outdoor activities, remember to wipe off any sunscreen applied to their body.

Xoloitzcuintli Rescue Groups

Several dedicated rescue organizations specialize in finding suitable homes for Xoloitzcuintlis. These groups play a vital role in providing essential care, rehabilitation, and adoption services to Xolos who require assistance.

Gentle Giants Rescue- Xoloitzcuintle

Xoloitzcuintli Club of America

Xoloitzcuintli Price

The price of a Xoloitzcuintli typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and location.

When purchasing a Xoloitzcuintli from a breeder, conducting thorough research is crucial to ensure they are reputable and ethical. Seek breeders who prioritize health clearances, proper care, and ethical breeding practices.

AKC Marketplace

Good Dog

Interesting Facts

The Xoloitzcuintli was believed to guard against evil spirits. It had a special relationship with Xolotl, the Aztec god of death, guiding souls to safety after death.
Xoloitzcuintli appeared in the Disney movie “ Coco”.

Coco- Source: Movie Paws

Best For

The Xoloitzcuintli is ideal for individuals or families who value a unique and striking appearance in a dog, with options for either hairless or coated varieties. They are best suited for those seeking a loyal, affectionate, and trainable companion. They are good with children and have low-maintenance grooming needs. Additionally, hairless Xolos are a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Top Names

Male Xoloitzcuintli Names	Female Xoloitzcuintli Names
Diego	Frida
Max	Luna
Chico	Bella
Bruno	Maya
Leo	Xena

Pet Ratings

Adaptability

They are not the best dogs for first-timers but not the worst as well. They are known to be friendly and easy to train, which can make them a great pick for first-timers. The downside is that they require a lot of attention and grooming, which first-time pet owners may not have the time, training, or patience for.

Friendliness

There are different types of friendliness. Some dogs may be friendly to humans but not to other dogs. Other dogs may be friendly to both humans and other dogs. The breed is not the only factor that determines how friendly a dog will be. Dogs who have spent time with their siblings and mother until they are six to eight weeks old and have played with other dogs a lot during puppyhood are more likely to be friendly to other dogs.

Health and Grooming Needs

Some breeds of dogs such as this one, are more likely to have certain health problems. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will have those diseases, but they are more likely to. If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed.

Trainability

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, and it's not hard to see why. They provide us with companionship, love, and security. But when it comes to training, some dog breeds are definitely easier to work with than others. This breed is known for being particularly easy to train.

Exercise Needs

Different breeds of dogs have different needs when it comes to exercise. Some breeds are fine with a slow stroll around the block once a day, while others need more vigorous exercise every day. Breeds that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting, need especially active lifestyles to stay healthy and happy. Without enough exercise, these breeds may become overweight and destructive.

Key Takeaways

Unique Appearance: Xoloitzcuintlis are distinct, being either hairless with smooth skin in various colors or coated with short, smooth fur of any color.

Loyal and Affectionate: Xoloitzcuintli dogs are celebrated for their loyal and affectionate nature. They are devoted to their families and make excellent companions.

Easy to Train: Xoloitzcuintli dogs are typically easy to train using positive reinforcement techniques. They are intelligent and eager to please their owners.

Low-Maintenance: Xoloitzcuintli dogs have low-maintenance grooming needs. Hairless Xolos require minimal grooming, while coated Xolos should be brushed weekly to prevent matting.

Good with Children: Xoloitzcuintli dogs are good with children. They are gentle and patient, making them great playmates.

Good for Allergy Sufferers: Hairless Xoloitzcuintli dogs are a suitable choice for allergy sufferers. They do not shed hair, which can trigger allergies in some people.

Healthy Breed: Xoloitzcuintli dogs are generally healthy. However, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as allergies, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation.

What does Xoloitzcuintli mean in English?

Xoloitzcuintli translates to "dog of the god Xolotl" in English. Xolotl was the Aztec god of fire and lightning, who was believed to guide the souls of the dead to the underworld.

Why are Xolo dogs special?

Xolo dogs are special because of their ancient heritage, dating back over 3,000 years in Mexico. They are known for their unique appearance, either hairless or coated, and their loyal and affectionate temperament. Additionally, they are considered to have healing properties and are thought to ward off evil spirits.

Are Xolo dogs high maintenance?

Xolo dogs are generally low maintenance in terms of grooming, especially the hairless variety. However, their skin requires protection from the sun and cold, and regular cleaning is necessary. Coated Xolos need weekly brushing to prevent matting.

Are Xolo dogs rare?

Yes, Xolo dogs are considered rare. They were once on the brink of extinction but have been revived by dedicated breeders and enthusiasts. Today, they are recognized as a national treasure in Mexico and are slowly gaining popularity worldwide.

Are Xoloitzcuintli aggressive?

Xoloitzcuintlis are typically not aggressive. They are known for being loyal and affectionate with their families but can be aloof and wary of strangers. Proper socialization and training can help mitigate any potential aggressive tendencies.

What is the history of the Mexican hairless dog?

The history of the Mexican hairless dog, or Xoloitzcuintli, dates back over 3,000 years. They were revered by ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs, Toltecs, and Maya, who believed they had healing powers and could guide souls to the underworld. The breed nearly disappeared but was saved by enthusiasts and is now recognized by various kennel clubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and expert author at ThePetWorld.org. With a deep-seated passion for animals, Harper brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to his writings. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he aims to help pet owners understand and care for their furry friends better.