Xoloitzcuintli Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Xoloitzcuintli?

Xoloitzcuintli is, in actual fact, a natural breed. They were not made by mixing or crossing breeds. They are said to be a result of a genetic mutation.

Their ancestors are said to be dogs that migrated with people from Asia to the new world. They got their name from the Aztec god of fire and were seen as healing dogs and guides for the deceased.

In the past, they were "doctors" in Central America and Native Mexico as their bodies gave off a lot of heat, which provided comfort for people with specific ailments and arthritis. In 1887 they were known as the Mexican Hairless and were recognised by the American kennel club.

They rose in popularity and then dropped down again. They were seen in various artworks but were deregistered by the AKC in 1959

The AKC recognised them as a breed again in 2011, and they are classified as non-sporting dogs. They are now Mexico's national treasure.

Who are Xoloitzcuintli dogs best for?

Xoloitzcuintli is best for people who do not have loads of allergens. Even though they are hairless dogs, they still produce saliva, urine, and dander - all of which carry allergies.

They are very adaptable; they come in three different sizes to easily fit into any type of home. These dogs may be able to manipulate their owners, so they are not the best choice for inexperienced or first-time owners.

Xoloitzcuintli dogs get along well with children and all other pets if they have grown up together, and they are well suited to families that spend most of their time at home or bring their dog along with them most times.

How much grooming does a Xoloitzcuintli need?

You will need to give their nails a weekly trim and try to brush their teeth daily, otherwise two to three times each week.

You should take your pup for regular vet visits. Even though they are hairless dogs, they will still need grooming. Check them for rashes, sores, or any signs of infection like inflammation, redness, or tenderness on their skin.

Make sure that their ears and eyes are clean. You will want to check these weekly to avoid any infections. Wash their feet every week; this way, you ensure that their sebaceous glands never get clogged and give them a good bath every few weeks.

Use a soft brush to brush their coat and use a damp cloth to wipe their skin. They may also need a moisturising lotion applied to their skin now and then.

Do Xoloitzcuintli bark much?

Xoloitzcuintli dogs are not nuisance barkers, but if their watchdog instincts kick in, they will alert you if they see any movement or if anything has disturbed them.

They also tend to be pretty needy; they do not enjoy being left alone and require a lot of companionship. If they start to feel lonely, they may become quite destructive and will bark a lot.

It is best to train them in the early stages. This way, they will know when barking is appropriate or not. And in certain situations, their instincts will kick in, and they will bark to protect their owners if they feel threatened or just want to communicate.

Do Xoloitzcuintli bite?

Like all other dogs, Xoloitzcuintli puppies will bite when playing and when teething because they do not know any better. It is best to establish boundaries from a young age. This way, the pup can learn which behaviours are ok and which aren't.

Biting can be a serious problem when they get older, so teach them early on through training, removing the source, and socialisation.

What is the temperament & personality of a Xoloitzcuintli?

They do have a stubborn and predatory side to them, making them excellent watchdogs but your best companion at the same time!

When they are adults, they are calm and attentive dogs. They usually pick a favourite human and love affection. These pooches love snuggling in the sun and do not enjoy being alone. They also do not make friends very easily and are wary of all strangers.

If not socialised properly, they do have the tendency to be aggressive. Xoloitzcuintli dogs are athletic. They start out as active puppies and become more relaxed as they age. Xoloitzcuintli dogs are intelligent, happy, and loyal.

They can be very cautious and reserved with strangers but will warm up to people over time. They are highly affectionate and loving; like all other dog breeds, they want to be loved and cuddled.

What is the weight & size of a Xoloitzcuintli?

Xoloitzcuintli come in three sizes: there is small, medium, and large.

The large Xolo is generally between 46-58 cm and usually weighs around 7-14 kg.

Medium Xoloitzcuintli is about 58-74 cm in length, and they stand at about 66-81 cm.

The miniature Xoloitzcuintli can be around 38 - 51 cm tall and weigh around 6.8 - 14 kg.

How much training does a Xoloitzcuintli need?

These dogs need to be trained with a good structure and consistency. They are highly sensitive doggos, so use positive reinforcement and gentle techniques when training them. They are quick learners, and correcting misbehaviour will be very easy.

They need to be socialised from an early age to expose them to different sounds, people, experiences, and sights. Puppy kindergarten class is also a great way to improve their social skills and ensure that they grow up to be well-rounded pooches!

Keep the training exercises and sessions interesting, fun, and short to hold the dog's attention. Start training them at about 8-10 weeks old.

While Xolo puppies enjoy dog sports, keep exercise in adult dogs moderate. An adult dog is likely to run out of steam faster than when it was a puppy!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Xoloitzcuintli?

This affectionate hairless breed is considered a healthy dog, but like all other dogs, they are prone to specific health issues.

Since they are a breed with no dog hair, they need to be protected from cold weather and the sun. Ensure that you put sunscreen on their skin and don't leave them outside for long periods of time. They may require a sweater in the colder months.

Dentition and hairlessness have been found to be linked, and many Xoloitzcuintli dogs are missing their premolars.

What is the lifespan of a Xoloitzcuintli?

The average lifespan of the Mexican hairless is about 15-20 years. This does depend on their lifestyle, eating habits, overall health, and environment.

However, the Mexican hairless dog is quite a healthy breed. They do not suffer from many ailments or diseases. A healthier dog will live a longer and happier life!

How much should you feed a Xoloitzcuintli?

The amount you feed your dog will depend on its size, metabolism, age, build, and activity level. But generally, these dogs should eat 5/8 to 1.75 cups of food divided into two meals every day. Only feed them high-quality dog food.

Measure their food; these dogs can overeat and become obese, which is very problematic for their health.

What is the price of a Xoloitzcuintli in Australia?

The price of this dog will depend on the breeder. If you purchase a Mexican hairless dog from responsible breeders that ensure the dog is in top health and well-bred, you can expect to pay around AUD 3,000.

And you can pay anywhere up to AUD 5,000 for a Xoloitzcuintli show dog. The breed needs to be imported to Australia, which causes a rise in the overall cost. There are also only about 30,000 of these dogs, so they are a relatively rare breed as well.

Make sure that you only buy your pup from a registered breeder!