Xoloitzcuintle

also known as Xolo, Xoloescuincle, Mexican Hairless, Xolito, Xoloitzcuintli, Xoloitzcuintle, Xoloitzquintle

Pros History


The Xoloitzcuintle, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog or Xolo, is a breed of dog that originated in Mexico. The breed has a long and rich history that dates back hundreds of years, and is an important part of Mexican culture and history.

The Xoloitzcuintle is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world, and is believed to have descended from the primitive dogs that accompanied the first human settlers in the Americas. The breed was highly prized by the ancient Aztecs, who believed that the dogs had the power to protect the home from evil spirits and to guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife.

The Xoloitzcuintle is a unique breed, with a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other dogs. The breed comes in both hairless and coated varieties, and is known for its sleek and agile build, as well as its unique appearance.

Despite its ancient origins, the Xoloitzcuintle was not officially recognized as a breed until the 20th century. In the 1930s, the breed was recognized by the Mexican government, and breeding standards were established. In the decades since its recognition, the Xoloitzcuintle has become a popular breed in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.

In the 1950s, the Xoloitzcuintle was introduced to the United States, where it quickly gained a following among dog lovers. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2011, and has since become a popular choice for those looking for a unique and unusual breed.

Breed Information


Type

Is Xoloitzcuintle a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Xoloitzcuintle name? How do you say Xoloitzcuintles?

Show-low-its-queen-tli

Purpose

What were Xoloitzcuintles originally used for?

food, sacrifice, companionship, hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Xoloitzcuintles Live? What is average life expectancy for a Xoloitzcuintle? How long can Xoloitzcuintles live?

15-18 years

The average Xoloitzcuintle lifespan is somewhere between 15-18 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Xoloitzcuintle Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Xoloitzcuintle?

What is the average height of a Xoloitzcuintle? How big is a Purebred Xoloitzcuintle height? Xoloitzcuintle dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 13-22 inches (33 - 55.9 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
Female 9-21 inches (22.9 - 53.3 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Xoloitzcuintle? How much should Xoloitzcuintles weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 19-31 pounds (9 - 14 kg) 10.5 pounds (5 kg) 17.0 pounds (8 kg) 20.0 pounds (9 kg)
Female 13-31 pounds (6 - 14 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg) 19.0 pounds (9 kg) 22.0 pounds (10 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Xoloitzcuintles get fat easily?

The Xoloitzcuintle is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Xoloitzcuintles Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Xoloitzcuintles are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Xoloitzcuintle personality? What are Xoloitzcuintle dogs best known for?

Alert
Cheerful
Loyal
Calm
Companionable
Protective

Shedding Level

Are Xoloitzcuintles heavy shedders? How Much Does a Xoloitzcuintle Shed?

Xoloitzcuintle will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Xoloitzcuintle dog?

The Xoloitzcuintle dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Xoloitzcuintles come from?

Mexico

Ancestry

What are Xoloitzcuintles descended from?

spitz, primitive types

Date of Birth

When were Xoloitzcuintles first bred? How old is the Xoloitzcuintle breed?

ancient, pre-columbian times

Xoloitzcuintle Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Xoloitzcuintle eyes?

Hazel
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Xoloitzcuintle nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Xoloitzcuintle coat be naturally?

White
Black
Fawn
Brindle
Brown

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Xoloitzcuintle Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Xoloitzcuintle?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Xoloitzcuintle have in a litter? How many puppies can a Xoloitzcuintle have in her first litter?

15-18 puppies per pregnancy

A Xoloitzcuintle can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Xoloitzcuintles are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Xoloitzcuintle Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Xoloitzcuintles have a lot of health problems?

The Xoloitzcuintle is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher incidence of health problems compared to some other breeds. These health issues may be frequent and can range from minor to serious. It is therefore essential that owners of DOG_NAMEs schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Xoloitzcuintle?

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Xoloitzcuintles?

Dry Skin
Sunburn
Teeth Issues

Occasional Diagnoses

Drug Allergy or Sensitivity

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Xoloitzcuintle breed?

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Xoloitzcuintle Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Xoloitzcuintles have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Xoloitzcuintles may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Xoloitzcuintles need socialization? How social are Xoloitzcuintles?

Xoloitzcuintle have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Xoloitzcuintles get?

The Xoloitzcuintle dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Xoloitzcuintle have? Do Xoloitzcuintles sleep a lot?

The Xoloitzcuintle breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Xoloitzcuintle drool a lot?

The Xoloitzcuintle is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Xoloitzcuintles are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Xoloitzcuintles exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Xoloitzcuintle dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are Xoloitzcuintles mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Xoloitzcuintle running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Xoloitzcuintle dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Xoloitzcuintles enjoy doing? How do I keep my Xoloitzcuintle busy?

Walk, Play, Run, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Hiking playing, Play keep away, Nap, Dog Parks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Xoloitzcuintle? How much energy does a Xoloitzcuintle have?

Medium

Xoloitzcuintles are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Xoloitzcuintle walk each week? How many miles should a Xoloitzcuintle walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Xoloitzcuintle, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Xoloitzcuintle should exercise a day? How much activity does a Xoloitzcuintle need?

45 minutes

In general most Xoloitzcuintles usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Xoloitzcuintle?

The Xoloitzcuintle is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Xoloitzcuintles?

Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Xoloitzcuintle eat?

2.2 cups

For an average 19-31 pound (9 - 14 kg) Xoloitzcuintle feed 2.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Xoloitzcuintle Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Xoloitzcuintle is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Xoloitzcuintle Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Xoloitzcuintle is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Xoloitzcuintle Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Xoloitzcuintle?

The Xoloitzcuintle have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Xoloitzcuintles lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Xoloitzcuintle dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Xoloitzcuintle dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Xoloitzcuintle do well in apartments? Are Xoloitzcuintles good indoor dogs?

Xoloitzcuintles are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Xoloitzcuintles good with kids? Are Xoloitzcuintles good around children?

Xoloitzcuintles are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Xoloitzcuintles good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Xoloitzcuintles good with cats? How friendly Xoloitzcuintles are toward cats?

Xoloitzcuintles are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Xoloitzcuintle dogs get along with other dogs? Are Xoloitzcuintles OK with other dogs?

Xoloitzcuintles are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Xoloitzcuintle dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Xoloitzcuintles friendly with strangers?

Xoloitzcuintles are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Xoloitzcuintles are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Xoloitzcuintles will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Xoloitzcuintles like to play? Are Xoloitzcuintles playful?

Xoloitzcuintles have an average level of playfulness. The Xoloitzcuintles, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Xoloitzcuintle easily trained?

Xoloitzcuintle dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Cat Friendly
    Xoloitzcuintle dogs get along well with cats.
  • Quiet
    The Xoloitzcuintle dog is known for being relatively silent, making it a good option if you're looking for a quieter dog.
  • Low maintenance coat
    As a hairless breed, the Xoloitzcuintle does not require regular grooming and shedding is minimal.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Some people who are allergic to dog hair may be able to tolerate the Xoloitzcuintle.
  • Adaptability
    The Xoloitzcuintle is generally a adaptable breed and can thrive in a variety of living situations, including apartments and small homes.
  • Intelligence
    Xoloitzcuintles are intelligent and trainable, making them a good choice for obedience training and other activities.
  • Unique appearance
    The Xoloitzcuintle's hairless appearance sets it apart from other breeds and can be a striking and attractive feature.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    A Xoloitzcuintle may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting.
  • Sensitive skin
    Because they are hairless, Xoloitzcuintles are prone to sunburn and other skin irritation, which can be uncomfortable for the dog and require extra care.
  • Health concerns
    Like any breed, the Xoloitzcuintle can be prone to certain health issues, including eye problems, skin irritation, and dental problems.
  • Training challenges
    Xoloitzcuintles can be strong-willed and may require patience and consistent training to ensure they behave well.
  • Limited breeding pool
    As a relatively rare breed, the gene pool for the Xoloitzcuintle may be limited, which can increase the risk of inherited health problems.
  • Specialized care
    The Xoloitzcuintle's hairless coat requires special care to keep the skin healthy, including frequent bathing and the use of sunblock to protect against sunburn.