Utility group · Mexico
Xoloitzcuintli
Also called Xolo, Mexican Hairless Dog, Xoloitzcuintle.
What makes them remarkable
The Xolo’s name honours Xolotl, an Aztec deity associated with its traditional role as a guide to the underworld.
- Loyal
- Alert
- Calm
- Intelligent
- Affectionate
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 5 to 25 kg10 to 55 lb
- Lives
- 13 to 18 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Xoloitzcuintli
Utility breeds. Many of these think before they obey. Earn compliance with reward and consistency; they do not do it for free.
Socialisation Critical
Start here
Can be reserved or suspicious of strangers. Extensive early socialisation essential.
Primitive Breed Intelligence
Ancient breed with strong instincts. Responds well to calm, consistent training.
Skin Protection
Hairless variety needs sunscreen outdoors and moisturizer for skin health.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Xoloitzcuintli and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Breeds developed for a job that no longer exists or never fitted a group. Includes the spitz and primitive breeds.
Gets on with
- ChildrenModerate
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersLow
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 45-60 minutes daily. Moderate walks and play. Enjoys warm weather activities.
- Grooming
- Minimal coat care but hairless variety needs regular bathing and skin care.
- Drool
- Very Low
- Coat
- Hairless, Coated (short, flat coat)Black, Grey, Bronze, Red, Liver, Slate
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Skin Issues
Moderate
Hairless variety prone to acne, sunburn, and dryness; requires skin care
Dental Problems
Moderate
Hairless gene linked to missing teeth; dental care important
Hip Dysplasia
Mild
Occasionally seen in larger varieties
Where they come from
History
One of world's oldest and rarest breeds, over 3,000 years old. Sacred to Aztecs who believed they guided souls to the underworld. Named for god Xolotl.
- Dante · Xolo companion in animated film
- Frida Kahlo's Dogs · Mexican artist famously owned and painted Xolos
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