The Unique World of Hairless Dogs

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Posted Nov 1, 2024

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Un perro sin pelo
Credit: wikimedia.org, Un perro sin pelo

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.

They come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

These dogs have a unique characteristic - they can be either hairless or coated.

Their skin can be wrinkled, smooth, or a combination of both, which requires regular skin care to prevent skin problems.

They are known for being alert and watchful, making them great companions.

For another approach, see: What Food Is Good for Dogs Skin and Coat

Breed Specifics

Meet the furless breeds that make bald beautiful. The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.

They come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, and can have a variety of coat types, including hairless and coated.

Bolivian

The Bolivian hairless dog is a unique breed that comes in two sizes: medio and grande. It's worth noting that the coated version of this breed has long hair, but the hairless variety has a distinctive tuft of long, flowing hair on its head.

Credit: youtube.com, Bolivian Rams|Breeding behavior

The medio size stands 14 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weighs 15 to 20 pounds. This size has short legs, giving it a compact appearance.

The grande size, on the other hand, has long legs and stands 17 to 20 inches tall. It weighs 18 to 30 pounds, making it a slightly larger and more athletic version of the breed.

Mexican Size

The Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as the Xoloitzcuintle, comes in a range of sizes.

The breed averages from 10 to 23 inches tall, and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 55 pounds.

From toy to standard, there's a size to suit every owner's lifestyle.

The breed's size can vary, but it's generally a dark color, either black, gray, or bronze.

Explore further: Rare Bull Terrier Colors

Recognition and Standards

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, or FCI, played a crucial role in the recognition of the Xoloitzcuintli.

In the 1950s, the breed finally received official notice in its homeland, Mexico. The FCI, founded in 1940, was instrumental in declaring the Xolo an official purebred.

Credit: youtube.com, ALL ABOUT XOLOITZCUINTLI: THE MEXICAN HAIRLESS DOG

Interest in the Xolo was minimal in the late 1940s due to scarce information and the lack of a standard to judge them by.

A team led by Norman Pelham Wright, author of The Enigma of the Xoloitzcuintli, embarked on the Xolo Expedition of 1954 to find purebred Xolos in remote areas of Mexico.

The expedition was successful, and 10 structurally strong Xolos were found, forming the foundation of Mexico's program to revive the breed.

The first official standard for the breed was authored by Wright's committee, and on May 1, 1956, the Xolo was finally recognized in its native land and worldwide.

Characteristics and Traits

Hairless dogs are often kept as companion dogs, providing affection and companionship to their owners.

Some hairless dog breeds originate from Mexico, which is a notable characteristic of this type of dog.

These dogs are also sometimes used as food, although this is not a common practice.

Their unique appearance is one of the reasons they're so popular as pets.

Characteristics

A Mexican Hairless Dog on a Leash
Credit: pexels.com, A Mexican Hairless Dog on a Leash

The Xoloitzcuintli is a unique breed that originated in Mexico, and as a companion dog, they thrive on human interaction. They can get along fairly well with other dogs and pets.

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Xoloitzcuintli is that they are hairless dogs, which means they require regular skin care to stay healthy. They also come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

As a primitive breed, the Xoloitzcuintli may have an independent nature, which can make them somewhat challenging to train. However, they do like to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement.

The Xoloitzcuintli is also known as a dog breed that can be used as food in some cultures, although this is not a common practice in many parts of the world. They are recognized by the FCI, or Fédération Cynologique Internationale, as a distinct breed.

Some Xoloitzcuintlis can be escape artists, so it's essential to provide them with a secure and escape-proof enclosure. They are also alert watchdogs that will alert their family to visitors or strangers, but they are typically not excessive barkers.

They Are Intelligent

Peruvian Hairless Dog head
Credit: wikimedia.org, Peruvian Hairless Dog head

Xoloitzcuintlis are highly intelligent dogs that learn quickly, which makes training a breeze - as long as you use positive methods.

Their sensitive personality requires gentle and patient training, which pays off in the end.

They have a high prey drive, which can make training challenging in the presence of wildlife.

Xoloitzcuintlis enjoy learning tricks and playing fetch and Frisbee, making them a joy to train and interact with.

Health and Maintenance

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Xolo, is a generally healthy breed that can live up to 12-15 years with proper care.

They are not suited for outdoor life in colder climates and should be considered an indoor dog breed.

Xolos can get cold easily and must not be left out during rain or cool temperatures. In winter, they need to wear a sweater, or two.

The hairless Mexican dog does not shed, making it an ideal hypoallergenic dog. People suffering from pet allergies tend to have virtually no issues with a Xolo.

To prevent acne and blackheads, hairless Xolos need their skin to be wiped or bathed frequently, especially when they're young.

Health

Perro sin pelo del Perú
Credit: wikimedia.org, Perro sin pelo del Perú

The Xolo is generally a healthy breed, developed by natural selection for thousands of years.

However, they're not suited for outdoor life in colder climates and should be considered an indoor dog breed.

They need regular bathing to prevent skin problems, but over-bathing and over-lotioning can strip their skin of natural protections and clog pores.

Xolos require light grooming, similar to other dogs of similar physical type.

Poor breeding, neglect, and excessive grooming can lead to most skin problems in Xolos.

Upkeep

Daily exercise is a must for all Xoloitzcuintli dogs, with a long walk or jog being a great way to keep them active.

They typically need to be groomed regularly, but in different ways depending on their coat type. A coated Xoloitzcuintli needs occasional brushing to keep their coat in good condition.

Hairless Xoloitzcuintli, on the other hand, need their skin wiped or bathed frequently to prevent acne or blackheads, especially when they're young. This helps keep their skin healthy and clean.

Peruvian Hairless Dog
Credit: wikimedia.org, Peruvian Hairless Dog

In addition to regular grooming, hairless Xoloitzcuintli also need protection from the sun with a canine sunscreen. This is especially important when they're out for extended periods.

In cool weather, hairless Xoloitzcuintli need to wear a sweater to keep warm. Their skin may be thick, but it can still get cold easily.

Puppy and Breeding

There are breeds of dogs that are hairless, which can be a pup with little to no hair or fur on his body.

Breeding hairless dogs requires specific attention to their skin and coat needs.

Hairless dog breeds can be a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer a low-maintenance coat.

These breeds have a unique genetic makeup that affects their coat growth and development.

Some hairless dog breeds are born with a thin layer of hair that falls off as they mature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the smallest hairless dog?

The Crested dog is the smallest hairless breed, weighing 10-13 pounds and standing 11-13 inches tall. Classified as a toy breed by the AKC, they make a unique and intriguing companion.

What is the hairless dog that looks like a Chihuahua?

The Xoloitzcuintli is a rare, ancient dog breed that comes in a hairless variety, often resembling a Chihuahua in appearance, but with unique characteristics. Learn more about this fascinating breed and its distinctive features.

What is the cutest hairless dog breed?

The Chinese Crested is often considered the cutest hairless dog breed, known for its unique appearance and affectionate nature.

Robin Morissette

Writer

Robin Morissette is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for crafting compelling content. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, Robin brings a unique perspective to their writing. Their portfolio showcases a range of topics, from in-depth explorations of the Havanese breed, to informative articles on canine origins.

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