The Mexican Hairless Dog Xoloitzcuintli: A Comprehensive Guide

The Mexican Hairless Dog Xoloitzcuintli is a unique and fascinating breed.

They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a history dating back over 3,000 years.

Their name, Xoloitzcuintli, is derived from the Aztec language and roughly translates to "dog in the house".

They were considered sacred animals by the Aztecs and were often buried with their owners to provide companionship in the afterlife.

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a long history with the Xoloitzcuintli, and it's fascinating to explore.

The Xolo was among the first breeds recorded by the AKC, with a Mexican dog named "Mee Too" making breed history as the first AKC-registered Xolo in 1887.

A Xolo named "Chinito Junior" became the breed's only AKC champion to date, earning his title on October 19, 1940.

In 1959, the Xolo was dropped from the AKC stud book due to the breed's scarcity and perceived extinction.

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The Xoloitzcuintli Club of America (XCA) was founded on October 26, 1986, to regain AKC recognition for the breed.

On May 13, 2008, AKC voted to readmit the breed to its Miscellaneous Class starting January 1, 2009.

Since then, the XCA has compiled a stud book modeled on requirements for eventual AKC acceptance, held an annual independent specialty show, published a quarterly newsletter, and maintained an active national rescue network.

The breed was moved into the AKC Studbook in December 2010 and has been eligible to be shown in the AKC Non-Sporting group since January 1, 2011.

FSS registered Xolos have been eligible to compete in AKC performance events since January 1, 2007.

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The Xoloitzcuintli is a calm and attentive dog, making them a great companion for families.

They are often reserved and wary of strangers, but form strong bonds with their pet parents.

These dogs have a high prey drive and might dart after small animals, so it's essential to introduce them to other pets slowly and carefully.

Here are some key traits of the Xoloitzcuintli breed:

Overall, the Xoloitzcuintli is a loyal and loving breed that makes a great addition to the right family.

The Xoloitzcuintle is a unique breed that's definitely worth learning about. This dog has a calm and attentive temperament, making it a great companion for many families.

One of the most distinctive features of the Xoloitzcuintle is its hairlessness. As a hairless dog, it requires regular skin care to prevent sun damage and skin problems.

Here are some key characteristics of the Xoloitzcuintle:

Being a companion dog, the Xoloitzcuintle thrives on human interaction and is often described as a loyal and loving breed.

The Xoloitzcuintli's behavior is a fascinating aspect of their character. They're naturally wary of strangers and can be reserved around new people, but with proper socialization, they form strong bonds with their family.

These dogs have a high prey drive, which means they might dart after small animals like squirrels or rabbits. Introduce them to cats slowly and carefully, as they can be territorial and might chase them.

Xolos are excellent watchdogs, alerting their family to any potential threats. However, they're not nuisance barkers, so if they bark, it's usually for a good reason.

With consistent training and positive reinforcement, Xolos learn quickly and can become well-mannered companions. They're intelligent and sensitive, responding well to gentle correction.

Daily exercise is essential for Xolos, with at least 20 minutes of physical and mental stimulation required. This can include long walks, jogging, or hiking, as well as playtime in a fenced yard.

Here's a summary of Xolo behavior:

Overall, the Xoloitzcuintli's behavior is shaped by their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. With proper care and socialization, they make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.

The Mexican Hairless Dog Xoloitzcuintli requires regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth, which can be painful and lead to health problems. Trim their nails weekly, and introduce them to nail trimming early on to make the experience less stressful.

They need regular baths with special shampoo to keep their skin clear, especially on their lips and muzzle, which are prone to acne. A good rule of thumb is to bathe them at least once a week, or as needed.

You should also brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar and bacteria. This will help prevent dental problems and keep their breath fresh.

Here are some specific skin care tips for your Xoloitzcuintli:

To keep your Xoloitzcuintli happy and healthy, it's essential to provide regular check-ups with your veterinarian. This will help catch any potential health problems early on and prevent them from becoming serious issues.

The Mexican Hairless Dog Xoloitzcuintli has relatively low maintenance grooming needs, but don't let that fool you - they still require regular attention to stay healthy and happy.

Their skin needs to be washed weekly to keep the sebaceous glands unclogged, and bathed every couple of weeks with a gentle dog shampoo.

You might think that a hairless dog needs little to no grooming, but they actually sweat through their skin and paw pads, making it essential to keep those areas clean.

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In fact, some Xolos are prone to acne, especially younger ones, and may need medicated skin products from the vet.

If you get a coated Xolo, their short coat requires minimal brushing, but skin care is still the biggest grooming need.

Wiping off sunscreen after the dog has been outside is also a good habit to get into, especially for paler or reddish Xolos.

Bathing every few weeks will keep your Xolo looking and feeling their best, and using grooming wipes in-between will keep specific spots like the paws and stomach clean.

Some owners even apply coconut butter to prevent dry skin, but be sure to check with your vet before trying any new products.

As a general rule, Xolos get cold easily, so don't leave them out during rain or cool temperatures - and in winter, they'll need a sweater or two to stay warm.

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The Xoloitzcuintli is a highly intelligent breed that requires consistent training to thrive. They respond best to positive reinforcement training, where they're rewarded for good behavior.

To keep your Xolo's brain engaged, make sure to challenge them with physical and mental stimulation. A daily routine that includes long walks, neighborhood jogs, or afternoon hikes is essential for their physical well-being. They need about 20 minutes of exercise every day.

Here are some essential training tips to keep in mind:

If you're considering bringing a Xolo into your home, be aware that they don't do well in cold weather and require a warmer climate. They're also extremely attached to their humans and don't like being alone for long periods. A fenced-in yard is essential to prevent them from jumping or climbing out.

Xoloitzcuintlis are known for their smarts and loyalty, making them a great fit for new pet parents and experienced families alike.

They need about 20 minutes of exercise every day, whether that's a long walk, neighborhood jog, or afternoon hike. Consistency is key when it comes to their exercise routine.

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Daily mental and physical stimulation helps prevent the development of destructive or aberrant behaviors, so make sure to include activities that challenge their minds as well as their bodies.

Positive reinforcement training is the way to go with Xolos, as they respond well to rewards for good behavior.

Consistency and boundaries are also crucial when training Xolos, as they can be independent and strong-willed at times.

Here are some training tips to keep in mind:

The Xoloitzcuintli thrives in a warmer climate due to its Mexican origins and lack of hair.

To keep your Xolo happy and healthy, it's essential to provide a warm and cozy environment.

Xolos are extremely attached to their humans and don't like being alone, so they need to be with their family most of the day.

A fenced-in yard is a must-have for Xolos, as they're great jumpers and climbers and need a safe space to roam.

If you have commitments that keep you out of the house for hours at a time, a Xolo may not be the right breed for you.

Regular exercise is crucial for Xolos, as they can become extremely mischievous if they don't have a healthy outlet for their energy.

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If you're introducing a Xoloitzcuintli to your family, it's essential to supervise interactions with young children. They can be good with kids if brought up with them, but they don't take kindly to having their ears or tail pulled.

Teach your child to respect the dog's personal space, especially when they're sleeping or eating. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child, as this can lead to accidents.

Xoloitzcuintli can get along well with other pets, such as cats and dogs, if they grow up together. However, their high prey drive may cause them to chase cats and other furry animals they see outdoors.

If you have multiple pets, it's crucial to socialize them from an early age to prevent any conflicts.

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If you're thinking about adding a Xolo to your family, the best thing you can do is go to a rescue. There are plenty of Mexican Hairless Dogs out there in need of a loving home—so adopt, don't shop!

You can start by checking your local shelters and rescues. In addition to that, here are a few notable Xoloitzcuintli rescues to help you find the perfect pup for your home:

The Mexican Hairless Dog Xoloitzcuintli comes in three main sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. These sizes vary in height, with the toy category ranging from 10 to 14 inches, the miniature category from 14 to 18 inches, and the standard category from 18 to 23 inches.

The lifespan of a Xoloitzcuintli can vary depending on its size, but typically ranges from 13 to 18 years. This is a relatively long lifespan for a dog breed.

Here's a breakdown of the sizes and corresponding heights:

The Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as the Xoloitzcuintli, comes in various sizes, ranging from toy to standard.

The toy category has an average height of between 10 and 14 inches.

The Xoloitzcuintli/Mexican Hairless Dog's lifespan can vary by size, but typically, this breed lives anywhere between 13 and 18 years.

These dogs are known to live a long life, with some Xolos reportedly living up to 18 years.

The lifespan of a Xoloitzcuintli can vary depending on its size, but generally, they live a healthy life that can last for 13-18 years.

Here's a breakdown of the average lifespan for each size of Xoloitzcuintli:

Despite their varying sizes, Xoloitzcuintlis all have the potential to live a long and healthy life, typically between 13 and 18 years.

They don't come cheaply, that's for sure. A xoloitzcuintli can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 in the U.S.

You'll need to pay a premium for a well-bred xoloitzcuintli, which should come with paperwork and American Kennel Club (AKC) registration. However, be prepared to travel by plane to pick up a puppy.

Finding a rescue xolo is possible, but not very common. You can look on Pet Finder for breed-specific rescues, or reach out to breeders to see if they have any that need re-homing.

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Feeding a Xolo requires some thought to keep them healthy and happy. A high-quality dog food with no unnatural ingredients, fillers, or preservatives is essential.

To start, Xolo puppies need to eat at least three times a day on a regular feeding schedule. Once they reach adulthood, you can switch to twice a day.

The amount of food your Xolo needs depends on their health, current weight, and lifestyle. You can find basic guidance on the packaging of your dog food, but it's best to consult with your vet for a more accurate estimate.

Recommended daily amount for a Xolo is between 5/8 to 1.75 cups of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals. This amount varies depending on the dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

It's easy to overfeed a Xolo, so it's crucial to measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Obesity can stress their joints, so keeping them in good shape is vital.

To check if your adult Xolo is overweight, place your hands on their back with your thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward. If you can't feel their ribs without having to press hard, they need less food and more exercise.

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