The Toy Xoloitzcuintli is a rare and ancient dog breed that's been around for thousands of years. They originated in Mexico and were highly valued by the Aztecs for their loyalty and companionship.
This breed is known for its unique appearance, with a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors. Their size is one of their defining characteristics, with Toy Xoloitzcuintlis weighing in at around 10-15 pounds.
In terms of temperament, Toy Xoloitzcuintlis are known for being alert, curious, and energetic. They make great companions for active families or individuals who can provide them with plenty of exercise and attention.
Dog Care
A toy Xoloitzcuintli is a wonderful companion. They live a long life of 13–18 years and are happy to spend it with their family.
Their small size is perfect for apartment living, and they only need moderate exercise. They do well with short walks and playtime, but don't need to go on long runs daily.
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To care for your toy Xolo, start by feeding them a high-quality puppy food until they're 1 year old. Then, transition them to adult food.
Here are the different feeding schedules for your toy Xolo:
- Puppies: at least three times a day
- Adults: twice a day
Be sure to monitor their calorie intake, as it depends on their health, current weight, and lifestyle. Use the dog food packaging for guidance, and talk to your vet for a better estimate.
As for grooming, toy Xolos have a short, thin fur that only needs to be brushed minimally. An occasional bath, nail trim, and ear cleaning are sufficient.
For hairless toy Xolos, additional skincare is necessary. Use a light moisturizer after bathing, and apply sunscreen if you plan to be outside for long periods.
Remember, don't over bathe your Xolo, as their natural skin oils protect them from the sun and insects.
Finally, be sure to brush their teeth two to three times a week and schedule dental checkups with your vet.
Health and Grooming
The toy Xoloitzcuintli is a relatively healthy breed with a robust lifespan of 13 to 18 years.
Xolos are prone to a few health issues, including cardiac problems, patella issues, and ophthalmology problems. However, these conditions aren't super prevalent in the breed.
Regular grooming is essential for toy Xolos, but they don't require a full coat like other breeds. Their skin needs regular attention, and they should be wiped down with a clean, damp cloth or pet wipes to prevent acne.
To keep your toy Xolo's skin healthy, use a light moisturizer formulated for dogs after bathing and apply sunscreen if you plan to be outside for long periods. It's best to choose a veterinarian-approved sunscreen without zinc oxide or salicylates.
Don't over-bathe your toy Xolo, as their natural skin oils protect them from the sun and insects. They also need their teeth brushed two to three times a week and dental checkups at a veterinarian's office once or twice a year.
Here are some recommended health screenings for toy Xolos:
- Cardiac exam (all sizes)
- Patella evaluation (miniature and toy)
- Hip evaluation (all sizes)
- Ophthalmologist evaluation (all sizes)
A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with a detailed health history of your dog, including the results of these standard health tests.
Behavior and Training
The toy Xoloitzcuintli is a smart and loyal breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation. They need about 20 minutes of exercise every day, whether that's a long walk, neighborhood jog, or afternoon hike.
Xolos are known to be wary of strangers, so it's essential to socialize your puppy from an early age. This will help them grow up confident and not suspicious of new people.
Consistent training is key for this breed, and positive reinforcement training is the way to go. Reward your Xolo for good behavior, and they'll quickly pick up on cues.
These dogs have a high prey drive, so be prepared for them to dart after squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals. Introduce them to cats slowly and carefully, so they understand that kitties aren't something to chase.
Here are some fun activities you can do with your toy Xoloitzcuintli to keep them entertained and exercised:
- Walking
- Playing in the backyard
- Running
- Puzzle toys
- Hide-and-seek
- Tug-of-war
- Fetch
- Trick training
- Obedience training
- Snuffle mats
- Obstacle courses
- Frisbee
- Flyball
Remember, interactions between children and dogs always need to be supervised, and your Xolo will form strong bonds with you if you provide consistent training and socialization.
Special Considerations
If you're considering bringing a Toy Xoloitzcuintli into your home, it's essential to be aware of their special considerations.
They are allergy-friendly, making them a great option for people who have allergic reactions to dogs.
However, their high prey drive means they might chase small animals, so it's best to keep them away from pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters.
Regular exercise can help mitigate this trait, but it's still something to consider when deciding whether a Toy Xolo is right for you.
Toy Xolos command attention wherever they go, so be prepared for frequent questions and comments about your dog.
This can be a fun opportunity to share the breed's rich history, but if you value alone time, you might want to bring some headphones along on walks.
As a pack-oriented breed, Toy Xolos thrive in households with other dogs and can make great family pets for families with children.
History and Characteristics
The toy Xoloitzcuintli is a rare and special breed. They come in three distinct sizes, with the toy size being the smallest. Toy Xolos typically stand between 10 and 14 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 15 pounds.
One of the most distinctive features of the Xoloitzcuintli is their skin, which can be either hairless or coated. Hairless Xolos come in a wide variety of colors and can have spots or markings. Coated Xolos, on the other hand, have a thin coat of short fur, typically in darker colors like black or brown.
A toy Xoloitzcuintli's temperament is calm, gentle, and loyal to their family. They are often described as "hot water bottles" due to their ability to warm up to their owners. They are not typically shy or aggressive, but can be reserved around strangers.
Here are the three sizes of Xoloitzcuintlis:
Xolos are highly intelligent and alert, making them a great watchdog. However, they are not typically aggressive and are more likely to bark to bring something to their owner's attention.
Size and Socialization
Toy Xolos are naturally inclined to be pack animals and will carve out their own little niche in your home, figuring out a loose hierarchy as they go. They bond with the whole family and love to give affection, making them a great addition to any household.
Their wariness toward strangers makes them fine watchdogs who aren't afraid to bark at intruders. They're a serious breed at heart, but they're also softies.
Xolos come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, measuring 12 to 14 inches tall for the toy, 14 to 18 inches for the miniature, and 18 to 23 inches tall for the standard.
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They Come in Three Sizes
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo for short, comes in three sizes to suit different households. They can be toy, miniature, or standard, measuring 12 to 14 inches tall for the toy, 14 to 18 inches for the miniature, and 18 to 23 inches tall for the standard.
The AKC recognizes solid black Xolos as the most desirable, with some white markings acceptable. Bicolor Xolos are also known but thought to have a mixed heritage.
Xolos can range from 10 to 23 inches tall, making them a versatile breed.
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Xolos Are Social
Xolos are a highly social breed that thrive on interaction with their family members.
They bond with the whole family and love to give affection, making them a great addition to any household.
Xolos are naturally inclined to be pack animals and will carve out a little niche for themselves in your home after figuring out a loose hierarchy.
Their wariness toward strangers makes them fine watchdogs who aren't afraid to bark at intruders.
Xolos are loyal to their families and are very protective of them, but they're not typically aggressive or shy around strangers.
They're intelligent dogs that are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement.
Here are some key social traits of Xolos:
- Loyal
- Calm
- Intelligent
- Alert
- Protective
- Even-tempered
Pet Parent Considerations
As a pet parent, it's essential to consider the unique needs of your Toy Xoloitzcuintli.
A Toy Xolo is happy being by your side, whether you're in an apartment or a house, as long as they get daily exercise.
Their high prey drive means they will run after smaller neighborhood animals, so keep them on a leash when you're out on a run or walk.
To help your Toy Xolo warm up to strangers, socialize them early and often, as it can take a long time for them to feel comfortable around new people.
Their allergy-friendly nature makes them a great choice for people with allergies, but it's still essential to spend time with a Toy Xolo before bringing one home to ensure you're not allergic.
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They Don't Come Cheap
A xoloitzcuintli puppy can cost between $1,500 to $3,000 on average in the U.S.
Breeders across the U.S. and in Mexico offer xoloitzcuintli puppies, but you may need to travel by plane to pick one up.
You can find reputable breeders through the American Kennel Club's website, which lists breeders across the U.S.
However, finding a rescue xolo is less common, but possible through breed-specific rescues or online platforms like Pet Finder.
The nonprofit Xoloitzcuintli Primitive Breed Rescue is a good source for finding xolos in need of re-homing.
Pet Parent Considerations
A Xolo is a happy companion as long as they get daily exercise. They love being by your side, whether you're in an apartment or a house.
Their high prey drive means they'll run after smaller neighborhood animals if you're not careful. Keep them on a leash during walks.
Socialization is key for Xolos, as it can take a long time for them to warm up to strangers. You'll want to introduce your puppy to new people and environments early and often.
Xolos are allergy-friendly, making them a great option for people with allergies. However, it's still a good idea to spend time with a Xolo before bringing one home to ensure you're not allergic.
Their high prey drive can be a challenge, especially if you have small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters. Regular exercise can help mitigate this, but it's still something to consider.
Xolos command attention, and they'll get it wherever they go. Be prepared for frequent questions and comments about your unique breed.
They're pack-oriented and love to feel like they're part of a community. Xolos often get along well with other dogs and can be a great family dog for families with children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between standard and miniature Xolo?
The main difference between standard and miniature Xolos is their height, with standard Xolos ranging from 18 to 23 inches tall and miniature Xolos between 14 and 18 inches tall.
Are Xolo dogs good pets?
Xolo dogs are loyal and affectionate pets that thrive in family environments, forming strong bonds with their loved ones. With proper socialization, they can make wonderful companions for those who want a loving and gentle pet.
Can you get a Xolo in the US?
Yes, you can get a Xoloitzcuintli in the US, as it is a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and available through reputable breeders listed on the AKC Marketplace.
How big do miniature Xolo get?
Miniature Xolos typically stand between 14 and 18 inches tall. This compact size makes them a great fit for small living spaces.
Are Mexican hairless dogs aggressive?
Mexican hairless dogs, also known as Xolos, are generally not aggressive and are known for being calm and gentle.
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