Welcoming a toy Xoloitzcuintli puppy into your family is a big responsibility, but with the right care and attention, they'll thrive and bring joy to your life.
Toy Xoloitzcuintlis are a rare breed, but their compact size makes them a great fit for city living or small homes. They typically weigh between 10-15 pounds and stand about 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent infections. A weekly brush can also help keep their coat in good condition.
Toy Xoloitzcuintlis are intelligent and active dogs that need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime in a securely fenced area is essential to keep them entertained and exercised.
Coat & Grooming
Toy Xoloitzcuintli puppies are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They don't require regular brushing like many other dog breeds.
Their skin needs regular attention, especially in their first year, as they can be prone to acne and cradle cap. This is a normal part of their skin development, and with proper skincare, these issues can be minimized.
You'll need to bathe your hairless Toy Xoloitzcuintli puppy every few weeks to keep them clean and looking their best. They may also need a pet-safe sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun.
In addition to skin care, regular toothbrushing and nail trimming are essential for your Toy Xoloitzcuintli's overall health and well-being.
Nutrition and Feeding
When it comes to feeding your toy Xoloitzcuintli puppy, it's essential to follow a regular feeding schedule. They should eat at least three times a day until they reach adulthood.
You can start by feeding them puppy-specific food until they're 1 year old, then transition to adult food. This will ensure they get the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
As your puppy grows, you'll need to adjust their food intake accordingly. Use the packaging of their dog food to get an estimate of how much to feed them, but remember that this is just a starting point.
Size
The Xoloitzcuintli/Mexican Hairless Dog comes in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
The toy category has a relatively small average height of between 10 and 14 inches.
The miniature category is slightly taller, growing to between 14 and 18 inches.
The standard size is the tallest, with an average height of between 18 and 23 inches.
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Dog Nutrition
To ensure your Xoloitzcuintli gets the right nutrients, feed them a dog food that meets the AAFCO nutritional guidelines.
Puppies need a puppy-specific food until they're one year old, when they can transition to adult food.
Feed your Xolo at least three times a day on a regular schedule, and start reducing to twice a day once they reach adulthood.
Using a slow feeder bowl can help prevent gobbling if your Xolo eats too fast.
The amount of calories your Xolo needs depends on their health, current weight, and lifestyle.
You can find basic guidance on how much food your Xolo needs on the dog food packaging, but talking to your vet will give you a more accurate estimate based on your dog's health history.
As long as your Xolo is eating a well-balanced dog food, they shouldn't need supplements, but your vet might prescribe them if necessary.
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Behavior and Training
Toy Xoloitzcuintli puppies 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.
Daily exercise and mental stimulation are crucial to prevent destructive or aberrant behaviors. Positive reinforcement training is the way to go, rewarding good behavior and consistency is key. Consistency and boundaries are essential to get the most out of their training.
Here are some fun activities to keep your toy Xoloitzcuintli puppy engaged 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
Behavior and Training
The Xoloitzcuintli is a social, loyal breed that typically does well with children, particularly if they grow up with kids in the household. Supervision is always a good idea when it comes to interactions between children and dogs.
Xolos are intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement training, which involves rewarding good behavior. Consistency and boundaries are key when training a Xolo.
This breed requires about 20 minutes of exercise every day, whether that's a long walk, neighborhood jog, or afternoon hike. Daily mental and physical stimulation helps prevent the development of destructive or aberrant behaviors.
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Xolos have a high prey drive and might dart after squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals. Introduce this dog to a cat slowly and carefully, so they understand kitties aren’t something to chase.
Here are some fun activities to engage your Xoloitzcuintli:
Quirks
Xolos are a unique breed that exhibit some quirky characteristics. One of the most interesting things about Xolos is that they sweat from their skin, which is a trait that's unlike most other breeds.
This means that Xolos don't pant as much after strenuous exercise, which can be a relief for both the dog and its owner.
Mexican Hairless Dogs' Preferences
The Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient breed that's been around for at least 3,500 years, and they're known to be energetic, intelligent, and engaged with their people.
They're highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their owners, so they need plenty of playtime and attention to stay happy and healthy.
In fact, they're so intelligent that they need mental stimulation to feel their best, making them a great candidate for puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys.
As for toys, Xolos love to play fetch, tug, and engage in interactive games that challenge their minds.
Here are some toy recommendations that your Mexican Hairless Dog will love:
- Fetch Toys, like the "Best Balls Ever", are perfect for burning off energy and having fun.
- Tug Toys are great for one-on-one playtime and giving your dog the attention they crave.
- Treat-Dispensing Toys, like Super Chewer Toys, will keep your dog engaged and stimulated for hours.
Remember, with their rich history and unique characteristics, Mexican Hairless Dogs are truly one-of-a-kind companions that deserve special care and attention.
Adoption and Ownership
The Xoloitzcuintli is a rare breed, so you might not find one in a rescue, but you can buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Make sure to get yours from a reputable breeder, as this will ensure you're getting a healthy and well-cared-for puppy.
The Xoloitzcuintli Club of America publishes a directory of breeders on its website, so be prepared to get on a waiting list if you're interested in bringing home a Xoloitzcuintli puppy.
Adopt or Buy
The Xoloitzcuintli is a rare breed, so you might not find one in a shelter.
You'll likely need to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. The Xoloitzcuintli Club of America publishes a directory of breeders on its website.
Be prepared to get on a waiting list because these breeders are in high demand.
Pet-Friendly
The Xoloitzcuintli is a friendly breed, but they need early socialization and training to get along with strangers, cats, and dogs.
Socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted Xoloitzcuintli. This means exposing them to other people and pets from an early age.
As long as you socialize your Xoloitzcuintli regularly, they should be able to interact with anyone they meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Xolo puppy cost?
A Xoloitzcuintli puppy from a responsible breeder typically costs between $2,500 to $4,000. If you're interested in bringing one home, here's what you need to know about this unique breed.
Are Xolo dogs high maintenance?
No, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are relatively low maintenance when it comes to exercise. They require only several daily walks to stay healthy and in good shape.
Sources
- Xoloitzcuintli Club of America (xoloitzcuintliclubofamerica.org)
- According to the breed club (xoloitzcuintliclubofamerica.org)
- slow feeder bowl (chewy.com)
- doggy sunscreen (chewy.com)
- Xoloitzcuintli Club of America (xoloitzcuintliclubofamerica.org)
- Xoloitzcuintli/Mexican Hairless Dog Breed & Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
- 5 Things to Know About the Xoloitzcuintli (petful.com)
- Xoloitzcuintli Primitive Breed Rescue (xolopbr.com)
- @xolito_magico (instagram.com)
- @showmethexolo (instagram.com)
- @elfxolo (instagram.com)
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