Xoloitzcuintli: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

The Xoloitzcuintli is a rare and ancient breed that originated in Mexico.

They come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard, with weights ranging from 10-40 pounds.

These dogs are known for their distinctive appearance, with a short, smooth coat that can be solid, marked, or splashed in various colors.

The Xoloitzcuintli is an alert and watchful breed, always on the lookout for potential threats.

Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times.

Worth a look: Xoloitzcuintli Breed Standard

The Xoloitzcuintli breed has a rich history when it comes to recognition and standards. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) was founded in 1940 but didn't officially recognize the breed until the 1950s.

A committee headed by Norman Pelham Wright authored the first official standard for the breed, which led to its recognition in Mexico on May 1, 1956. This marked a significant milestone in the breed's history and paved the way for its global recognition.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has also played a crucial role in recognizing the Xoloitzcuintli breed. The AKC was founded in 1887, but it wasn't until 2011 that the breed was eligible to be shown in the Non-Sporting group.

The World Dog Federation, specifically the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), played a crucial role in recognizing and standardizing breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli.

In 1940, the FCI was founded, but it wasn't prepared to declare the Xolo an official purebred until much later. Information about the breed was scarce at that time, which limited interest in it.

The FCI didn't realize the urgency of preserving the Xolo breed until a decade later, when they discovered that drastic action was needed to save it from extinction. This led to the widely publicized Xolo Expedition of 1954.

A team of Mexican and British dog authorities joined forces with breed historian Norman Pelham Wright to search for purebred Xolos in remote areas of Mexico. They eventually found 10 structurally strong dogs that formed the foundation of Mexico's program to revive the breed.

The FCI authorized a committee headed by Wright to create the first official standard for the breed, which was finally recognized on May 1, 1956.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a rich history with the Xolo breed, dating back to 1887 when "Mee Too" became the first AKC-registered Xolo.

Interestingly, this milestone marked the beginning of the breed's recognition by the AKC. The Xoloitzcuintli Club of America (XCA), the official parent club for the breed, was founded in 1986 to regain AKC recognition for the breed.

The AKC dropped the Xolo from its stud book in 1959 due to the breed's scarcity and perceived extinction. However, this didn't deter enthusiasts who worked tirelessly to revive the breed.

A notable achievement was made by "Chinito Junior", bred and owned by Valetska Radtke of New York City, who became the breed's only AKC champion to date in 1940. He earned his title on October 19th of that year.

Here are some key dates related to the Xolo's recognition by the AKC:

The AKC's recognition of the Xolo has been a long and winding road, but ultimately led to the breed's revival. Today, the Xolo is an integral part of the AKC's non-sporting group.

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three distinct sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

These sizes are quite specific, ranging from 10 to 14 inches tall and weighing between 10 and 15 pounds for the Toy size, all the way up to 18 to 23 inches tall and weighing between 30 and 55 pounds for the Standard size.

Here's a breakdown of the three sizes:

In addition to their size, Xoloitzcuintlis also come in a variety of colors and skin types. The hairless variety can have almost any color, while the coated variety typically has darker colors like black or brown.

Xolos are known for their unique appearance, with large bat-like ears that stand upright, but floppy ears are also possible. Their skin is often described as tough and thick, making them relatively injury resistant compared to other hairless breeds.

Overall, the Xoloitzcuintli's physical characteristics make it a distinctive and interesting breed.

Xoloitzcuintli need a dog food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelines.

Their diet should be well-balanced, and supplements aren't typically necessary as long as they're eating a good quality dog food. However, your vet might prescribe supplements if your pup's health requires them.

Xoloitzcuintli puppies should eat at least three times a day on a regular feeding schedule until they reach adulthood, when you can switch to twice a day feedings.

The Xoloitzcuintli is a relatively healthy breed. They have been developed by natural selection for thousands of years, which means they are not prone to many health and structure problems that other dog breeds experience.

However, it's essential to consider their tropical origins when deciding where to keep them. Xolos are not suited for outdoor life in colder climates and should be considered an indoor dog breed.

Their skin requires special care, as over-bathing or over-lotioning can strip natural protections and clog pores. Regular bathing, light grooming, and skin care are necessary to prevent acne and other skin problems.

Some recommended health screenings for Xolos include cardiac exams, patella evaluations, hip evaluations, and ophthalmologist evaluations. These tests can help identify any potential issues early on.

A robust 13 to 18 years is the average lifespan of a Xoloitzcuintli. This is a testament to their hardiness and overall health.

Hairless Xolos may be missing teeth due to their genetic trait, but this is unlikely to cause significant health problems.

A well-balanced dog food that meets the AAFCO nutritional guidelines is essential for a Xoloitzcuintli.

You should feed your Xolo puppy-specific food until they're 1 year old, when you can transition them to adult food. This will provide them with the necessary nutrients for growth and development.

As long as your Xolo is eating a well-balanced dog food, they shouldn't need supplements. However, your vet might prescribe supplements on an as-needed basis if your pup's health requires them.

Xolo puppies should eat at least three times a day on a regular feeding schedule. This will help keep their energy levels stable and support healthy growth.

Once your Xolo reaches adulthood, you can start feeding them twice a day. This may also be a good time to consider using a slow feeder bowl if they're eating too fast.

Additional reading: Xoloitzcuintli Dog Pictures

Xoloitzcuintles are known for their long lifespan, living up to 13-18 years with proper care and attention.

Their exercise needs are relatively simple: just 20 minutes of physical activity every day will keep them happy and healthy. This can be a walk, jog, or hike - whatever suits your lifestyle.

The size of your Xoloitzcuintli will determine the best exercise routine for you. The Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes range from 10-23 inches tall.

To prevent destructive behaviors, make sure to provide daily mental and physical stimulation for your Xoloitzcuintli. This can be as simple as a long walk or some playtime with toys.

Xolos are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. They require consistent training and socialization from an early age to ensure they grow up confident around new people and environments.

Here's a quick size guide for your Xoloitzcuintli:

Remember, every dog is unique, but with the right care and attention, your Xoloitzcuintli will thrive for many years to come.

The Xoloitzcuintli is an energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Walking and running are excellent ways to get your Xoloitzcuintli moving and burning off excess energy.

In addition to physical activities, mental stimulation is also crucial for the Xoloitzcuintli's well-being. Puzzle toys can provide a fun and challenging way to keep their minds engaged.

Some other enjoyable activities you can consider with your Xoloitzcuintli include playing in the backyard, hide-and-seek, tug-of-war, fetch, trick training, obedience training, snuffle mats, obstacle courses, frisbee, and flyball. These activities can help strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Here are some fun activities for your Xoloitzcuintli:

Remember to always supervise your Xoloitzcuintli during these activities and provide plenty of water breaks to ensure their comfort and safety.