Everything You Need to Know About Xoloitzcuintli Egyptian Hairless Dogs

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is a rare breed that's steeped in history and culture.

This ancient breed has been around for over 3,000 years, originating from the time of the Aztecs and Mayans.

They were considered sacred animals, often buried with their owners to ensure a safe passage into the afterlife.

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, with the toy being the smallest and rarest of the three.

These dogs are known for their sleek, athletic build and wedge-shaped head, which gives them a unique and striking appearance.

Their coat comes in either hairless or coated varieties, with the hairless type being the more recognizable and iconic of the two.

As a relatively low-maintenance breed, the Xoloitzcuintli requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Their short, smooth skin requires regular cleaning to prevent oil buildup and skin problems, but that's about it.

They're also highly intelligent and active, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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Xoloitzcuintlis come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The toy size stands 10-14 inches tall and weighs between 10-15 pounds. The miniature size is 14-18 inches tall and weighs between 15-30 pounds. The standard size is 18-23 inches tall and weighs 30-55 pounds.

Their long, muscular bodies and long, low-set tails give them a distinctive look. Xoloitzcuintlis have large, upright ears and wrinkly brows that make them look like they're deep in thought. They can be either completely hairless or have a short, flat coat. Some even sport a small tuft of hair on their heads.

The breed is typically dark-colored, with shades of black, gray, bronze, or red. They may also have white spots that add to their unique look. You'll definitely turn heads when you're out walking your xolo!

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Training a xoloitzcuintli is similar to training other dogs, requiring consistency and positive reinforcement. They can be strong-willed at times, so consistency is key, especially for experienced dog owners.

They need a confident person to show them the ropes and can be best suited for owners who have had dogs before. Xolos are adept learners who easily grasp cues and learn tricks.

Xolos need regular baths to keep their skin healthy and clean, despite being hairless. They clean themselves like cats, but need dog-formulated sunscreen to prevent skin burning when spending time outside.

Their nails grow fast and should be trimmed often, and their teeth brushed regularly with dog-formulated toothpaste. Regular grooming is essential to keep them clean and healthy.

Xolos don't do well when left crated for extended amounts of time and need attention and exercise to prevent destructive behavior. They are generally clean dogs who groom themselves regularly.

They have moderate exercise needs and do well in apartments, especially the smaller toy and miniature varieties. The larger standard variety can benefit from a fenced yard but doesn't need to go on long runs daily.

Xolos need their teeth brushed two to three times a week as well as dental checkups at a veterinarian's office once or twice a year. They don't tend to drool and are typically very clean dogs.

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Xolos can get acne, especially in puppies under 12 months old, and wiping down their skin with a wet cloth can help remove dead skin cells and excess oil. If acne is severe or persistent, consult a veterinarian about using an astringent.

A light moisturizer formulated for dogs should be applied after bathing, and sunscreen should be used if spending time outside, especially for light-colored Xolos.

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The xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless dog, is a healthy breed with a lifespan of 13-18 years. They tend to be a hardy bunch, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

One thing to keep in mind is skin care. These dogs have tough skin that heals quickly, but they can be prone to acne, especially during adolescence. Regular baths can help keep their skin clear.

You may have noticed that xolos often have a lolling tongue, but don't worry, it's just because they tend to lose their premolars. This doesn't affect their ability to eat, and they'll still be able to chomp down on their favorite treats.

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However, xolos can be prone to overeating, which can lead to obesity and joint stress. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about maintaining a healthy diet and feeding schedule.

Some potential health issues to watch out for include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye disorders. Regular exercise and veterinary visits can help keep your xolo in top shape.

Here are some recommended health screenings for xolos:

A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with a detailed health history, including the results of these standard health tests.

The xoloitzcuintli, or Egyptian Hairless Dog, is a highly intelligent and adaptable breed that thrives on attention and exercise.

They need a significant amount of time and effort to train during puppyhood, so they may not be the best fit for busy households.

Xolos are not fragile and dependent, but rather primitive survivalists who are highly motivated to participate in activities with their owners.

They can be slow to warm up to strangers, so they won't be overly enthusiastic about meeting new people.

However, with proper training and socialization, xolos can become excellent watchdogs who will alert their owners to any unusual activity.

Xolos are peaceful and contented companions with their families, and they're warm and cuddly too.

In cooler weather, they appreciate a warm jumper or coat, and they often burrow under blankets or your duvet to stay cozy.

With careful socialization and positive reinforcement-based training, xolos can learn to ignore livestock or small furries and respond to basic commands like recall.

Living with a Xoloitzcuintli requires some special considerations. They need daily exercise, but not too extreme, and will be happy with 20-30 minute walks twice a day and some off-leash playtime in a fenced-in yard.

Their high prey drive means they might like to chase other animals, so owners must be aware of their surroundings and supervise them to prevent escape. Xoloitzcuintli puppies can be talented escape artists, so it's essential to teach them to stay and come when called.

Xolos don't have much hair, so they're better suited to warmer climates and will need a coat to go outside in the cold. They love embracing the hygge lifestyle and are excellent cuddlers, but their skin can feel very warm to the touch.

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Living with a Xoloitzcuintli requires attention to their exercise needs. Xolos need daily exercise, but nothing too extreme, so 20-30 minute walks twice a day and some off-leash playtime in a fenced-in yard should suffice.

They're happy to adapt to apartment living, especially the toy and miniature pups, thanks to their manageable size and gentle temperament. However, owners must be aware of their surroundings and supervise them to prevent escape attempts.

Xolos have a high prey drive, so they might chase other animals like rabbits and squirrels. They're also excellent jumpers who can easily scale a 6-foot fence, making it essential to keep them on a leash when not in a fenced space.

Teaching your Xolo to stay and come when called is vital, as they can be talented escape artists, even as puppies. Their lack of hair means they're better suited to warmer climates and will need a coat to go outside in the cold.

But don't worry, Xolos love embracing the hygge lifestyle and are excellent cuddlers, making them a great companion for chilly days. Their skin can feel very warm to the touch, like a comforting hot water bottle.

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To live with a Xoloitzcuintli, you need to be an experienced dog owner who can provide plenty of training and active walks.

They require careful socialisation, which means introducing them to new people, dogs, and environments from an early age to prevent anxiety and aggression.

As a devoted owner, you'll need to spend time with your Xoloitzcuintli, engaging in endless conversations about their unique characteristics, such as their lack of fur.

You'll also need to be prepared to answer questions from curious neighbours and strangers about how to pronounce the breed's name, Xoloitzcuintle.

Being a Xoloitzcuintli owner means you'll be at home most of the time, as they thrive on having their owners around and can get anxious if left alone for too long.

You'll also need to consider your living situation, as Xoloitzcuintlis can be quite vocal and may disturb close neighbours.

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The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a long history with the Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog. A Mexican dog named "Mee Too" made breed history as the first AKC-registered Xolo in 1887.

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The breed's popularity waxed and waned over the years, and in 1940, "Chinito Junior" became the breed's only AKC champion to date. He earned his title on October 19, 1940.

The Xoloitzcuintli Club of America (XCA) was founded in 1986 to regain AKC recognition for the breed. The founding members voted unanimously to recognize all three sizes (toy, miniature and standard) and both varieties (hairless and coated) at their initial meeting.

In 2008, the AKC voted to readmit the breed to its Miscellaneous Class starting January 1, 2009. This was a significant step towards the breed's recognition and acceptance.

The breed has made significant progress since then, with FSS registered Xolos becoming eligible to compete in AKC performance events in 2007. 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.

The xoloitzcuintli Egyptian hairless dog has a rich cultural history and significance in Mexican heritage. They're the mascot of Club Tijuana, the professional soccer club in Baja California.

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Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were big fans of the breed and often featured their Xolos in photographs and artwork. In fact, one of Frida's paintings, "The Love Embrace of the Universe, the Earth (Mexico), Myself, Diego, and Señor Xolotl" (1949), is commemorated on the 2007 500-peso note.

Xolos have also made a splash in popular culture. They starred in the Disney/Pixar film Coco, and even have their own museum exhibit, "Xolos, compañeros de viaje", which showcased over 100 artifacts in Mexico City in 2019-20.

The Xoloitzcuintle is a symbol and mascot of Mexico City, designated as such by the Mayor in 2016. They're also a beloved pet, with many owners cherishing their unique characteristics.

Here are some interesting facts about the Xoloitzcuintle's history:

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is an ancient breed that originated in Mexico. They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas.

This breed comes in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. They are known for their unique appearance, with some varieties having no hair at all.

In Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli was considered a sacred animal, often buried with its owners to provide companionship in the afterlife. They were also used as watchdogs and companions by the Aztecs and Mayans.

The Xoloitzcuintli is a relatively rare breed, with a global population of less than 1,000 dogs.