Xoloitzcuintli Puppy 101: Everything You Need to Know

The Xoloitzcuintli puppy is a unique and ancient breed that requires special care and attention.

This breed is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, and it's one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.

Xoloitzcuintlis are known for their distinctive appearance, with some having a short, smooth coat and others being completely hairless.

They come in a variety of sizes, from toy to standard, and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds.

Xolos come in two main varieties: coated and hairless. The hairless variety is the most popular.

Hairless Xolos have smooth, tough skin and short, coarse hair on their heads, feet, and tips of their tails. Their skin is a key characteristic of this variety.

Coated Xolos, on the other hand, have short, flat hair covering their entire bodies. This type of coat is unique to the coated variety.

For your interest: Wire Hair Dachshund Puppy

The Xolo's coat and coloring are quite unique. The breed comes in both coated and hairless varieties, with the hairless being the most popular.

One of the distinctive features of the hairless Xolo is its smooth, tough skin. This skin is a result of its natural adaptation to its environment.

Coated Xolos have short, flat hair covering their bodies. This type of coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The Xolo breed has many color variants, including black, gray, liver, bronze, and red. These colors can be seen with or without spotting.

The Xolo has a unique physical characteristic that sets it apart from other breeds. The hairless Xolo is one of the breed's most distinctive features, with a complete lack of hair.

Both varieties of Xolo have intelligent and thoughtful facial expressions, making them a joy to interact with.

The Xoloitzcuintli puppy is a social breed that enjoys being part of family activities. They are calm and affectionate, making them a great addition to any family.

Their alert and territorial nature makes them an excellent guard or watchdog, often protective of their people. They may seem aloof with strangers, so it's essential to socialize them properly.

Xolo dogs are known for their smarts and loyalty, making them a good fit for new pet parents and experienced families alike. They need about 20 minutes of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.

Xolos are often reserved and wary of strangers, but they form strong bonds with their pet parents. They are playful and can be great friends to kids who know how to properly interact with pets.

Introducing a Xolo to a cat should be done slowly and carefully, as they have a high prey drive and might dart after small animals. Always keep your Xolo on a leash or inside a fenced yard when they're outside to prevent any accidents.

Their loud bark is a great way to alert their family to passersby, but they won't bark for no reason. They like to watch their home and might get anxious about newcomers if not properly desensitized and used to visitors.

Related reading: Great Pyrenees Puppy Care

Your Xoloitzcuintli puppy needs high-quality, age-appropriate dog food to thrive. This means feeding them a puppy-specific food until they're about 1 year old, when they can transition to adult food.

Keep an eye on your pup's weight and adjust their portions accordingly - too many calories can lead to obesity. Giving too many treats in addition to regular meals can also contribute to weight gain.

Feed your Xolo puppy at least three times a day on a regular schedule, and switch to twice a day once they reach adulthood.

On a similar theme: Puppy Food for Great Pyrenees

The Xoloitzcuintli is a unique breed that requires a thoughtful approach to nutrition. As a breed that's prone to obesity, it's essential to monitor their food intake and adjust portions accordingly.

To ensure your Xolo is getting the nutrients they need, feed them high-quality, age-appropriate dog food. You can find puppy-specific food for Xoloitzcuintli puppies until they're 1 year old, and then transition them to adult food.

Worth a look: Cute Xoloitzcuintli Puppy

A well-balanced dog food is all your Xolo needs, but your vet might prescribe supplements on an as-needed basis. This is especially true if your pup has a health condition that requires extra support.

Xolo puppies should eat at least three times a day on a regular feeding schedule. This helps them develop healthy eating habits and maintain a stable weight.

To determine how much to feed your Xolo, refer to the dog food packaging for basic guidance. However, a more accurate estimate can be obtained by consulting with your vet, who takes into account your dog's health history and lifestyle.

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

Keep in mind that your Xolo's size affects their caloric needs, so it's essential to adjust their food portions accordingly.

Most dogs, including Xolos, don't have hair but can still trigger allergies with the dander or dead skin cells they produce.

You can help keep the volume down by wiping them down regularly, but slight amounts will linger.

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and you should spend time with a dog before committing to bringing them home.

Additional reading: How to Calm down Puppy Zoomies

Caring for a Xoloitzcuintli puppy is a big responsibility, but with the right approach, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy and healthy pup.

These dogs live a long life of 13–18 years, so be prepared for a lifelong commitment.

Xolos come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard, with heights ranging from 10–23 inches.

No matter their size, Xolos have a very distinctive look that developed naturally over the centuries, with big ears, a long muzzle, and almond-shaped eyes.

They're mostly naked, but some can have coarse hair on the top of their head, on their feet, and on the tip of their tail.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when feeding your Xoloitzcuintli puppy:

As your Xolo grows, you can transition to adult food at 1 year old, and then switch to twice a day feeding.

If your Xolo is eating too fast, try using a slow feeder bowl to reduce gobbling.

Daily exercise is essential for Xolos, whether you're in an apartment or a house, so be sure to take them on regular walks and runs – just keep them on a leash to prevent chasing smaller animals.

Socialization is also crucial, especially for Xolos, which can take a long time to warm up to strangers, so be sure to introduce them to new people and environments early and often.

The Xoloitzcuintli breed is one of North America's oldest dog breeds, going back over 3,000 years.

Their ancestors are believed to have crossed the Bering Strait land bridge from Asia over 15,000 years ago, which split off into many spitz breeds and landrace breeds like Native American dogs.

Explorer Christopher Columbus wrote in his diary about the Xolo, calling them a "strange hairless dog."

As a Xoloitzcuintli owner, you'll be happy to know that their grooming needs are relatively low-maintenance.

Hairless Xoloitzcuintlis need special care for their skin, particularly as adolescents when they may get acne.

Their exposed skin also requires protection from the sun, so don't forget the sunscreen when taking them outdoors.

The coated variety of the Xolo is easy to care for, requiring only a weekly brushing to keep their coat in good condition.

Regular nail trims and the occasional bath will keep them looking and feeling their best.

Their skin needs regular attention, but overall, Xolos don't require the same level of grooming as some other dog breeds.

Check this out: When Do Goldendoodles Lose Their Puppy Coat

Training your xoloitzcuintli puppy requires a consistent regimen and defined boundaries, as they need a strong owner to act as the pack leader.

Early socialization and puppy training classes are a must for all dogs, including the xolo. This helps them grow into confident and friendly adult dogs.

Xolos respond best to positive reinforcement training, where they're rewarded for good behavior. They're smart and can quickly pick up on cues, but consistent training is still necessary.

The Xoloitzcuintli is an intelligent breed that responds well to training, especially when a consistent regimen is followed.

To establish a strong bond with your Xolo, it's essential to define clear boundaries and act as the pack leader.

Early socialization and puppy training classes are a must for Xoloitzcuintlis, just like any other dog breed.

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

Consistent training is crucial for Xoloitzcuintles, as they can quickly pick up on cues with the right guidance.

Socializing your Xolo puppy is vital to prevent them from growing up suspicious of new people and situations.

The Xoloitzcuintli is a highly social breed that thrives on interaction with their family. They bond with the whole family and love to give affection, making them a great addition to any household.

Xolos are natural pack animals, so they'll figure out a loose hierarchy in your home and carve out their own little niche. This means they'll need plenty of attention and interaction to stay happy and healthy.

One of the best ways to provide this interaction is through regular exercise and playtime. Xolos love to run, play in the backyard, and engage in activities like tug-of-war and fetch.

Here are some fun activities you can try with your Xoloitzcuintli:

Remember, Xolos are also highly alert and wary of strangers, making them great watchdogs. They're not afraid to bark at intruders, so be sure to socialize them well to prevent any unwanted barking.