Xoloitzcuintli: Your Complete Guide

If you’re looking for a dog that’s hairless, hypoallergenic, and has an unmistakable ancient Mexican vibe, the Xoloitzcuintli might just be your new best friend.

These quirky pups, nicknamed “Xolos” for convenience, have been around for thousands of years and were even revered by the Aztecs back in the day. With their striking naked bodies, batty ears, and calm yet goofy personalities, Xolos make quite the unique companions.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the charming Xoloitzcuintli breed. We’ll cover their fascinating history, grooming needs (or lack thereof), temperament, exercise requirements, and whether these ancient hairless hounds make good family pets.

Quick Look at the Xoloitzcuintli

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Xoloitzcuintli?

The Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo for short, isn’t your average dog. They come with a history as rich and unique as their hairless (or nearly hairless) coat.

Xolos are one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas, boasting a lineage that stretches back over 3,000 years. Archaeological evidence, like sculptures found in burial sites, suggests they were companions to Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztecs and Maya.

The name “Xoloitzcuintli” combines “Xolotl,” — the Aztec god of lightning and death — with “itzcuintli,” — the Nahuatl word for dog. The Aztecs revered Xolos as protectors, healers, and even guides to the underworld. Some even believed their warm, hairless bodies could relieve ailments like arthritis, earning them the nickname “healer dogs.”

Here’s the thing: Xolos weren’t just spiritual buddies — these versatile pups were also used for hunting, guarding property, and even providing warmth in bed on chilly nights. Their hairless coat was an added perk in hot climates, making them low-maintenance companions and less likely to be ridden by pesky fleas.

Unfortunately, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century threw a wrench into Xolo’s tale. The Spanish weren’t exactly fans of anything related to Aztec beliefs, and Xolos, unfortunately, got caught in the crossfire.

The 1800s-1900s were pretty “ruff” for Xolos too, with their numbers dwindling as European breeds became popular. And for a while, it looked like these ancient pups might vanish entirely. However, dedicated breeders in Mexico never gave up on them.

In the 20th century, Xolos began to gain recognition in other countries, including the US. Today, they’re superstars in the dog world, recognized by major kennel clubs and enjoying a well-deserved resurgence in popularity.

What Do Xoloitzcuintlis Look Like?

The Xoloitzcuintli isn’t your typical furry friend. It’s a dog that immediately stands out — thanks to its distinctive appearance. This ancient breed has two varieties: hairless and coated.

Both hairless and coated Xolos come in a range of interesting colors. Black and gray are most common, but you might also find Xolos in shades of red, liver, or even bronze. Some Xolos even have a combination of these colors, with patches or brindle patterns.

Now, let’s talk about size. Xolos are known for their elegant and athletic build, with a body that is well-proportioned and sturdy. They have a distinct, wedge-shaped head with almond-shaped eyes that can range from yellow to black. Their large, bat-like ears are one of their standout features, standing erect and giving them an alert and curious expression.

In summary, the Xoloitzcuintli is a breed that combines elegance with a touch of the exotic. Whether hairless or coated, their distinctive looks and variety of colors make them truly one of a kind.

What Size Is a Xoloitzcuintli?

Xoloitzcuintlis come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The toy variant is the smallest of the bunch, standing at a height of 9 to 14 inches (23-36 cm) at the shoulder and weighing in at a mere 10 to 15 pounds (4.5-7 kg). They’re the perfect cuddle companions for apartment dwellers or those who love a dog they can carry around.

Miniature Xolos offer a good balance between portability and presence. They stand at 14 to 18 inches (36-46 cm) tall and typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds (7-14 kg). These Xolos are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations.

Standard Xolos, on the other hand, are the statuesque members of the Xolo family. Standing at 18 to 23 inches (46-58 cm) tall and weighing 30 to 55 pounds (14-25 kg), they have a striking and athletic presence. They’re a good choice for active owners who enjoy a jogging buddy or hiking companion.

What Is a Xoloitzcuintli’s Coat Type and Length?

Xoloitzcuintlis come in two distinct varieties when it comes to coat type and length. The classic Xolo is hairless, with smooth, warm skin that feels pleasantly leathery to the touch. Some may have a few wispy hairs on their head, feet, and the tip of their tail, but that’s about it.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the coated Xoloitzcuintli. Don’t let the name fool you though — coated Xolos aren’t exactly fluffy. They have a very short, flat coat that lies close to the body. It feels smooth to the touch and requires minimal grooming.

What Is a Xoloitzcuintli’s Temperament?

Although the Xoloitzcuintli might not have as much fur, it does have a lot of personality. Here’s a breakdown of their common temperament traits:

• Alert and Intelligent: Xolos are naturally curious and quick learners. They pick up on training commands easily and enjoy mental stimulation.
• Loyal and Affectionate: Once they bond with their family, Xolos become devoted companions. They love to cuddle and shower their loved ones with affection.
• Calm and Gentle: Despite their alertness, Xolos are generally calm and gentle dogs. They make good companions for families with older children who know how to interact respectfully with animals.
• Protective: Xolos have a strong protective instinct and will alert you to anything out of the ordinary. They can make good watchdogs.
• Independent: While loving, Xolos can also have an independent streak. They can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and positive reinforcement training.
• Sensitive: Xolos are sensitive pups who don’t respond well to harsh treatment. They thrive on positive reinforcement and gentle correction.

Overall, Xolos are loving, intelligent, and relatively low-maintenance companions. With their unique appearance and interesting personality, they can be a great fit for the right owner.

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Good With Kids?

Xolos are generally patient and tolerant dogs, which is an important trait for families with young children. Once bonded with a family, they can be incredibly loving and devoted companions. They may enjoy cuddling and showering children with affection.

That said, Xolos definitely have a gentle pet vibe going on. While they’ll happily join in playtime, they’re not the biggest fans of loud noises, rambunctious roughhousing, or toddlers who treat them like pull toys. Their sleek, sensitive bodies and calm personalities are better suited to calmer interactions and snuggle sessions.

As with any pup, early socialization is an absolute must for making sure your Xolo feels comfortable around the tiny human members of the family. Take the time to acclimatize them gradually and reinforce positive associations.

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Good With Other Animals?

Xoloitzcuintlis can generally get along well with other animals, including dogs and cats, especially when they are properly introduced and socialized from a young age. Their calm and social nature helps them adapt to multi-pet households.

However, as with any breed, individual temperament and careful, supervised introductions are crucial to ensuring harmony among all your pets

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Aggressive?

While Xolos are not inherently aggressive, they do have a natural protective instinct. They are vigilant and can be wary of strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs. This wariness is not the same as aggression, but a sign of their alert and protective nature. Proper socialization from a young age can help them distinguish between a real threat and a benign situation.

Do Xoloitzcuintlis Bark?

Xolos are naturally more reserved compared to many other breeds. They tend to be quiet and are not prone to unnecessary barking. Their calm demeanor contributes to their low noise levels, making them well-suited for apartment living or homes where a quieter dog is preferred.

That said, please keep in mind that these dogs have a natural instinct to be alert and protective. They’ll likely bark to warn you of anything out of the ordinary, like unfamiliar sounds or people approaching the house. With proper training, you can teach them the difference between a genuine threat and everyday noises.

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Affectionate?

Yes, Xoloitzcuintlis are known for their affectionate nature. These dogs form deep, strong bonds with their families and are often very loving and loyal companions. Their affectionate behavior manifests in various ways, making them wonderful pets for those seeking a close, interactive relationship with their dog.

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Intelligent?

Xoloitzcuintlis are known for their intelligence. This ancient breed possesses a keen mind and quick learning ability, making them highly trainable and responsive. They are quick to pick up new commands and skills and exhibit strong problem-solving abilities.

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Energetic?

Xoloitzcuintlis have moderate energy levels, making them adaptable to various lifestyles. They require regular exercise, including daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation, to stay healthy and happy. While they enjoy physical activities, they are also content to relax indoors, making them versatile companions for both active and more relaxed households.

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Easy to Train?

Xoloitzcuintlis are generally considered easy to train, thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and responsive nature. However, like any breed, they have specific traits and needs that should be taken into account to ensure effective training.

For instance, harsh punishment or negative reinforcement techniques don’t work well with Xolos. Hence, you must stick to positive reinforcement methods like treats, praise, and petting for successful training.

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Good Watchdogs?

Xolos are naturally alert and observant dogs. They also have a strong protective instinct towards their loved ones and territory. All of these traits make them good watchdogs.

They can pick up on sights and sounds that might go unnoticed by humans and bark to alert you to something out of the ordinary. However, Xolos aren’t typically aggressive dogs — they’re more likely to bark and alert you to danger than physically confront an intruder.

Are Xoloitzcuintlis Good Service Dogs?

While not the most common service dog breed, Xolos can be suitable for certain service roles with careful selection and training. Their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability make them strong candidates for various service roles. However, their sensitivity to weather and wariness of strangers may present challenges that require careful consideration.

How to Care for a Xoloitzcuintli?

Caring for a Xoloitzcuintli involves meeting their unique needs while providing love, attention, and proper healthcare. Because these dogs come in two varieties, hairless and coated, the grooming and skincare needs will vary depending on the type of Xolo you have at home.

Nonetheless, high-quality food, regular exercise, training, socialization, vet checkups, and moderate grooming are some of the essentials to keep your Xolo happy, healthy, and active.

Do You Need to Groom a Xoloitzcuintli?

Xolos, by default, require moderate grooming. However, there are a few nuances to consider. The hairless Xolo needs regular baths (weekly to monthly depending on lifestyle) with gentle shampoo, followed by moisturizing lotion to keep their skin healthy. Additionally, sunscreen is crucial for walks on sunny days to prevent sunburn.

Coated Xolos, on the other hand, require occasional baths and minimal brushing to keep their short fur clean and healthy.

Do Xoloitzcuintlis Shed?

As the name implies, hairless Xolos shed very little to practically none. They might have a few coarse hairs on their head, feet, and tail, but these are minimal and unlikely to cause any problems.

Even the coated Xoloitzcuintlis are very low shedders. Their coat is short, flat, and lies close to the body. Occasional brushing will remove any loose hairs.

What Health Problems Do Xoloitzcuintlis Have?

Xoloitzcuintlis are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health problems. For instance, hairless Xolos — due to their lack of fur — are more susceptible to sunburn, skin infections, and irritations.

In addition to this, some Xolos (especially the standard size) may be prone to orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Other common health-related issues include dental problems, eye disorders, and heat sensitivity.

Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, providing proper grooming and dental care, and being attentive to any changes in behavior or health can help mitigate the risk of these health problems.

How Long Do Xoloitzcuintlis Live?

Xoloitzcuintlis are known for their longevity. With proper care, these lively pups can enjoy a lifespan of 13 to 18 years. This is a respectable lifespan, placing them above the average canine lifespan of 10-13 years.

What Should a Xoloitzcuintli Eat?

Xoloitzcuintlis, like all dogs, thrive on a balanced diet that provides them with the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy and energized. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

• High-Quality Food: Choose a premium dog food that is formulated for the dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and size (toy, miniature, standard). Look for foods that list meat or meat meal as the first ingredient and avoid those with fillers, artificial additives, and by-products.
• Protein: Xoloitzcuintlis require a diet rich in high-quality protein to support their muscle development and overall health. Look for foods that contain animal-based proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish.
• Healthy Fats: Fats are an essential part of a Xolo’s diet, providing energy and supporting coat and skin health. Choose foods that contain healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from sources like fish oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat.

You must also try and incorporate fruits and vegetables into your Xolo’s diet to provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Most importantly, feed your Xoloitzcuintli the appropriate portion size based on their age, size, and activity level.

Avoid overfeeding, as obesity can lead to various health problems in Xolos, including joint issues and diabetes. Follow the feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging or consult your veterinarian for recommended portion sizes.

Remember to transition your Xoloitzcuintli to a new diet gradually to prevent digestive upset, and monitor their weight and overall condition to ensure they are thriving on their chosen diet. If you have any concerns about your Xolo’s diet or nutritional needs, consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

Is a Xoloitzcuintli the Right Dog for Me?

If you’re in search of a truly unique canine companion, the ancient Xoloitzcuintli might be just what you’re looking for. These loving, intelligent dogs are relatively low-maintenance and adapt well to various living conditions, whether it’s a cozy apartment or a spacious home.

While they make excellent watchdogs, their independent nature calls for patient training. Consider your lifestyle: Can you commit to daily walks, gentle handling, and special skin care for hairless varieties? If so, a Xolo could be the perfect match for you.