The Xoloitzcuintle means “dog of Xolo” (the god of the Underworld). These are the oldest hairless dog breed and one of the most ancient dog breeds in general. Statues of them have been uncovered in Mayan, Colima, and Aztec Indian tombs dating back over 3,500 years.
Lifespan and Size of Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless
The Toy Xoloitzcuintle is an extra-small dog, most weighing 5-15 lbs. and standing 9-14 inches tall. The Miniature Xoloitzcuintle are small dogs, most weighing 13-20lbs. And standing 12-15 inches tall. The Standard Xoloitzcuintle are medium-sized dogs, most weighing 20-30lbs and standing around16-22 inches tall. The lifespan of a Xoloitzcuintle is 12-15 years.
Types and Colors of Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless
There are Toy, Miniature, and Standard varieties of the Xoloitzcuintle. The Miniature variety is the most popular. The Xoloitzcuintle also comes in a variety of colors but is usually black or charcoal gray and almost always solid.
Are Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairlesses Good Family Dogs and Kids?
The Xoloitzcuintle is a wonderful companion for the right family. They are a high-energy breed that requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation, and they are also extremely devoted to their people. Xoloitzcuintles are best with older children, with whom they can match their energy for play and also guard them as though they’re their children.
This is not a dog that can be left alone most of the time, they love to be around their humans, and they love having other dogs in the home. As with any breed, it is advised that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Xoloitzcuintle to keep both the child and dog safe.
How Much Do Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairlesses Bark?
The Xoloitzcuintle is an alert barker. As with any dog, they can be restrained from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise. The Xoloitzcuintle is an intelligent breed but can sometimes be stubborn. They need a confident, experienced trainer that will be gentle with this sensitive breed.
What Diseases are Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairlesses Prone To?
Like most of the other ancient breeds, thousands of years of natural selection have led to them being overall a very healthy breed with few serious disorders. But they are some Diseases they are prone to:
Skin Issues: Xolos are prone to acne, sunburns, and dryness. Protect your dog with SPF just as you would yourself!
Dental Issues: The traits for hairlessness and missing teeth are genetically linked, so the hairless variety of this breed often has some missing teeth.
Are Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairlesses Good with Cats?
The Xoloitzcuintle is a primitive dog, which doesn’t make them the best around smaller animals such as cats. Of course, each dog (and cat) has his preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident in your Xoloitzcuintle if properly socialized to your cat and introduced at a young age. They should get along just well.
Additionally, The Xoloitzcuintle is an intelligent breed but can sometimes be stubborn. They need a confident, experienced trainer that will be gentle with this sensitive breed.
If you are looking to own this breed of dog, then the easiest way to adopt a Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless would be through a rescue that specializes in Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairlesses.
