The Xoloitzcuintli!
Pronounced show-low-its-queen-tlee, Xoloitzcuintli is also called the Mexican
Hairless or Xolo for short. It is characterized by a broad skull, long muzzle
with nose that is either black or flesh, and eyes that are slightly almond
shaped colored black or yellow. Its bat-like ears are about four inches long.
Its graceful neck is complemented by its straight and flexible back. Xoloitzcuintli
actually has two varieties: the hairless and the haired Xolo. The hairless
type literally has no coat, except for the long tuft on its head and the hair
on its long tail’s tip. The coated Xolo has either these grayish and
blackish colors. It also comes in three sizes: the Standard, the Miniature,
and the Toy Xolo.
Some Quick Facts:
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Energy Level:
Calm, lower than average.
Living Conditions:
Indoor only, especially the hairless type. Sensitive to cold.
Barking:
Very rarely barks.
Exercise Needs:
Minimal; occassional walk or jog.
Breed Group:
Non-sporting
Size:
Standard: Medium-Small
Miniature: Small
Toy:
Small
Height:
Standard: 16-23 in.
Miniature: 12-15 in.
Toy: 11-12 in.
Weight:
Standard: 20-31 lbs
Miniature: 13-22 lbs
Toy: 9-18 lbs
Standard Hair Colors:
The coated Xolo has these colors: reddish gray, black, elephant gray, dark bronze
or gray-blac; coffee or pink spots.
National breed club:
Xoloitzcuintle Club USA
Xoloitzcuintli Skills
The Xolo breed began when ancestors of the Aztec Indians brought hairless dogs called “Biche”, which meant naked, to Mexico from Asia. However, at that time, the Xolos were used as sacrificial offerings, bedwarmers, or food. Today, the Xolo is native to Mexico and has become widespread in Southern America. It is named after the ancient dog Xoloti.
Xoloitzcuintli Personality
Xoloitzcuintli has a calm nature, very affectionate and cheerful to family members and reserved among strangers. It seldom barks, and when it does, only to alert or alarm its humans. It is intelligent, making it easy to train.
Exercise Needs
This housedog does not demand much exercise although occasional jogs and walks with it can be fun.
Living Conditions
This breed is adaptable to any indoor living conditions of various sizes. However, the hairless variety must be protected from cold and from the sun (using sunscreen). The Xolo is basically a housedog.
Grooming Requirements
The Hairless type requires skin-protection care, from the sun and the cold. Sunscreen will be handy when it goes out under the sun. The skin must also be regularly oiled, or applied with exfoliating creams and lotion, to remove dead skins and make the skin supple and smooth. A regular bath using gentle dog soap will also help. With very minimal hair, the Xolo is perfect for those allergy sufferers and those very particular with dog odor and excessive shedding.
Health Issues
The Xolo is a healthy breed but demands skin care for it is prone to skin irritation, sunburn, and tears from other dogs, cats, and objects. It is naturally vegetarian but it can easily convert to a meat diet.
If you liked this dog…
...for its petite and clean look, you may want to check out the Manchester Terrier, also known as the English Toy Terrier.
