About Xolo breed

The Xoloitzcuintle is an amazing dog breed, notable not only for its appearance (hairlessness) but also for its intelligence, which manifests in a strong personality, curiosity, and high intellect. These energetic dogs require plenty of physical and mental activity, such as search games, obstacle challenges, running, walking, etc. This often requires the owner to be more engaged in training and socialization. Still, in return, you receive unconditional love, gratitude, and loyalty - not just from a pet but from a unique personality embodied in these extraordinary beings.

As the name suggests, the Xolo breed (or Mexican Hairless Dog) originates from Mexico and has a very ancient history dating back several millennia. Some researchers consider it the oldest dog breed on the planet that has survived to the present day. However, we won’t delve deeply into the history or popular legends about the breed, as much has already been said about that online. In this article, we will focus more on practical information relevant to prospective Xolo owners today, as well as the important distinguishing features of the breed in its modern form. I’ll share some official information, my experience, and my perspective as a breeder.

 

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE BREED STANDARD

Xolos come in two varieties: hairless and coated. Typically, puppies of both types are born in the same litter, even if both parents are hairless. Coated Xoloitzcuintles have short hair, usually without an undercoat, and are classified as low-shedding dogs. In the hairless variety, it’s normal for several teeth to be missing, since the gene responsible for hairlessness also affects dental formation. For more detailed information on Xolo anatomy, refer to the relevant section on the FCI (International Canine Federation) website.

The Xoloitzcuintli breed has three size variations:

• Standard (height at withers 46-60 cm)
• Medium (36-45 cm)
• Miniature (25-35 cm)

Note that in the breed standard, the UTILIZATION section classifies the two larger sizes as "watchdogs," while the "miniature" size is specified as a "companion dog." This doesn’t mean that larger Xolos cannot be companions - on the contrary, they make excellent pets. However, remember that these dogs have a territorial guarding instinct, which should be considered in training.

According to the FCI classification, Xoloitzcuintli belongs to Group 5 "Spitz and Primitive Types", Section 6, "Primitive Type". The term "primitive" here implies that dogs in this group are closer to their original wild ancestors and have been less affected by deliberate selective breeding compared to other breeds. This suggests stronger health and longevity of these dogs, as well as slightly more expressed instincts than other (selectively bred) breeds. Primitive-type dogs have highly developed intelligence, initially oriented toward survival, but in a modern environment, it is successfully redirected to interaction with humans, providing positive experience from socialization, games, walks, and similar activities, which is a great advantage for a companion dog. Despite a certain stubbornness and independence, Mexican Hairless dogs are generally very trainable. In connection with the above, early socialization is required for all primitive breeds, meaning your pet should be taught to navigate society and interact with various “stimuli” that it may encounter in life - people, children, dogs, and other animals, as well as objects and environmental phenomena. This will help your dog develop a friendly attitude toward everyone and also avoid fears and behavioral issues.

 

BREED CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE REQUIREMENTS

Health

Xoloitzcuintli are long-lived dogs. With proper care, they can live up to 15 years, and there are even cases of them living to a more advanced age.

This breed has robust health and a good immune system. With proper maintenance, they rarely get sick. Mexican Hairless Dogs lack breed-specific genetic diseases. However, all our breeding dogs are tested for the absence of common diseases affecting dogs as a species.

Rarely, Xolos may show allergies to certain foods or skincare products, which can usually be resolved by changing their feeding or skin care.

Temperament

Perhaps the most appealing feature of the Xoloitzcuintli is its intelligence and curiosity. These dogs are constantly in a “creative search” mode, always striving to outdo themselves. Their high motivation enables them to quickly learn new skills, whether in obedience, tricks, or dog sports exercises. However, this trait also has a downside: without proper training, the dog may find not-so-nice ways to entertain itself. Therefore, discipline, consistent training, and early socialization are essential.

Xolos are quite emotional dogs; they need frequent interaction with their owners and form strong bonds with them. They have a hard time with separation and suffer from prolonged loneliness or lack of attention.

At the same time, they are naturally cheerful and energetic, so with sufficient care and attention to their needs, these dogs always carry an air of optimism, joy, and fun.

Xoloitzcuintles tend to be wary of strangers, which should never turn into fear or aggression, according to the breed standard. However, guarding their family and territory is instinctive for all watchdog breeds, so it’s best to be prepared for some barking at unexpected guests.

Grooming and Hygiene

These dogs are easy to care for. Healthy skin in the hairless variety and beautiful, shiny coats in the coated variety depend on proper, balanced nutrition. Hairless Xolos may occasionally need a moisturizing cream on their skin. Coated dogs require standard care for short-haired breeds. They don’t need haircuts, don’t have undercoats, and shed less than other breeds.

For hairless dogs, sunscreen is necessary before summer walks during the day. Direct sunlight can harm their skin, especially in light-colored dogs. Sun exposure can be avoided by walking early in the morning or the evening after sunset. If the skin becomes too dry for any reason, hypoallergenic skin-care products approved for dogs can be applied. These can be either special veterinary products (creams, lotions, sprays) or natural oils. In the summer, hairless Xolos acquire a tan, which shows off their skin color to the fullest. In the cold season, when the tan fades, hairless dogs of all colors look grayer and duller, which is normal.

Hairless dogs are hypoallergenic for people with allergies to fur. They also have no specific dog smell due to fewer sebaceous glands on the skin.

It is recommended to bathe hairless dogs as rarely as possible since their skin has a natural protective barrier that helps resist harmful external factors. Excessive bathing, especially with shampoo and other products, can disrupt this barrier, leading to excessive dryness, acne, or skin infections. The preferred method is bathing with plain clean water as needed, for example, to wash paws after a walk. Shampoo baths should occur no more than once a month and even less frequently if there is no significant dirt. Coated dogs are more tolerant of bathing since they have a higher number of skin glands, but even with them, it is best not to overdo it with bath routines.

Hairless Xolos have faster nail growth, so trimming is recommended every 7-10 days, while coated Xolos need trimming about once a month. Keep in mind that overly long nails can lead to improper paw placement, which, in the long term, may harm the dog's skeletal structure.

Regular teeth cleaning is required according to your veterinarian's recommendations. Dogs that are fed dry food generally require teeth cleaning less often, as the kibble helps naturally clean their teeth.

During the cold season, hairless dogs of this breed require clothing, as their lack of fur makes them lose heat more quickly. Of course, dogs, including hairless ones, are more resistant to cold than humans, but they can still get cold. Pay attention to your pet's behavior and condition: when a dog feels cold, it will shiver and tuck its paws. If you notice these signs, your dog needs to be dressed more warmly.

Feeding

Hairless Xolos have a higher energy expenditure than coated dogs, so if feeding dry food, add approximately +10% to the portion recommended on the packaging.

Hairless dogs with adequate nutrition should not have visible ribs. Coated dogs should also have a slight layer of fat under the skin.

Overfeeding should also be avoided. Although Xolos are generally not prone to obesity and often may even refuse an extra portion, the individual preferences of each dog can vary. Therefore, to maintain good health, it’s best not to overdo it with excessive food.

Adult dogs should be fed twice a day, preferably an hour before a walk, as physical activity immediately after eating is undesirable to avoid gastrointestinal issues. Alternatively, you can feed the dog right after a walk. For puppies, the daily feeding amount is divided into a greater number of meals (from 3 to 5, depending on their age).

Dogs should always have access to fresh water. If the water in the bowl remains untouched for too long, the bowl should be cleaned, and the water should be replaced.

In hot weather, water consumption increases, while a dog may refuse its portion of food. Skipping one meal in such cases is normal. However, it’s important to monitor that the dog doesn’t refuse food for a more extended period, as this may be a sign of illness.

Outside walks

Adult dogs living in apartments need walks at least twice a day, with each outing lasting at least an hour. Walking in the fresh air strengthens immunity, provides quality emotional relaxation, and stimulates a good appetite. Walks are not just for bathroom breaks - they also satisfy the dog's need for physical exercise, new experiences, exploring the environment, and socializing with other dogs. If the dog lives in a private house, one walk can be replaced with time spent in the yard, but regular outings beyond home territory are still necessary.

Puppies need to go outside more frequently, but the duration of each walk should be shorter. A young puppy should not be overloaded with excessive physical activity.

In countries with hot climates, during city walks in the summer, your dog may need special shoes, as pavement can sometimes heat up to extremely high temperatures, potentially causing burns to the pads of their paws.

Housing

A dog should have a comfortable and spacious place to rest in the house - this can be a dog bed or a crate with a sufficiently cozy mat. The resting area should be large enough for the dog to lie down with its legs stretched out, and a crate should also have enough height for the dog to stand up at full height.

The resting spot should be located at a safe distance from doors and heating appliances. It should not be placed in the kitchen, bathroom, or a drafty area.

A dog should have plenty of toys, as well as items it is allowed (and comfortable) to chew on. We recommend using special chewable “bones” made from pressed beef tendons. Keep in mind that issues with the destruction of household items often arise due to a lack of appropriate items the dog is allowed to play with. Try to provide your dog with as diverse an environment as possible, especially in the area where it spends most of its time.

Additionally, a dog should have enough space in the house to move around and stretch. It is not acceptable to confine a dog in a small space (such as a playpen) on a permanent basis.

Xolos, especially hairless ones, are not suited to outdoor living, even with a high-quality kennel or enclosure. Dogs can freely run around the yard for some time as part of outdoor play, but permanent outdoor living is unacceptable. Coated Xoloitzcuintles also shouldn’t stay outside for extended periods in cold weather, as they don’t have an undercoat.

Training, Activity, and Rest

Mastering basic obedience skills will improve life with your Xolo. The ability to establish contact and build a trusting relationship with your pet is the foundation of proper training. From the very first days of a puppy's arrival in your home, it’s better to focus on rules of behavior and explain in a kind and friendly manner what is allowed and what is not. Consistency in your actions is key to ensuring the successful reinforcement of new skills. Training sessions are conducted in a playful and friendly atmosphere, where the puppy feels comfortable. Avoid overloading your puppy - training should bring joy to the dog and alternate with play and rest.

The Xoloitzcuintli is a fairly energetic dog with an athletic build. They are well-proportioned, muscular, and toned. Maintaining their good health and beautiful appearance involves physical activity that matches the dog’s size and age. This includes regular walks of sufficient duration on different routes as well as other various activities: running, playing with the owner or other dogs, outdoor exercises, and more. All these activities strengthen the immune system and help the dog expend excess energy.

Alongside their need for intellectual and physical stimulation, Xoloitzcuintlis equally require quality relaxation. A healthy adult dog needs approximately 14-16 hours of sleep per day, so your pet needs a comfortable and peaceful environment for rest between activities.

 

WHO IS THIS BREED SUITABLE FOR?

It’s important to understand that dogs don’t have “good” or “bad” traits; rather, they have a set of adaptations to the environment in which the species as a whole and the breed in particular evolved. Some qualities may be convenient or inconvenient for a specific person, so people give them these definitions. Remember that some aspects of your life may also be uncomfortable for the dog. Therefore, the best criterion for choosing a pet is matching the dog’s needs and temperament with your lifestyle and interests. Only in that case can both - the owner and his dog - be truly happy together. If you resonate with the characteristics described and can provide suitable conditions, then a Xolo is the dog for you. If you have any doubts, it might be worth waiting or considering another breed.

 

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

Here, we will briefly discuss some popular myths that may distort perceptions and attitudes towards the Xolo breed among those who encounter it for the first time. Perhaps not all misconceptions are described here, and this section will expand in the future, but for now, I will only list those that I encountered in the format of frequently asked questions from owners.

Myth #1: "Xolos choose only one owner"

When reading descriptions of the breed in various sources, you can sometimes come across the statement that Mexican Hairless Dogs can be loyal to only one person, whom they “choose as their owner” and subsequently obey only him or her. But this misconception can apply to any breed if only one family member is involved in the dog’s care (which, unfortunately, isn’t uncommon). Including all family members in activities with the dog - walking, feeding, grooming, playing, training, and affection - easily dispels this myth.

Myth #2: "This breed is only for experienced dog owners"

There is a belief that this breed is unsuitable for everyone, especially as a first dog. Since Xolos are highly energetic dogs, they may not suit everyone. But if you consider their traits as benefits and are enthusiastic to dedicate your time and attention, a Mexican Hairless Dog could be a great first pet. As a certified breeder and dog trainer, I provide full support to puppy owners, offering guidance on training and care as needed.

 

In dog training,
Age doesn't matter,
Language doesn't matter.
What really matters is love.

Yaroslava Bila, breeder of the NordWindStorm kennel