Xoloitzcuintli dogs: everything you need to know

The Xoloitzcuintli dog: revered for their mystical powers, escorts to the underworld, and near-worshiped by ancient cultures, or a loveable pup with a chilled-out nature, and seriously unique hairstyle? Well they’re both, actually. Known as Xoloitzcuintli, Xolo dogs, or simply the Mexican Hairless dog, these pooches are loved for their chilled-out nature as much as their sharp watchdog skills. And as one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds, these pups have a fascinating history that spans back over 3000 years alongside humans (if you're interesting in canine history, check out our blog on extinct dog breeds). So, if you’re lucky enough to have a Xolo in your pack and you’re welcoming a pet sitter or you’re house sitting one of these (sometimes bald) cuties soon, hold onto your hats for everything you need to know about the Xoloitzcuintli.

Xoloitzcuintli pronunciation 

It’s not the easiest name to get your articulators around, which is probably why so many dog lovers all over the world are asking the same question! It’s pronounced as show-low-eets-queent-lee, but if you don’t feel confident, these cuties are also widely recognized as Mexican Hairless dogs.

Xoloitzcuintli characteristics

Origin: Mexico - in fact, they’re known as the national treasures of Mexico, with a long-standing history of around 3000 years.

Size: According to the American Kennel Club, there are three different sizes including toy, miniature and standard. Toy Xoloitzcuintli are 10-15 pounds and weigh up to 14 inches, miniature Xoloitzcuintli weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and grow up to 18 inches, and standard Xoloitzcuintli weigh between 30 and 55 pounds and grow up to 23 inches.

Character: Xoloitzcuintli dogs are affectionate towards those they know well but can be a little stand-offish towards those they don’t. 

Grooming: The Xoloitzcuintli Mexican hairless dog also comes in a coated variety, which needs very little grooming (a brush once a week should do it). Adolescent dogs may get acne which you’ll need to consult the vet for, plus both pups and adults will need an occasional bath, and regular nail-trimming.

Health needs: Like with any breed, there are recommended tests to get for Xoloitzcuintli dogs. These include patella, hip and ophthalmologist evaluations and a cardiac exam. And like with any pooch, check their ears often to avoid infection, and give their teeth a brush regularly.

Energy levels: Adult Xolos are known for their chilled-out nature around the house, but still need regular long walks to stay happy and healthy. Xoloitzcuintli puppies need much more exercise and regular playtime.

Training: Xolos need regular, consistent training from a young age, along with socialization with other people and pets. Gentle positive reinforcement is recommended along with clearly-defined boundaries from the start.

Intelligence: They’re highly intelligent dogs that take to training well if it’s consistent with clear boundaries.

Lifespan: Xolo dogs live between 13 and 18 years.

Noise levels: Like most dogs, Xolos can bark and howl, but they’re only inclined to do so when in particular situations (which is why they make such fab guard dogs). So, if you’re concerned about welcoming a noisy, yappy dog, a Xolo won’t be barking or howling for hours on end for no particular reason.

Xoloitzcuintli appearance

To say the least, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are pretty varied on the looks front! These cuties can be found in three different sizes (toy, miniature and standard), are found in many colors, are both coated and hairless, and are found with both stand-up and floppy ears. To find out about their sizes, scroll down to learn more about the types of Xoloitzcuintli dogs.

Let’s start with their coat situation. Hairless Xolos are often found with a small, mohawk-type tuft of hair on the top of their heads, and sometimes have a little fur on the paws and tails. Hairless Xoloitzcuintli puppies often have a wrinkly body, but this soon changes as their lean, muscular body grows into itself.

While often called a hairless breed, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are also found with hair. The coat is short and tight to their bodies, and bonus for anybody who hasn’t got time for grooming - it doesn’t need a whole lot. Coated Xolos are often found with a solid, dark coat, but sometimes have white markings, too. Other common coat colors include seal, charcoal, brown, pariah, and tan, all of which can be found with white markings.

Now heading north, their bat-like ears often stand up on end (but can flop sideways) and can move independently of one another for expert hearing - cool, right?! Often, coated Xolos have floppy ears due to the weight of the fur. Xolos have almond-shaped eyes which are more often than not dark in color, but can sometimes be found in lighter shades like caramel. One of their stand-out features that we find particularly sweet is their wrinkled brows - they get extra burrowed when concentrating on something!

Xoloitzcuintli personality

Maybe due to their long history alongside humans, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are known for their calm personalities. When at home, Xolo dogs will happily bask in the sun or cuddle up beside their humans to keep warm. Often choosing one human as their favorite companion, Xolos are loving and affectionate to the rest of the pack, too. The same can’t be said for their approach to strangers, though. While far from aggressive or vicious, the Mexican hairless dog can be pretty standoffish towards pets and people they don’t know. A well-socialized Xolo will eventually trust strangers once they’ve had time to get to know one another, but can be pretty territorial when on their own turf. Like with most pack animals, Xolos aren’t fond of being left alone, so it’s best to take your pup out with you to avoid separation anxiety and any destructive behaviors. And despite their (mostly) chilled-out nature at home, Xolo dogs crave exercise, so will need long, regular walkies to stay happy and healthy.

Xoloitzcuintli temperament

Like with any pooch, there’s no one fixed temperament for Xoloitzcuintli dogs. In fact, it depends on a whole host of different factors. The first is training - depending on how consistent and regular and effective the training has been so far, the temperament of the Xolo dog will be affected. Other facts include the pup’s parents’ temperament - maybe they’re predisposed to a calmer or slightly more erratic disposition. 

And of course, the big one - socialization. Xolo dogs can be quite aloof towards strangers and territorial when on their own turf or out with their pack, so early (and broad) socialization is important for a happy adult dog. It’s best to expose your pup to as many new situations as you can (without overwhelming them, of course). A great way to socialize a Xolo is through puppy training classes, visits to busy dog parks, walks through town, plus visits to your home from friends and family they don’t see too often. A regular combination of these will help your Xolo to understand that other people and pets aren’t so much of a threat after all.

Xoloitzcuintli dog breed history

Many breeds nowadays are the result of human intervention, with cross-breeds popping up left, right and center complete with curly, often Poodle-like curls. Well the Mexican Xolo dog is quite the opposite. Often considered a ‘natural’ breed, Xolos are probably the result of spontaneous genetic mutation, meaning the breed has naturally evolved over the centuries by natural selection rather than breeding, led by humans and their agendas.

So, where are these unique, hairless pooches originally from? Well some suggest that the ancestors of Xolo dogs were the companions of people who migrated across the Bering landmass. What’s more widely agreed upon is their association with the Aztec peoples of Mexico. In fact, the name Xoloitzcuintli is partly derived from the Aztec deity Xolotl (the god of fire and the escort of the dead to the underworld), while the latter part of the name itzcuintli means ‘dog’ in the language used by the Aztec people.

But Xolos weren’t only roaming, eating and sleeping Mexican dogs. Xoloitzcuintli dogs had a special place within Aztec society, and were believed to be able to heal all kinds of ailments including insomnia, rheumatism and asthma. They were also believed to scare off evil spirits and intruders, and, like the deity Xolotl, Xolos were believed to escort the dead to the underworld through sacrifice. 

Over time, Xolos gained popularity in areas other than Mexico, and were eventually recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as the Mexican Hairless. They were known for being particularly rare, quietly in the background of the dog world. But that didn’t prevent public interest in them. In fact, artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera included Xolos in their artwork. But eventually as interest in the breed dropped, the AKC took away its official recognition in 1959. Since then, Xolo dogs have regained their popularity, and the breed is celebrated across Mexico. The rise in popularity meant that eventually, in 2011, the American Kennel Club re-registered the breed. While the Xolos remain of interest to the public, they’re not particularly common, so can be difficult for dog lovers to adopt.

Xoloitzcuintli puppies

If you’re thinking about adopting a Xoloitzcuintli puppy, firstly, kudos for finding one of these cuties in need of a home - they’re not easy to come by. Secondly, make sure you’ve got the time and energy for one - they’re much more energetic than their adult selves. Xolo pups are bursting at the seams with energy, and need to be stimulated and given lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy. It’s also super important to train your Xoloitzcuintli puppy from a young age, keeping the training consistent and regular, using positive reinforcement to prune the best behavior from your pup. Like with all pups of this Mexican hairless dog breed, socialization is also key from a young age to make sure they grow into the calm, mellow pooches we know and love. So, if you’re thinking of welcoming a pup home and you’re not ready for the energy-filled puppy years, it could be worth reconsidering whether a Xolo is the best pooch for you.

Types of Xoloitzcuintli dogs

According to the American Kennel Club, there are many different types of Xoloitzcuintli dogs. While their coat (or lack of it), ears and skin all vary, there are also three different sizes. And unlike many other breeds, Xoloitzcuintli dog types are all accepted as one united category by the American Kennel Club. The Club often separate a breed's different sizing as distinct categories, but potentially due to this breed’s rarity, the toy, miniature and standard Xoloitzcuintli dogs are all grouped together.

• Toy Xoloitzcuintlis. As the name suggests, the toy versions of these cuties weigh in at 10-15 pounds and grow up to 14 inches. 
• Miniature Xoloitzcuintlis. These medium-sized pups weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and grow up to 18 inches tall.
• Standard Xoloitzcuintlis. The largest of the Xoloitzcuintlis weigh between 30 and 55 pounds, growing between 18 and 23 inches tall.

What’s the ideal human for a Xoloitzcuintli?

The Xoloitzcuintli dog will do well with a family who enjoys the outdoors, but also loves time at home for sofa snuggles or sunbathing! Unlike the pups, adult Xolos are pretty tranquil in nature, and love nothing more than cuddling up to their favorite human (and yes, there is usually one favorite human!). Xolos also appreciate long walkies as well as a medium-sized backyard with enough space for running around and games. While they tend to pick a favorite human of the household, Xolos love their pack and can be good with children. They’re more likely to accept little ones if they’re brought up around them, or have lived with children since their puppy years. Despite their tolerance for children though, it’s important to teach them how to act around dogs, avoiding a rough touch on their ears and tails, and never approaching them while eating or sleeping, no matter how cute they might look! Your best bet is to never leave your pooch alone with a child, as no matter how much love they’ve previously shown their pack, there’s no guarantee that their territorial nature won’t be triggered.

What’s the ideal home for Xoloitzcuintlis?

If you’re thinking about adopting a Xoloitzcuintli dog, it’s important to know they’ll quickly become part of the family, making their place in your household as a member of the pack. While there’s nothing more rewarding than welcoming a new pooch home who quickly adjusts to family life, there is a flip side to it - the main in this case being separation anxiety. Xolos don’t appreciate being left alone for too long, and it makes sense, if we think about their history. For centuries, Xolos had a clear place in the pack, even being revered as a near-deity in Mexico. So, it’s easy to see why being left home alone could bring up feelings of confusion and anxiety for your pooch. So, if you work from home, you’ll be perfectly suited for your Xolo, having time for snuggles all day and walkies at lunchtime. If you and the rest of your pack spend most of the day out of the house, we wouldn’t advise adopting a Xolo. If you're out only some of the time, the best way to keep your pooch happy would be to welcome a dog walker, so your pup gets the exercise and social interaction they need to stay happy and healthy.

When it comes to other pets, we’d advise a healthy dose of caution. Xolos have a strong prey drive, so they’ll be inclined to chase cats and other furry creatures if they’re not used to them. But like with anything, if you introduce other pets to your pooch at a young age, they’re more likely to accept them as a normal part of the home and family life. 

And what about the home itself? Well while enjoying nothing more than a snuggle on the sofa, Xolos will be happiest in a home that has a yard big enough for daily run-arounds. They’re pretty athletic pooches, so be sure to make sure your yard is completely escape-proof, and that your fence is high enough.

Tips for training Xoloitzcuintlis

Like most of our four-legged friends, Mexican hairless dogs need a consistent training routine from a young age. While you might not be heading off to puppy training classes straight away, the most important first step is having clear boundaries. Before welcoming your new pooch home, discuss the rules your family will need to follow to make sure your pooch is getting a consistent experience at home. One person enforcing one set of rules that contradicts with another will, of course, result in a rather confused pup who’s always ‘misbehaving’ in somebody’s books.

Once your pup is old enough for training classes, we’d highly recommend popping along regularly. Not only will you learn invaluable tips on keeping your pup in ship shape, it’s also the perfect chance for your pooch to socialize with other dogs and humans. Early socialization will result in a well-adjusted pup with good manners.

When it comes to the type of training Xoloitzcuintli dogs will take well to, positive reinforcement is always advised. Like with any pooch, it’s important to reward for the behaviors that you’d like to see more of.

Tips for grooming Xoloitzcuintlis

The coated varieties of the Xoloitzcuintli dog will of course need a little more grooming than their hairless counterparts. But, good news for anyone who doesn’t have time for heaps of dog grooming, it’s still pretty minimal with the coated varieties. The hair is short and tight to the skin, so a quick brush every week should be more than enough, along with the occasional bath to keep them clean and fresh. In their teenage years, Xolo dogs are sometimes prone to acne, so head to the vets if any spots rear their head. And like with any dog, keep their nails trimmed and check those ears regularly for any infections. One more thing - while it’s not strictly grooming, if you’ve got a hairless Xolo, be sure to apply dog-safe sunscreen on particularly sunny days.

Xoloitzcuintlis breed health

Xoloitzcuintli dogs are generally healthy breeds, but like all dogs, there are a few health issues to look out for and cautions to take. It goes without saying that your pooch will need to have had all of their vaccinations before home time comes. And, as we’ve mentioned, it’s important to look after their skin. As a hairless breed, they’re more likely to suffer from sun damage. So, invest in a dog-friendly SPF to avoid skin problems, and get them checked by the vet if you notice any changes in your pup’s skin. According to the American Kennel Club, Xolos may also experience hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and potentially eye disorders. The health tests recommended for Xolo dogs are patella evaluation, hip evaluation, ophthalmologist evaluation, and a cardiac exam. Keeping an eye on each of those health issues, feeding your pooch a healthy, rounded diet, plus socialization and exercise should result in a happy, healthy pooch.

Getting a Xoloitzcuintlis

While it can be easy to fixate on your favorite breed, it’s important to remember that there are thousands of pups in shelters waiting for forever homes. So, if you’re lucky enough to find a Xolo in a shelter, Xoloitzcuintli adoption could be the way forward. Just make sure you’re ready to take on a pooch who may need extra vigilant training and a pack who never veer from the house rules.

Want to learn about another, equally adorable Mexican breed?

Thought so - grab another cup of something warm and dive into this guide to all things Chihuahua - a widely popular pup known for their iddy bodies, bulbous eyes and spunky nature.