Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as Xoloitzcuintle, Xolo, Mexican Hairless Dog
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 60 cm
- Weight
- 4.5 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Mexico
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- few red flags: it adapts to many households
Overview
An ancient breed from Mexico that comes in three sizes (standard, intermediate and miniature) and two varieties, hairless or short-coated. It is known for its loyal, calm and alert temperament.
History and origins
An ancient breed going back more than 3,000 years, with archaeological evidence of its presence in Mexico. Highly prized by the Aztecs, the Maya and other ancient cultures as a companion, healer, guardian and ceremonial animal.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Dental anomalies (missing teeth in the hairless variety)
- Acne, sunburn and dermatitis
- Patellar luxation
- Skin allergies
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Hairless or smooth coat. Almost no shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Xoloitzcuintli FAQ
How big does the Xoloitzcuintli get?
The Xoloitzcuintli stands 25 to 60 cm at the withers and weighs 4.5 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Xoloitzcuintli shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs little care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide.
Can the Xoloitzcuintli live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Xoloitzcuintli need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Xoloitzcuintli good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Xoloitzcuintli live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are dental anomalies and acne.
