Xoloitzcuintle

Also known as: Xolo, Mexican Hairless Dog, Tepeizeuintli

The Xoloitzcuintle is one of the oldest breeds in the Americas, kept for centuries by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican peoples, who regarded it as a sacred guide for the dead on their journey to the afterlife. The name combines the Aztec god Xolotl with itzcuintli, meaning dog. The hairless variety has no coat at all, which means the skin needs sun protection in summer, warmth in winter, and regular care to prevent dryness. A coated variety also exists and avoids those issues. Weighing up to 25 kilograms, the dog is athletic and alert, often cautious around strangers. Life expectancy runs 13 to 18 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Xoloitzcuintle: how old in human years?

25–60 cmHeight
4–25 kgWeight
13–18 yrsLife expectancy

Finnish Spitz

FCI group: Spitz and Nordic/Ancient-type Dogs
FCI section: Section 6: Primitive type
FCI: 234
Country of origin: Mexico

Energy level

3/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 25–60 cm

Females 25–58 cm

Weight

Males 4–25 kg

Females 4–23 kg

Life expectancy

13–18 yrs

Coat

hairless (also a coated variety) (hairless)

Temperament & Family Life

Xoloitzcuintle's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 2/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Xoloitzcuintle's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 3/5
Exercise need 3/5
Apartment friendly 3/5
Prey drive 3/5
Hunting instinct 2/5

Guarding & Alertness

Xoloitzcuintle's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 3/5
Watchfulness 4/5
Barking level 3/5

Grooming & Care

Xoloitzcuintle's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 1/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Xoloitzcuintle

The Xoloitzcuintle is the kind of dog people stop in the street to stare at. It is one of the oldest breeds of the Americas, held sacred in Aztec times, and today a calm, clever and affectionate companion that, for all its exotic looks, lives an entirely doggy life: it loves walks, games and a warm spot next to you.

Its energy is moderate. A daily walk and some play are enough, and indoors it is quiet and undemanding, so a small or medium Xolo does very well in a flat. It is alert and will tell you when someone arrives, but it doesn't bark for the sake of it. It learns quickly, especially for a treat, but it has opinions of its own, so patience and a gentle, consistent hand get you further than strictness.

With its family a Xolo is tender and devoted, sometimes attaching itself most closely to one person. With strangers it is reserved at first, so it pays to introduce a puppy early to all kinds of people and situations. It gets along with children who know how to treat a dog with respect, and with other dogs best when introductions are calm. And one more advantage anyone who has ever vacuumed a rug will appreciate: a hairless dog doesn't shed.

Grooming and coat

You won't need a brush, but the skin asks for the attention other dogs' coats get. Bathe a hairless Xolo now and then with a mild dog shampoo and dry it well; bathing too often dries the skin, too rarely lets the pores clog. In summer keep it out of strong midday sun, where shade and a light T-shirt help, and ask your vet about protecting the skin. In a Lithuanian winter it will need a warm coat, and not as a fashion statement. The coated variety has a short, smooth coat that only needs an occasional pass with a rubber mitt.

Once a week, check the upright ears: they are large and open, so dust gets in easily, and the inside should be clean and odour-free. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a damp cloth when sleep collects there, and take a red or watering eye to the vet. While you are checking ears and eyes, run your hand over the whole body; it is the quickest way to find a new spot, scrape or patch of sunburn.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

Stroke a Xoloitzcuintle and the first thing you notice is the warmth: with no coat in the way, its skin feels as hot as a hot-water bottle under your palm. This is an ancient Mexican breed that took shape naturally, it is long-lived, reaching thirteen to eighteen years, and the part of it that asks for extra attention is that bare skin. If you spot anything unusual, take your dog to a vet, who will decide what to do.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Skin problems

Without a coat, the skin is open to sun, cold, scrapes and clogged pores, so pimples, blackheads, sunburn or dry, rough patches can appear on it. All of a Xolo's skin is on show, so you will spot changes easily, especially after a long time in the sun or in winter. Show your vet any redness, pus-filled spots or itchy areas that don't settle.
Orthopaedic (bone and joint) problems

This is an umbrella term for disorders of the bones, joints and ligaments that make moving uncomfortable or painful. You might notice your dog limping, hesitating to jump onto the sofa, or getting up stiffly after a nap. Xolos come in three sizes, from small to large, so your vet is best placed to say what to watch for in your dog, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.
Obesity

Obesity is an excess of body fat that strains the joints, the heart and the whole body. On a Xolo there is no coat to hide anything: if you can no longer see a waist and the line of the ribs, and your dog tires sooner, the weight has already crept too high. At every visit, ask your vet to assess its body condition and tell you what it should weigh.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (25 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 215 g of dry food a day, from €11,71 a month For a neutered, normally active 14 kg dog. Calculate for your dog