The ancient Aztec dog of the gods, Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee”), is now a loving companion and alert watchdog. The alert and faithful Xolo is available in three sizes and with or without hair. The Xoloitzcuintli (show-low-eats-queen-tlee) is available in three sizes and two types (hairless and coated). The hairless possesses tough, smooth, close-fitting skin. A short, flat coat covers the coated variety. Both varieties are available in a variety of dark colors, including black, gray-black, slate, red, liver, and bronze. The face is thoughtful and clever, and when a Xolo is deep in contemplation, his brow wrinkles. The beautiful, elegant body of the Xolo is unexpectedly sturdy and durable.
Xoloitzcuintli
alert / loyal / calm
Average sizes and life
expectancy of the breed.
Height
10-14 inches (toy)
14-18 inches (miniature)
18-23 inches (standard)
Weight
10-15 pounds (toy)
15-30 pounds (miniature)
30-55 pounds (standard)
Life Expectancy
13-18 years
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Affectionate With Family
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Openness To Strangers
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic about play a breed is likely to be, even past the age of puppyhood. Some breeds will continue wanting to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be happy to just relax on the couch with you most of the time.
Watchdog/Protective Nature
A breed's tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
Trainability Level
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
Energy Level
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They'll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes - they're happy to simply lay around and snooze.
Barking Level
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it's with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they'll create their own projects to keep their minds busy -- and they probably won't be the kind of projects you'd like.
About the Breed
What To Expect When Caring For a Xoloitzcuintli
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
Health
Xolos are generally healthy dogs, and good breeders will examine their breeding stock for health issues including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye diseases. As with all breeds, the Xolo's ears should be checked for signs of infection on a regular basis, and the teeth should be brushed frequently with dog toothpaste. Regular vet visits for examinations and parasite control assist to ensure the dog has a long and healthy life.
Grooming
Coated Xolos have a short coat that requires only occasional brushing. Adult dogs require little grooming, however, younger dogs may suffer from adolescent acne, which requires particular attention. Aside from regular weekly grooming, a bath every now and then will keep them clean and looking their best. Long nails can cause discomfort in the dog, thus they should be cut on a regular basis. When exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time, hairless dogs require sunscreen.
Exercise
Xolos like long walks and upbeat play, but they are famously tranquil around the house. Young dogs need a substantial amount of exercise and structured playtime, however, to keep them health, happy, and out of trouble.
Training
Xolos require a consistent training plan as well as well-defined boundaries. Early socialization and puppy training programs are essential for ensuring that the dog matures into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. Xolos take their position as watchdogs seriously, yet they are selective barkers who only talk when they have something to say. They are cheerful, affectionate pets when they are with their loved ones. If you have allergies yet want to acquire a dog, the hairless Xolo should be on your short list.
Nutrition
The Xoloitzcuintli should thrive on high-quality dog food, whether purchased commercially or produced at home with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Any diet should be tailored to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to becoming overweight, so keep an eye on your dog's calorie intake and weight level. Treats can be a valuable training aid, but feeding too much can lead to obesity. Discover which human foods are suitable for dogs and which are not. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult with your veterinarian. At all times, clean, fresh water should be available.
History
Xoloitzcuintles are Mexican national treasures with a history dating back at least 3,000 years. These “strange hairless dogs” are mentioned in the notebooks of Columbus and other European travelers. The breed was named after the Aztec dog-headed god Xolotl. The Aztecs revered xolos and often sacrificed and buried them beside their owners to act as protective guides to the next world. Xolos are loyal watchdogs and friends in modern times.