Yes, while Xoloitzcuintli are mostly hairless, they may have tufts of a short, smooth coat on their heads, feet, and sometimes their tails. While the Xolo has largely smooth skin, some have peach fuzz across their bodies.

No, the hairless Xoloitzcuintli does not shed, as they have very little hair. But like you, the hairless Xolo does need sunscreen in the summer, so don’t forget the SPF. Coated Xolos shed minimally. Shedding in Xoloitzcuintli, particularly in coated varieties, typically occurs year-round but may increase during seasonal changes.

The Xoloitzcuintli is usually black or charcoal gray and almost always a solid color. There are varieties, however, including a bronze coat variety.

Most Xolo dogs are extra-small and medium-sized dogs. The Toy Xoloitzcuintli are extra-small dogs, most weighing 10 to 15 pounds and standing 10 to 14 inches tall. The Miniature Xoloitzcuintli are small dogs, most weighing 15 to 30 pounds and standing 14 to 18 inches tall. The Standard Xoloitzcuintli are medium-sized dogs, most weighing 30 to 55 pounds and standing around 18 to 23 inches tall.

Xoloitzcuintli dogs typically live for around 13 to 18 years, though with proper care, some may live even longer. As with any breed, factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall healthcare play crucial roles in determining a Xolo’s lifespan.

There are several types of Xolo dogs: The Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The Miniature variety is the most popular. And while known as the “Mexican hairless” breed, there is actually a coated variety, too.

Xoloitzcuintli dogs typically reach their full size and stop growing by the time they are around 12 to 18 months old. During the first year or so of their lives, Xolos will undergo significant growth and development, both in terms of size and physical maturity. After reaching adulthood, they will maintain their size and physical characteristics, although they may continue to fill out and mature mentally over the next few years.

“Xoloitzcuintli” is pronounced “show-low-eets-kweent-lee.” It is common to see their breed name shortened to “Xolo,” pronounced “show-low.” The meaning of the name Xoloitzcuintli comes from two words in the Nahuatl language: “Xolotl,” the god of death and lightning, whose appearance shares human and dog features, and “itzcuintli,” which means dog.

Yes, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are rare in the U.S. While they have gained popularity in recent years because of their hairless appearance and ancient heritage, they are still not as commonly seen as more mainstream breeds. The breed nearly went extinct until significant efforts were made in the 1950s to revive and help raise awareness of the breed.

Xoloitzcuintli dogs were bred by the ancient Aztecs to heal and protect their families in life and death. These dogs were highly valued not only for their companionship but also for their perceived healing properties. Additionally, Xolos were used as watchdogs, alerting their pet parents to potential dangers. These dogs held a significant cultural and religious significance, often being buried alongside their human companions to guide them in the afterlife.

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the “Xolo,” is a North American breed with deep roots in Mexico. It’s the oldest hairless dog breed and one of the most ancient dog breeds in general. Statues of these dogs have been uncovered in Mayan, Colima, and Aztec native tombs dating back over 3,500 years.

Yes, Xolos are good with kids, but they are best with older children, with whom they can match their energy for play (as long as they're socialized early).

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Xoloitzcuintli to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

No, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are not aggressive, but like all breeds, their behavior can be influenced by factors such as genetics, socialization, training, and individual temperament. When raised in a loving and nurturing environment and properly socialized, Xolos are typically friendly, affectionate, and well-adjusted companions.

Yes, Xolos’ intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to please their pet parents make them highly trainable. However, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed, and while Xolos are quick to learn tasks, behaviors, and commands, they are less biddable than other breeds and can sometimes be stubborn. They respond well to rewards and praise but might not be as motivated by commands without a clear purpose or reward. They need a confident, experienced trainer who will be gentle with this sensitive breed.

Yes, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are alert barkers. At home, Xolos may bark in response to perceived threats, unfamiliar noises, or visitors approaching the door, as they may be wary of strangers. As with any dog, proper training and exercise can discourage barking as frequently.

Yes, the Xoloitzcuintli is a good dog for the right family. They are a high-energy breed that requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation, and they are also extremely devoted to their people. This is not a dog that can be left alone most of the time; they love to be around their humans, and they love having other dogs in the home.

Yes, Xoloitzcuintli can be good with cats. Gradually introducing them in a controlled environment can help mitigate any potential chasing behavior and foster a positive relationship between them. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your Xoloitzcuintli, if properly socialized to your cat and/or introduced at a young age, should get along just swell.

Yes, Xoloitzcuintlis can be good with other dogs, but it largely depends on their socialization and training. They tend to be more reserved and may take some time to warm up to new canine friends. Their aloofness doesn’t necessarily mean they are unfriendly; it simply reflects their cautious nature. Xolos can be playful and affectionate with dogs they know and trust. Positive reinforcement, patience, and consistent training will help them feel more comfortable and confident around other dogs.

Yes, Xoloitzcuintli are smart dogs. This can sometimes mean that they find creative ways to get what they want, such as figuring out how to access food or toys, finding escape routes, or manipulating their people for attention or treats. On the bright side, they can excel in various activities, including obedience, agility, and even therapy work.

Yes, Xoloitzcuintli dogs can make good guard dogs as they are keen observers. However, their suitability for this role can vary depending on individual temperament and training. Additionally, positive reinforcement training methods should be used to ensure that the Xolo’s guarding behaviors are appropriate and well-controlled.

No, Xolos are unlikely to have a lot of health problems. Like most ancient breeds, thousands of years of natural selection have led to them being overall a very healthy breed with few serious disorders.

Xolos may be prone to some health conditions, including:

• Dental issues: The traits for hairlessness and missing teeth are genetically linked, so the hairless variety of this breed often has some missing teeth.

• Skin issues: Xolos are prone to acne, sunburns, and dryness. Protect your dog with SPF just as you would yourself!

Yes, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are often considered hypoallergenic because of their unique hairless coat, although individual reactions can vary. People with dog allergies may find that they have fewer allergic reactions to Xolos compared to other breeds with more traditional fur coats.

However, they are not entirely hypoallergenic. Allergies are typically triggered by proteins found in a dog’s saliva, dander, and urine rather than just their fur. Some individuals with dog allergies may still experience reactions to Xoloitzcuintli dogs.

No, Xoloitzcuintlis are not known for being heavy droolers. If you see excessive drooling, it could be a sign of dental issues, an upset stomach, or something stuck in their mouth, so it’s a good idea to check with your vet.

No, Xolos do not smell when they are clean and healthy. Their lack of a traditional fur coat means that they may not trap as much dirt and odor as some other breeds with denser coats.