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Utility group · Mexico

Xoloitzcuintli

Also called Xolo, Mexican Hairless Dog, Xoloitzcuintle.

Medium dog, moderate energy, quick to learn.

  • Loyal
  • Alert
  • Calm
  • Intelligent
  • Affectionate
AI-generated illustration of an adult Xoloitzcuintli
AI-generated illustration
Size
Medium
Weight
5 to 25 kg10 to 55 lb
Lives
13 to 18 years
Energy
Moderate
Trains
High
Barks
Moderate

Training

Training a Xoloitzcuintli

Utility breeds. Many of these think before they obey. Earn compliance with reward and consistency; they do not do it for free.

  1. Socialisation Critical

    Start here

    Can be reserved or suspicious of strangers. Extensive early socialisation essential.

  2. Primitive Breed Intelligence

    Ancient breed with strong instincts. Responds well to calm, consistent training.

  3. Skin Protection

    Hairless variety needs sunscreen outdoors and moisturizer for skin health.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Xoloitzcuintli and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Breeds developed for a job that no longer exists or never fitted a group. Includes the spitz and primitive breeds.

Gets on with

  • ChildrenModerate
  • Other dogsModerate
  • StrangersLow
  • CatsModerate

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise
45-60 minutes daily. Moderate walks and play. Enjoys warm weather activities.
Grooming
Minimal coat care but hairless variety needs regular bathing and skin care.
Drool
Very Low
Coat
Hairless, Coated (short, flat coat)Black, Grey, Bronze, Red, Liver, Slate
In a flat
Can work, with enough exercise outside it.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

  • Skin Issues

    Moderate

    Hairless variety prone to acne, sunburn, and dryness; requires skin care

  • Dental Problems

    Moderate

    Hairless gene linked to missing teeth; dental care important

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Mild

    Occasionally seen in larger varieties

Where they come from

History

One of world's oldest and rarest breeds, over 3,000 years old. Sacred to Aztecs who believed they guided souls to the underworld. Named for god Xolotl.

  • Dante · Xolo companion in animated film
  • Frida Kahlo's Dogs · Mexican artist famously owned and painted Xolos

Similar breeds

All breeds

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