Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed Information:
The
Xoloitzcuintli dog breed sometimes called the Mexican Hairless or just Xolo may
well have descended from the first dogs to set paw on the North American
continent. Although these purebred dogs are fairly rare, you may find them in
shelters and rescues.
Xoloitzcuintli Dog Group: Companion Dogs.
Xoloitzcuintli Height: 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
Xoloitzcuintli Weight: 10 to 50 pounds.
Xoloitzcuintli Life Span: 14 to 20 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Native to Mexico
and Central America, the Xolo is also known as the Mexican Hairless. The Xolo
comes in three different sizes, so the breed is adaptable to any type of home.
The Xolo is thought to date to pre-Columbian civilizations. In addition to
being a great companion, the Xolo is also a protective watchdog. The Xolo was
recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2011 as a member of the Non-Sporting
Group.
Xoloitzcuintli History:
With a history
going back more than 3,500 years, the xoloitzcuintli dog played a significant
role in Precolumbian life. To the ancient Aztec and Maya, man's best friend was
also a hairless, ugly-cute healer, occasional food source, and, most
importantly, guide to the Underworld. The Xoloitzcuintle is one of several
breeds of hairless dog. It is found in standard, intermediate, and miniature
sizes. The Xolo also comes in a coated variety, totally covered in fur. Coated
and hairless can be born in the same litter as a result of the same combination
of genes.
Xoloitzcuintli Size:
Xolos come in
three sizes: Toy (at least 10 through 14 inches tall at the shoulder),
Miniature (more than 14 through 18 inches tall) or Standard size (more than 18
through 23 inches tall). Their weight ranges from 10 to 50 pounds.
Xoloitzcuintli Personality:
The adult Xolo
is a calm dog who is aloof toward strangers but attentive toward their family.
They usually choose one person as their favorite but don't stint on affection
toward other family members. Xolos are excellent watchdogs and will alert you
to anything that seems of concern. They are not nuisance barkers, however, so
if they sound off, it's a good idea to see what has disturbed them. Xolos are wary
of strangers and are not the type of dog to make friends easily with people
outside their family.The Xolo is also highly athletic. Scaling a six-foot fence
is nothing to an adult Xolo, and even puppies can scramble over three-foot
fences. Be sure that your yard is escape-proof.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Xoloitzcuintli Health:
The
Xoloitzcuintli appears to be a healthy breed, though as with all dogs, you
should make sure they're vaccinated and dewormed before you take them home.
Although the Xolo is not known to be prone to any serious genetic diseases,
they have some traits that can affect their appearance and how you care for
him. The first, of course, is hairlessness. A Xolo needs protection from the
sun and from extremely cold weather. Apply sunscreen formulated for dogs all over
their body, especially if they're light-colored, and don’t leave them outdoors
for long periods unless they have a shady place where they can retreat from the
sun's rays. In snowy or bitter cold weather, they'll appreciate a sweater or
coat to keep them warm.
Xoloitzcuintli Care:
Trim the Xolo's
fast-growing nails weekly. Brush the teeth at least two or three times a week
daily is better to remove tartar and bacteria. Start when your puppy is young
so they'll be used to it. Keep up with yearly vet visits for checkups to
maintain good health. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of
infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the
ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without
too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or
discharge.
Xoloitzcuintli Feeding:
Recommended
daily amount: Depending on a Xolo's size, they should eat 5/8 to 1.75 cups of a
high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Xoloitzcuintli Coat Color And Grooming:
The hairless
Xolo has smooth but tough skin that fits closely to their body. What little
hair they have adorns the top of the head, the feet and the last third of the
tail, up to the tip. A coated Xolo is completely covered with short, smooth,
close-fitting hair. In both varieties, the hair may be any color. Typically, it
is black, gray-black, slate, red, liver or bronze. Some Xolos have white spots
and markings. Bathe the dog every couple of weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. It
is usually not necessary to apply oils or lotions to the skin. Wipe off any
sunscreen after the dog has been outside.
Xoloitzcuintli with Children And Other Pets:
The
family-oriented Xolo can be good with children, especially if they're brought
up with them. They're not a big fan of having their ears or tail pulled,
however, so supervise any interactions with very young children. Xoloitzcuintlican get along well with other dogs and cats if they grow up with them, too.
They may be less sociable toward stranger dogs, however, and their high prey
drive inclines them to chase cats and other furry animals they see outdoors.