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Brief Historical Summary of the Xoloitzcuintle

The origin of these dogs goes far back into history. The breed was regarded as the earthly representative of the god "Xolotl," from which the breed name obviously originates. Its task was to accompany the souls of the dead to their eternal resting place. The breed is also known by the name "Mexican Hairless Dog." The meat of the Xolo was considered a delicacy and therefore this dog became increasingly scarce, reaching a point of near extinction in the early1950s. Federacion Canofila Mexicana began a registration and breeding program for the Xolo on May 1, 1956.

Physical Description of the Xoloitzcuintle

SIZE, PROPORTION AND SUBSTANCE

a) Standard: 20-25 inches
b) Intermediate: 15-20 inches
c) Miniature: 10-15 inches

The Standard variety Xolo is 25 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 20 inches.

The Intermediate variety Xolo is 20 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 15 inches.

The Miniature variety Xolo is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. Any Xolo which is over 15 inches or under 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature variety Xolo.

SKIN & COAT

• Skin: The skin on the neck is firm, elastic, yet close fitting and without dewlap. Puppies show folds on the neck, which disappear with increasing age. Flabby, loose or wrinkled skin is a fault in adults.
  Skin, HAIRLESS Variety: Due to a total absence of any hair on the body, the skin of this breed is of great importance. The skin is smooth and sensitive to touch and feels very warm because of its lack of hair. The Hairless Xolo should not be penalized for skin eruptions. Acne is common in Xolos, especially young dogs. Scars are not penalized. The hairless dog tends to sweat through inter-digital membranes, foot pads and skin areas and as such, tends to pant only in extreme heat.
  Skin, COATED Variety: The skin of the Coated Xolo should be the same as the coated dog of any other breed.

• Coat, HAIRLESS Variety: The characteristic of this breed is the lack of hair, although there may be some short tufts of hair on the forehead and back of the neck. This hair may be any color but should not reach a length of more than an inch. The hair should never form a long topknot of soft texture. It is common to find hairs on the feet and at the end of the tail, however if they do not exist this should not be penalized. Any Hairless dog with hair longer than 3 cm (1 inch) is to be disqualified.
  Coat, COATED Variety: The coated variety of the Xoloitzcuintle has a complete coat of short hair. The coat can be of any color or combination of colors. Length of coat should be short to medium; short being preferred, with a single coat of medium texture, similar to that of a Smooth Coat Chihuahua. Coat must be uniform in density and texture over the entire body. The coated Xolo can be expected to have very little hair on its belly and inside the rear legs.

• Color of Skin, HAIRLESS Variety: Solid, uniform and dark colors are preferable. There are variants from black, dark gray, light gray, red, liver, bronze, brown, dark brown, brindle, and blond. White markings and tri-color are permitted. Albinism is a disqualification.
  Color of Hair, COATED Variety: The Coated Xoloitzcuintle can have hair any color or combination of colors.

XOLO TEMPERAMENT and BEHAVIOR


The Xolo is typically aloof and suspicious toward strangers; calm and quiet; cheerful, attentive and alert, and a good watchdog (an "alarm" dog -- alerting but not attacking). Aggressiveness is a serious fault in the breed. Xolos are excellent pets, bonding closely with one member of the family but accepting the entire family as its pack. Xolos are intelligent and independent dogs that can make very good obedience and agility competitors with the proper motivation and training. Xolos can also make good therapy dogs.

Dog Care

(exercise, grooming, diet)

Health Issues and Life Expectancy


Additional Resources

• Xolo Club USA
• Flickr Hairless Dog Photo Group
• The Dancing Dog

Xoloitzcuintli on WikiFido

* Restored to earlier version by doplgangr