Breeds 101: Meet the Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “sho-low-itz-queent-li”) or Xolo for short, is today’s focus for the “Breeds 101” series. Sometimes referred to as Mexican Hairless, this loyal watchdog has been believed to have healing powers by some in rural parts of Mexico.

Dating back at least 3,000 years, the Xoloitzcuintli originates in the jungles of Colima, Mexico with the Ancient Aztecs. Their name comes from the Aztec God, Xolotl and the Aztec word for dog, Itzcuintli. According to the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America, “[I]ndigenous peoples believed that the Xolo would safeguard the home from evil spirits as well as intruders. In ancient times the Xolos were often sacrificed and then buried with their owners to act as guide to the soul on its journey to the underworld.”

According to the breed standard given by the American Kennel Club the Xoloitzcuintli is an “ancient, natural breed, molded by evolution rather than selective breeding. A Xolo is moderate in all aspects of type and conformation, never extreme or overdone. Today the breed serves as a guard and companion. The Xolo possesses a clean, graceful outline, equally combining elegance and strength.”

Xolo’s come in a variety of sizes: toy (10-14 in, 10-15 lbs) , miniature (14-18 in, 15-30 lbs), and standard (18-23 in, 30-55 lbs). The Xoloitzcuintli can come as either a hairless or coated dog, which can both be born in the same litter. The hairless variety has tough, close fitting hide that excretes an oil that protects it from the sun and the coated variety has a short and sleek coat. The hairless version can often be a good option for owners typically allergic to dogs.

The Xoloitzcuintli has acted as a watchdog and protector in Mexico since ancient Aztec times, today they are still admired for their unique look and loyalty.

While Xolo’s are mostly seen in dark varieties, the approved colors are: black, brindle, bronze, dark brown, fawn, gray, liver, palomino, red, and white. Xolo’s have some different markings that are standard as well: Spotted, black markings, tan markings, and white markings.

Xoloitzcuintlies are not a widely popular breed in North America, ranking at only 131 out of 195 on the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds list. They are more popular in Mexico where they are the Official Dog of the country. A huge boost in popularity was provided when the Mexican Football team, Tijuana Xoloitzcuintle who have the Xolo as their mascot, were the champions of the Liga MX.

Since the Xolo is a rather primitive breed, they do not have a lot of the same health problems other more specialized breeds do. Something to note though is the hairless breeds will often have missing teeth and more primitive tusks rather typical canine teeth. This is thought to be a result of the hairless gene since their coated counterparts do not exhibit this, their incomplete dentition does not seem to interfere with their healthy appetite.

These dogs require little maintenance to keep clean. Xolo’s are typically fine with the occasional bath and regular nail trims. Puppies can suffer from adolescent acne but as they mature this clears up.

Training and socialization should be started early with Xolo’s, this will help set them up for success as a well mannered adult. Additionally, owners should be sure to provide their Xolo with ample exercise as they are a fairly energetic breed. Xolo’s are known to strongly bond with their owners and have a protective nature while being more reserved with strangers, though they should not exhibit aggression or timidness with them.

Famous artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo both owned Xoloitzcuintlies. Their dogs provided a lot of inspiration and Xolo’s were often incorporated into paintings by both artists.