Xoloitzcuintli , also known as the Mexican hairless or simply as " xolo , " are watchful wienerwurst and loyal , sporty fellow traveler . At over 3,000 year old , xolos add up in three size — and some might not be so " hairless " after all .
Xoloitzcuintli , pronounced " show - low - itz - QUEENT - ly " or " xolo'"(“show - humiliated " ) for short , is more commonly known as the Mexican hairless wienerwurst . This exotic breed is a calm , alert , and loyal companion . While the received xolo is amedium - sized heel , weigh between 30–55 pounds , the breed can also be line up in two smaller size as well : toyandminiature .
The xoloitzcuintli ’s chronicle begins more than 3,500 yr ago in Mexico and Central America . The ancient Aztec dog of the gods , xolos were truehearted companions think to ward off evil disembodied spirit . It was a good job … until their owners die , when the dogs were often sacrificed and bury with their people ( the belief was they ’d help channelize their owners into the hereafter ) .
TaynaPanova / Getty
Today , xolos live a more casual existence . Their alone look sets them aside from the rest of the pack , and xolo enthusiasts are quick to target out their strong , refined physical structure and calm , loving demeanors . What they miss in fuzz , these whelp more than make up for in commitment to their possessor .
If you ’re looking to add a xoloitzcuintli to your household , it will likely set you back a few Buck . Costs change wide depending on a variety of factors , but Kay Lawson , retiring president of theXoloitzcuintli Club of America , says owners await for a show - suitable dog should expect to spend somewhere in the range of $ 2,000 for a registered xolo .
Appearance
Xoloitzcuintlis are found in three size , according to the XCA : toy , which stand 10–14 inches tall and weighs between 10–15 pounds , miniature at 14–18 inches tall and between 15–30 pounds , and measure at 18–23 inches grandiloquent and 30–55 pounds .
Unlike many Canis familiaris that were bred to build up certain trait , xoloitzcuintlis evolved naturally yard of years ago , impart them a distinctive look that means they never go unnoticed . These primal - looking dogs have long , muscular consistence with foresighted , blue - set up tails . Their large , upright ear and wrinkly brow that furrow when deep in thought show quizzical expression that make it clear this is one fresh , affectional hound .
Xoloitzcuintli frankfurter can be either completely hairless , or frisk a short , matte coat — and both the short - hairy and sans - hairy can be assume in a exclusive litter ! Many even sport a low tussock of hair on their heads , like a niggling toupee . These small - to - medium - sized domestic dog have a dramatic appearance and tend to be a moody colour : Typically fateful , hoary , bronze , or red . They may also have ashen spots that give them a little extra flair to their interesting look .
While the hairless look is certainly not for everyone , xolo partisan are passionate about keeping this native stock blend in stiff . Lawson say the xoloitzcuintli ’s account resonate with her on a personal tier , summon its status as a strain that ’s endemic to the part . " We are both Native American , " Lawson says . " The temperament and personality of this stock meet my personality . The backstory of the stock was intriguing , and [ that ’s how I became ] a preservation stock breeder . "
Xolos might invoke to some people because of their deficiency of hair , which may be a help to those with allergy looking for a wienerwurst that does n’t make them sniffle or gelt . While a completelyhypoallergenic dogis not a reality , it ’s possible that some dogs — the xoloitzcuintli included — may cause fewer allergic reaction symptoms than others .
Rest ensure that heading out for a walk with your xolo means you ’re a one - of - a - kind twosome restrict to rick some heads . These dog-iron are truly unique !
Temperament
" [ Xolos ] arehighly intelligentand adaptable , " Lawson say . " When properly bred and raised aright , they are a crude survivalist — not delicate and dependent — who are highly motivated to take part in whatever activity you are interested in . "
Lawson counsel xoloitzcuintli owner that they ’ll need to send a significant amount of time totrain their xolo during puppyhood . These energetic whelp need a lot of care and exercise , so they may not be the best hot dog for a busy household without the ability to train andsocialize their blackguard properly . While xolos have a reputation asgreat family pets , they may not have solitaire for the clumsiness of small youngster who tug on their ears or tail . As with any dog , it ’s important to monitor anytime small fry and pups are together andteach your kid how to properly interact with pets .
Xolos may also be slow to warm to strangers , so they wo n’t be hamming it up like aLabradorfor attention . They also make splendid watch dogs — they’ll lease you know if anything is amiss with a barque , but are n’t particularly yappy .
Karina Sofit / Shutterstock
Like most dogs , aproperly discipline , exercised , and cared for xolo will be a honest companion for geezerhood to come . " They are , for the most part , a healthy , solid , athletic better half , " Lawson says . " And a hotdog that will stick intensely with [ his ] owner . "
Living Needs
Xoloitzcuintlis need daily exercise , but nothing too uttermost — they’ll be happy with 20–30 minute walks twice a day and some off - tierce playday in afenced - in railway yard . They are unagitated and happy in the sign of the zodiac , and their manageable size and docile temperament means they can makegood flat dogs , especially the toy and miniature pups .
But take note : Xolos have ahigh prey drive , meaning they might like to chase other animals such as rabbits and squirrels . They ’re also splendid jumpers who have been known to easy descale a 6 - invertebrate foot fence . Even xoloitzcuintli puppy can be gifted escape artists , so owners must be cognisant of their environment and manage them so the pups do n’t go MIA.Teaching them to stayand come when called is vital , and make certain your xolo isalways on a leashwhen not in a fence in space .
Because xolos do n’t have much ( or any ! ) hair , they ’re better suited to warmer clime and willneed a coat to go outside in the cold . But if it does get chilly , fear not : Xoloitzcuintlis love comprehend thehyggelifestyle and are excellent cuddlers . And because they have no insulating layer of hair , their peel can find very warm to the touch , like a comforting hot water bottle .
Care
Training a xolo is interchangeable to other hot dog , as they need consistency and react best topositive reinforcement . Because xoloitzcuintlis are skillful learners who are well able to grasp cues and learn trick , they need a convinced person to show these " show - first " the ropes . They can be a routine strong - willed at times , so consistency is key ; these pups might be best suit forexperienced pawl owners .
" Most significantly , they are not a dog that can just be left at dwelling on their own for hours while their owners are away to body of work , " Lawson say . " They will find a way to entertain themselves , and it most likely will not be in a way that you detect acceptable . They do n’t do well when left crate for protracted amount of time . "
Despite being hairless , a xoloitzcuintli still needs dress . Xolos clean themselves like cats , butneed unconstipated bathsto keep their skin healthy and clean . Because their skin is prone to electrocution , they need dog - formulated sunblock ( human sunscreencan betoxic for dogs ) if they pass plenteous fourth dimension outside in the sun . Their nails raise tight andshould be trimmed often , and theirteeth sweep regularlywith blackguard formulated toothpaste .
Health
The distinctive xoloitzcuintli lifespan is a extended 13–18 class . They tend to be ahealthy breed , and are n’t prostrate to any serious genetic disease .
cutis care for these Mexican hairless dogs should be top of mind . If they do get cuts or abrasions , their tough tegument tends to bring around tight . But just like human stripling , adolescent xolos can be prone to acne , according to the XCA , and veritable baths can assist keep their skin clear .
You may have seen cute pictures of xoloitzcuintlis with their tongues hanging out the sides of their backtalk . Xolos often miss their premolars , the tooth locate between canines and the molars , hence this precious feeling of a lolling tongue . This is normal and does n’t pretend their power to wipe out .
verbalize of food for thought , it ’s important to mention that xoloitzcuintlis have a disposition to englut . Obesitycan cause strain on their juncture , so spill with your veterinarian aboutmaintaining a level-headed dietand how often to feed your xolo .
The OFA also nameship dysplasia , patellar luxation , andeye disordersas potential xoloitzcuintli health issues . Regular exercise and visits to the vet will help keep your xolo calculate practiced and populate a long life-time . Before bring home a dog , check that your xoloitzcuintli breeder completes alltests recommended by the OFA .
History
Xoloitzcuintli dogs have an incredible history that go back more than 3,000 age . Xolos are one of the world ’s former breeds that develop of course , with archeological grounds showing that they keep company humans as they crossed the Bering Strait to the Americas , harmonise toNational Geographic .
The Mexican hairless ' name , xoloitzcuintli , comes from two words in the Aztec language : Xolotl , the god of lightning and death , anditzcuintli , which means dog . harmonize to legend , the god Xolotl created a hotdog to help oneself guard the living and head souls through the underworld .
According to National Geographic , Xolo figurines and statues come along in ancient Mesoamerican art , often in burial sites . These hairless dogs were cogitate to have healing tycoon and ward off evil spirits for people on earth , too . regrettably for the xolo , that meant they were often sacrificed when their possessor died so they could see their people into the Scheol .
The Aztecs also ate xoloitzcuintli inwardness , and when European explorers get in they too developed a taste for the xolo , too . So much so , that they almost ate them into extinguishing .
In more recent 100 , xoloitzcuintlis have gone through many reflux and flows of popularity . The American Kennel Club first recognise the breed in 1887 as the " Mexican hairless , " but the breed waned in popularity and lose its AKC registration in the center of the 20th century .
Today , the xolo is experiencing a bit of a resurgence : They were recognise by Mexico in 1954 , and the AKC re - greet the breed in 2011 . The xoloitzcuintli is currently the official national hound of Mexico .
