Xoloitzcuintli
Puppy
Fully Grown
If you own a Xoloitzcuintle (Xolo for short or Mexican Hairless Dog in English) we aren’t sure how you will go about pronouncing its breed name to every person that stops you in the street…but by the frequency of times you will get stopped, you are sure to get better at it soon! There sure are lots of unusual things about this breed.
One thing is certain; own a Xoloitzcuintle (or Xolo for short) and your dog will be the center of attention. It is one of the oldest breeds in the world and comes mostly in a hairless variety, which is in highest demand. Believe it or not, the hairless versions are usually also missing a few teeth!
If you are after a dog that is hairless and missing teeth but is uniquely beautiful with an amazing temperament, this breed might be right for you. They come in three different sizes, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Xoloitzcuintles are calm, noble, friendly intelligent dogs with a sensible touch. They adjust well to new situations and are very attached to their owners. They will never want to leave your side and due to their size and lovely temperament, you will be able to take them anywhere. As long as they can be with you, they will be happy to stay by your side. You will have a great watchdog and friend who loves to run and play with you, with other dogs – or just anybody who will chase them.
Hairless Xoloitzcuintles needs to be protected from strong sun exposure and from the cold. But you rarely will see a flea on them as there is simply no coat to live in. The haired version just requires regular brushing and is a little less complicated to look after.
| Weight: | 4-20 kg |
| Health risk: | Medium |
| Life expectancy: | 12-15 years |
| Coat: | Short |
| Grooming intensity: | Low |
| Monthly cost (food): | low |
| Trainability: | Medium |
| Activity level: | Low |
There are many sources to get your Xoloitzcuintli from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding a Xoloitzcuintli to adopt:
To help your rescued Xoloitzcuintli to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Xoloitzcuintli from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
The following organisations will be able to help you find breeders in your state in Australia. They will also be able to connect you with your local breed clubs, which are always a great source of information in regards to finding good breeders and rescue organisations.
