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Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintli) Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts

Written by: Kristin Hitchcock

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

xoloitzcuintlis dog outdoor

Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintli) Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts

If any breed is unique, it’s the Mexican Hairless dog, also called the Xoloitzcuintli. It’s one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back at least 3,000 years. It’s much older than most other dog breeds, and its unique appearance is a testament to this. You can see these canine features in ancient Mayan and Toltec art and mythology.

Today, these dogs are quite rare. However, you can still own one as a pet.

Breed Overview

Height:

10–23 inches

Weight:

10–55 lbs

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Colors:

Varies

Suitable for:

Active, experienced dog owners in warmer climates

Temperament:

Loyal, intelligent, protective

The Mexican Hairless dog comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. While these dogs are best known for being hairless (after all, it’s in the name!), they also come in a coated variety! When haired, these dogs have a short, fine coat that is easy to clean. Each variety is the same except for the existence of fur.

Because these dogs are so unique, they have some unique care needs. They need sunscreen and moisturizer, just like a human does. They’re also more prone to skin issues, especially when they aren’t cared for properly. The coatless variety tends to get cold easily, as well.

Mexican Hairless Dog Characteristics

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Mexican Hairless Dog Puppies

mexican hairless puppy
Image Credit: art nick, Shutterstock

These puppies are bundles of wrinkles (if they’re hairless). They vary in size, and the difference may be very small initially, but it becomes more noticeable as they get bigger.

Mexican Hairless puppies will have soft, smooth skin, while coated puppies will have a short, fine coat. They can come in almost every color, but skin only shows a few different colors well. Therefore, hairless dogs may appear to come in fewer colors.

Like most puppies, Xolos tend to be very playful and curious. They’re extremely active and benefit from plenty of socialization starting at a young age. Their natural aloofness needs to be mitigated to prevent it from turning into aggression later.

Finding one of these dogs can be a challenge. You aren’t going to find one at your local animal shelter, so looking for a nearby breeder is required. However, breeders tend to be few and far between. The Xoloitzcuintli Club of America is your best resource for finding a quality breeder.

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Temperament and Intelligence of the Mexican Hairless Dog

Mexican Hairless dogs form strong bonds with their families. They love to be around people but are not as cuddly as you might imagine. Playtime with their people is their favorite thing, but their active nature prevents them from sitting around too long.

Xolos are quick learners and typically respond well to positive reinforcement training. Training them is often a breeze because they’re very good at problem-solving and learning new cues. They do need some mental stimulation daily, so keeping up with regular training sessions is important to keep them entertained.

Like many older breeds, Xolos are naturally self-assured. They can be aloof with strangers, unlike many of the overly friendly breeds that are popular today. However, you need to socialize them, or they may become aggressive. Luckily, they’re pretty smart dogs, so figuring out who is a friend and foe is pretty straightforward. These dogs also have a natural watchdog tendency. They can be pretty noisy as they alert their owners to anything unusual outside.

Xolos are pretty independent thinkers, and they have slightly above-average intelligence. They often excel at obedience due to their eagerness to please, but they aren’t going to pick up commands as fast as a Border Collie.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?👪

Xoloitzcuintlis are generally good for families. However, it does depend on your lifestyle and preferences. They often form strong bonds with their families and can be playful companions with children. They’re also intelligent and can easily learn basic commands.

They’re also lower maintenance, as they don’t need much grooming. Even the coated variety has such short hair that it doesn’t require much brushing—if any. Many people also like these dogs due to their strong watchdog instincts. If you want an alert dog, these dogs are a great option.

However, these dogs need tons of socialization from an early age. Otherwise, they can become shy around strangers. Sometimes, this may lead to defensive biting, especially if the dog feels like they’re cornered.

Finding a reputable breeder is also difficult, and these dogs tend to be more expensive due to their rarity.

woman holding xoloitzcuintlis dog
Image Credit: Kuznetsov Alexey, Shutterstock

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Xolos often do well with other pets if socialized properly. Their natural aloofness can extend to other animals, so they often aren’t as friendly as other dogs. Proper introductions and patience can go a long way when introducing new animals into your family.

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Things to Know When Owning a Mexican Hairless Dog

Food & Diet Requirements🦴

Mexican Hairless dogs have the same dietary needs as any other dog. However, their uniqueness does mean that certain nutrients are particularly vital to include in their diet.

Like all dogs, they need plenty of high-quality protein to care for their muscles. They’re more active, so they tend to need a more calorie-dense food than some other breeds. Protein is particularly important.

Healthy omega-3s and omega-6s are essential, too. These healthy fats provide energy and may improve their skin health. Given that these dogs have more trouble with their skin than some other breeds, having these extra fats is highly recommended. Fish-based foods tend to be high in healthy fats, but many companies now add fish oil to all their foods for this purpose.

Xolos are prone to dental problems. You’ll probably want to feed them dry food, as it’s shown to lead to improved dental health. The hairless variety of this breed tends to go through more calories, especially in colder areas. You may need to increase their caloric intake during the colder months, as they will spend more energy keeping themselves warm than coated dogs.

Exercise🐕

Xolos are pretty active, as we’ve discussed. They need daily walks and plenty of playtime each day. We wouldn’t recommend these dogs for more laidback families for this reason.

In most cases, you should aim for two walks a day. A mix of leisurely and brisk walking is recommended, depending on your dog’s activity level. Letting your dog sniff provides mental stimulation, but brisk walks are required to meet their exercise needs. You should also set aside time to play with your dog each day. Games like fetch, hide-and-seek, and tug-of-war can help keep them fit while strengthening your bond. Remember, these dogs are fairly people-oriented and love to do activities with their owners.

Hairless Xolos don’t do well in colder temperatures or excessive heat. Therefore, you must be more cautious about when and where you exercise them. If you live in a more extreme climate, you must look at a different breed or get creative with playtime. Always use sunscreen when taking your hairless dog outside, even in the wintertime.

mexican hairless dog walking with owner
Image Credit: Ira Shpiller, Shutterstock

Training🎾

Mexican Hairless dogs are pretty smart. However, their obedience level seems to vary quite a bit. Their intelligence doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll do what you tell them. They often pick up on cues easily, and their food-driven nature makes training with treats pretty straightforward.

However, they also have an independent mind, so they often like to make their own decisions. Just because they know what you’re telling them to do doesn’t mean that they’ll do it. Furthermore, these dogs are clever enough to use training systems to their advantage. For instance, if you’re training your Xolo not to bark, you may give them a treat whenever they stop barking.

You must be very consistent with these dogs. If they know you’ll let them on the couch when you’re tired, they’ll take advantage all day. Everyone needs to be on the same page, as they’re smart enough to determine what certain family members will let them get away with.

Grooming✂️

Hairless Xolos don’t require much grooming. After all, they have no fur! They also don’t need frequent baths, as they can quickly try out their skin. You only need to bathe your dog if they become particularly sweaty or dingy smelling. In hotter climates, they may need a bath once a month. In colder climates, it may only be every three or so months.

When you do bathe them, use a very gentle, pH-balanced shampoo. It should be specifically formulated for sensitive skin, as these dogs are often more sensitive. These dogs lose moisture more easily, so you must invest in moisturization. Use a gently hydrating lotion or oil to keep their skin soft and avoid irritation. You’ll need to pick up a product made for your dog, as their skin is different from ours. It’s often best to avoid fragrances, too.

Hairless Xolos are also prone to sunburns, especially when it is hotter. You’ll need to apply sunscreen anytime they’ll be outside for an extended period, just like you would for yourself. Plan to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if your dog is exposed to water or very active.

Xolos are prone to dental issues, so regular brushing is needed. Plan on brushing their teeth at least every other day, though every day is best if you can manage it.

Regular nail trimming is also important. Otherwise, their nails can become painfully overgrown, potentially splitting and becoming infected. You can do this at home or have your local groomer do it.

xoloitzcuintlis dog resting
Image Credit: Vladfotograf, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions🏥

Xolos are generally healthy as they develop naturally. Like other “natural” breeds, only the healthiest dogs survived and reproduced. Today, this has led to Mexican Hairless dogs being incredibly robust.

Still, they are prone to a few health conditions. Most of these are related directly to their physiology. For instance, they’re prone to a variety of skin issues because they are hairless. Their skin is exposed to more irritants throughout the day and is much less protected from the sun.

Xolos are also more prone to dental problems. Dental disease can be especially troublesome for dogs, as it can quickly lead to infections. These infections can enter the bloodstream and become deadly, so it isn’t just a matter of comfort!

These dogs can also be prone to orthopedic conditions, like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. These conditions aren’t easily cured, though surgery can help lessen a dog’s symptoms. Instead, quality breeding is the best way to prevent them, as they are genetically linked. Luckily, these conditions aren’t nearly as common in Xolos as in other dog breeds.

Minor Conditions
  • Skin problems
  • Orthopedic conditions
  • Cataracts
  • Dry eye
Serious Conditions
  • Dental problems
  • Congenital diseases
  • Dental diseases

Male vs. Female

There is practically no difference between the males and females of this breed. Some argue that there are temperament differences, but science doesn’t back these. In the larger, standard-sized Xolos, males may be slightly larger than females. However, this size difference isn’t usually very significant.

If not spayed, females are prone to hormonal cycles that may lead to personality differences. Males are less hormonal and may be a bit more “stable” for this reason. Males may exhibit more marking behavior if not neutered. They’re also more likely to wander off because they smell an in-heat female.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Mexican Hairless Dog

1. In Aztec and Mayan cultures, Xolos were considered spiritual guides.

Therefore, they were often buried with their owners as protectors in the afterlife realms. They were also featured in artwork of religious significance, suggesting they had a special place in society.


2. Because they don’t have fur, these dogs regulate their temperature via blood flow.

They rely on the blood flowing close to their skin to dissipate heat in warmer weather. Therefore, they’re often pretty comfortable in warmer climates. In cooler climates, they may need some help staying warm, though.


3. Xolos are very good at getting around fences.

Many Mexican Hairless dogs can burrow under fences in a flash, and some may even take to climbing fences. Surprisingly, they’re very hard to keep contained despite their smaller size.

Xoloitzcuintli breed, mexican hairless dog
Image Credit: Kalinina Maria, Shutterstock

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Final Thoughts

Xolos are best known for being hairless, so they’re often called Mexican Hairless dogs. They come in several sizes, but the smallest is the most popular. They’re very active, little dogs with a surprising amount of agility. Their ability to climb fences is renowned!

These dogs are very people-oriented. They’re happiest with their owner, though they prefer playtime over cuddle time. They can become destructive and unhappy if left alone for too long, and they’re very prone to separation anxiety.

While these dogs are friendly towards family members, they can be aloof towards strangers. Plenty of socialization and training is recommended to ensure that they understand not everyone is an enemy.


Featured Image Credit: George Trumpeter, Shutterstock

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