Introduction
The Xoloitzcuintle dog is one of several hairless dog breeds (also spelled Xoloitzquintle, Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo). Additionally, a fully fur-coated version of the Xolo is offered. The same set of genes can result in the birth of coated and hairless offspring in the same litter.
The Mexican Hairless Dog, or Pero Pelón Mexicano, is the name of the hairless type. It is distinguished by its dual nature, wrinkles, dental anomalies, and primitive nature. Its name is derived from the Nahuatl language and is written as xlitzcuintli (singular) and xlitzcuintin (plural).
The name combines the Nahuatl word Itzkuntli, meaning “dog,” and the Nahuatl word Xolotl, which, according to long-ago legends, created the animal.
Despite being relatively uncommon, these purebred dogs may be found in shelters and rescues. Don’t forget to adopt! Avoid shopping if you want to bring one of these dogs home.
Table of Contents
- History of Xoloitzcuintle
- The Appearance of Xoloitzcuintle
- Temperament and Personality of Xoloitzcuintless
- Health and Care of Xoloitzcuintle
- Food and Diet of Xoloitzcuintle
- Xoloitzcuintle Feeding Guide
- Xoloitzcuintle Dog Grooming
- Xoloitzcuintle Training
- Xoloitzcuintle Exercise
- Conclusion
History of Xoloitzcuintle
The Xolo is said to be a natural breed, possibly the outcome of a spontaneous genetic mutation, unlike canines that were developed through crossing or combining two or more species. Natural selection, not human intervention, has shaped the breed for generations.
According to archaeological findings, dogs traveled with migratory peoples from Asia to the New World through the now-submerged Bering continent with the ancestors of the Xolo.
The canine we currently refer to as the XoloXolotl, an Aztec god of fire and the escort of the dead to the underworld, and “itzcuintli,” an Aztec term for the dog, are the sources of the name itzcuintli.
These Xolotl canines were supposed to have therapeutic abilities, particularly in asthma, rheumatism, and sleeplessness. They were said to act as guardians for the deceased as they transitioned from this realm to the following and frightened away evil spirits and invaders in life.
Unfortunately, being sacrificed to accompany the dead was often part of that guiding position. Unfortunately, Xolos were also regarded as tasty foods.
Nevertheless, they managed to live and even had brief moments of popularity, beginning in 1887, when the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed as the Mexican hairless.
Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and then two Mexican artists, depicted them in their works of art. The Xolo again faded from prominence to the point that the AKC deregistered it in 1959.
Fans saved the breed from extinction, and then even though it may have vanished entirely. It was chosen dog of the year in Mexico in 2010 and is now regarded as a national treasure there.
There are thought to be 30,000 of them on the entire planet. In 2011, the American Kennel Club welcomed the breed back. Right now, the Xolo sits at the nexus of appeal and scarcity.
The Appearance of Xoloitzcuintle
Thousands of years ago, this breed underwent a spontaneous mutation that led to the development of its dominant hairless characteristic.
Given that the homozygous manifestation of the hairless mutation is lethal to the developing pup, the recessive expression of the trait will result in a coated variety that is genetically indistinguishable from the bald.
Most litters include both puppies with coats and those without. Before the spontaneous hairless mutation occurred, the dog was coated, with a short, flat, thick skin. The body of the bald kind is entirely
Weight:
5 to 23 kg height is 9 to 26 inches (23–67 cm).
Height:
9 to 26 inches
Eye:
Almond-shaped eyes
Ear:
Large bat-like ears,
Coat:
Although hairless and coated Xolos are the two primary classifications based on coat types, the former is not entirely hairless. On the tail, head, and feet of the typical Xoloitzcuintli Dog, fur trails may be seen.
The coated type, on the other hand, has thin, silky, close-fitting fur that covers the entire body. Although some breeders sell Xolos with long, excessively thick, and luxurious hair, experts do not regard these puppies as authentic Xolos.
Coat Color:
There are many different colors of Xolo dogs—mostly dark hues—hairless and coated. But other pet vendors also offer Xolo in various color schemes, such as a mix of black and white or brown and black.
Temperament and Personality of Xoloitzcuintle
The grownup Xolo is a peaceful dog that is devoted to his family yet reserved with others. They frequently have a favorite, but they show their other family members equal love. They can obtain the exercise they need by taking regular walks or engaging in vigorous play in a gated yard.
They’ll love resting in the sunshine or cuddling up to you the remainder of the time to stay warm. They like to be around you; leaving them at home alone makes them anxious.
Xolos make excellent watchdogs and will let you know if something seems off. However, they don’t bark excessively, so it’s a good idea to investigate what has startled them if they do.
Xolos are suspicious of outsiders and are not the kind of canines to readily become friends with individuals not in their immediate family.
They are aggressive against other animals that enter their property and are territorial as well. Lack of socialization may cause Xolos to become hostile to strangers or unfamiliar pets.
Health and Care of Xoloitzcuintle
The Xolo is a highly resilient and robust breed with no known breed-specific health issues. By breeding just those animals that exhibit these health characteristics—exquisite skin, temperament, and then conformation—a top breeder will preserve them that way.
Breeders who simply produce what they need rather than what they should to make money may not be concerned about the health and welfare of the breed. A committed fancier has a huge duty when it comes to breeding.
Since we are all aware of what has previously occurred to many of our most popular breeds, we all know better than to engage in breeding for any reason other than ensuring the overall health and welfare of this exquisite and highly uncommon species.
The hairless variant places a high value on skin health; wearing a jumper in extremely chilly locations is advised. Contrary to what many people have read online, the Xolo’s skin is extremely resilient and needs little maintenance.
In actuality, excessive washing can rob the skin of its natural defenses, doing more damage than good. Additionally, over-moisturizing and UV protection can clog pores and harm skin, leading to conditions like acne.
Soak only when necessary, and apply lotion or sunscreen. Allow the Xolo’s natural defenses to perform their jobs. While spotted and light Xolos need more maintenance, dark and solid Xolos have the most complicated skin. Look at grooming.
Food and Diet of Xoloitzcuintle
Raw food is the ideal meal for your Xoloitzcuintli dog. A natural, whole-food diet will not only keep your dog healthy and content but also help to prevent several common health problems.
Including obesity, joint, dental, and digestive issues, as well as frequent allergy symptoms like severe scratching and skin problems.
The anatomy and digestive system of a dog are vital factors to take into account when choosing the best diet for a Xoloitzcuintli.
Xoloitzcuintli Dogs are best adapted to fresh, and then high-protein meals mainly composed of meat, bones, and then offal since their digestive systems have not appreciably changed since they were undomesticated wolves.
A natural, raw diet attempts to resemble what we call “species-appropriate nutrition,” which we refer to as this.
A Xoloitzcuintli Dog should have a balanced diet suitable for their life stage and energy requirements. This usually consists of veggies, berries, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein.
As carbohydrates are the primary component of kibble, a dog’s stomach is not physiologically suited to digest and ferment them. Even grain-free kibble frequently contains significant amounts of starchy carbohydrates from rice, potatoes, beans, and lentils.
Giving a dog kibble imposes stress on its digestive system and strains the pancreas by spiking its levels of cortisol, glucagon, and insulin throughout the day.
Xoloitzcuintle Feeding Guide
Although you may make your Xoloitzcuintli Dog fresh raw food meals, dog owners who are unfamiliar with raw feeding sometimes find the process challenging.
Going it alone might seem difficult since creating meals with the correct proportions of critical ingredients is necessary to guarantee that your dog obtains the best nutrition.
The good news is that there is a far easier method. You can fill your freezer with high-quality raw food meals at the touch of a button by selecting a reliable source of pre-prepared natural dog food.
You can be confident that your dog is getting nutritionally balanced meals every day by selecting FEDIAF*-approved recipes, such as ProDog’s Complete raw dog food or raw puppy food formula varieties.
Europe’s pet food must adhere to nutritional guidelines specified by FEDAF.
Xoloitzcuintle Dog Grooming
Brushing
To maintain healthy skin and eliminate dead hairs, coated Xolos require gentle brushing with a rubber or dog glove. Skin issues, including sunburn, acne, and blocked pores, are expected in the hairless Xolos.
They should not be washed or overly moisturized to avoid stripping their skin of its natural oils, which can lead to acne and other skin issues.
Their skin needs protection and hydration. The Xoloitzcuintli Dog with a short coat should follow these grooming instructions. You don’t need to brush your dog if it is a hairless breed.
Bathing:
The act of washing your dog may become enjoyable while also assisting in preventing several illnesses and infections with a bit of planning, effort, and a good outlook.
Dogs with short coats have a unique canine odor, so your nose may tempt you to clean them more regularly—around every 8 to 12 weeks—eleven though the standard rule of thumb is to bathe dogs every three months. The
After washing, wipe the wrinkled breeds with a soft towel and make sure they are dehydrated. High-velocity dryers help remove extra loose hair and shed the coat should be lustrous, and have a new scent, and have no loose hair.
Hair Clipping
The Xoloitzcuintli Dog with a short coat should follow these grooming instructions. You do not need to clip or trim your dog if it is a hairless breed.
Nail Clipping:
The recommendation is that you trim your Xoloitzcuintlis nails every 3 to 4 weeks.
Toothbrush:
Although it is recommended that Xoloitzcuintli owners wash their pets’ teeth at least three times a week, not many owners do.
Eyes/Ears:
All breeds and coat types should have frequent inspections and cleanings in these delicate regions, even if not all require periodic trimming in and around the ears and eyes. By doing this, you’ll be able to stop infections from growing, which might badly harm these incredible organs.
It’s crucial to regularly clean your dog’s eyes and ears and look for any signs of illness.
Xoloitzcuintle Training
A potential owner must be aware of the Xoloitzcuintli’s obstinate and independent nature. Consistency will be required to reinforce the requirement to respect boundaries. Anytime between 8 and 12 weeks of age is ideal for beginning training.
Even though Xolos are clever, they are not recognized for being simple to teach. Sessions should be brief, engaging, and filled with encouragement.
The best technique to hold a dog’s attention throughout training is to use food-based rewards and toys. Every time they succeed at a command, show your appreciation and love. Xolos are quick learners; all they need is time.
An essential component of Xolos’ childhood is socialization. One technique to socialize a dog with new people and dogs is through group puppy lessons. To prevent fear when the Xolo become adults, expose them to new sounds and varied places.
Before starting obedience training, respect training should be developed. The Xolo will be more receptive to exercise when they have a better understanding of their owner’s leadership. Thankfully, housebreaking these shrewd dogs won’t be too difficult.
I recommend reading this guide to learn more about the rough collie dog.
Xoloitzcuintle Exercise
Here are some fun exercises you may do with your Xoloitzcuintli to keep active and have fun.
Trekking:
Xoloitzcuintlis unquestionably likes being outside. Next time you go on an expedition or are visiting various parks and hiking trails, bring your Xoloitzcuintli with you.
Swimming:
Many Xoloitzcuintlis prefer being near the water. Swimming is a great low-impact activity that improves endurance and joint issues.
Fetch:
You can significantly improve the joy and wonder of fetch. Switch between sticks, balls, and Frisbees to shake things up. Make your Xoloitzcuintli hillier or submerge it in water.
Obedience Training:
Although practicing recovering, recalling, and reinforcing fundamental orders may not be a real workout, it provides plenty of mental exercises.
Conclusion
For all dog lovers out there, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are, without a doubt, the best pet option since they are incredibly intelligent, focused, affectionate, and shed-proof.
If you want to buy a Xolo puppy, expect to pay between $20,000 and $40,000. But you may adopt an adult Xolo from rescue organizations without having to spend a significant sum of money.
These dogs may be your ideal friends, offering you both unwavering affection and security, whether you’re a homebody or an explorer.
Additionally, Xolos may serve as your shot water bottle by radiating heat from their bodies, keeping you from getting a cold or becoming hypothermic.