Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless Dog)

Mexican hairless dog Xoloitzcuintle: character and features


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In our country, the Xoloitzcuintle is practically not found; its character and exotic appearance were valued by the Aztecs. Here's what you can say about the character of the breed:

  • Friendly, treats strangers with contempt, but is always kind and affectionate towards their owners.
  • Loves freedom.
  • He has a calm character, thanks to this he makes himself the best friend for a person.
  • Cheerful, very smart.
  • Xolo almost always attracts attention at exhibitions.
  • She loves to be praised and follows commands with pleasure.
  • Will become the protector of the whole family.
  • Needs daily communication with the owner, good company for your other pets, gets along quickly.
  • She is very affectionate to all family members, most of all to children.
  • When training a pet, the whole family must participate, then the puppy will grow up calm and sociable.
  • If only one person cares for the dog, she will become more attached to him than anyone else.
  • You should not get this dog if you do not have time, as this dog will demand your attention and cannot be alone.

Features of this breed:

  • It was first discovered in Mexico.
  • Recognized as the most unusual and ancient breed.
  • This breed was bred by the Aztecs and Indians.
  • When the Indian had joint pain, he took this dog with him to bed, used it as a heating pad, and it often helped.

If you really want to get a dog of this breed, then you should take two Xolos at once. They will entertain each other in your absence.

Character

The Mexican Hairless Dog has a quiet, calm temperament. She is cheerful, sociable and very smart. Infinitely devoted to its owner, in the family, as a rule, it singles out one owner, but does not deprive others of attention. Representatives of the breed are not characterized by aggressive behavior, but they are quite vigilant, which makes them not only wonderful companions, but also good watchdogs.

Of course, representatives of the same breed are very different in character, but there are common characteristics characteristic of the breed. All dogs are balanced, playful, cheerful and not vindictive. True, they can be jealous and touchy. They are very gentle and affectionate with their own people; they are distrustful of strangers. Xolos understand mood well. They are very sociable, affectionate, and will not miss the opportunity to be close to the owner or take a direct part in all his affairs.

They get along well with other animals in the house and are friends with dogs and cats. Children are treated with moderate tolerance, but older children will be happy to play all day long. In a word, serious and simple-minded, they are perfect for people who value obedience and predictability in dogs.

Trainability

Xolos are very smart and quick-witted. They quickly remember the rules in the house and try to follow them so as not to upset their beloved owner. They are easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement. Obedience, intelligence, energy make these dogs wonderful companions in sports. Increasingly, Xolo can be seen at agility competitions, freestyle, and sometimes even in coursing.

Xoloitzcuintle dogs

Downy Xoloitzcuintle in wool: photo

It was said above that the Xoloitzcuintle breed has two varieties: hairless and with fur. These two species are similar in body structure and character. They get along well with others, especially with children, separating their toys from others. Here is a photo of dogs of this breed:

Xoloitzcuintle

Xoloitzcuintle
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It is worth noting:

  • When breeding this breed, the dogs were not always completely hairless.
  • Initially, pets with fur were not recognized as purebred animals, were disqualified from exhibitions and were prohibited from breeding.
  • They tried to breed them out.
  • By crossing hairless dogs with each other, breeders noted that litters produced puppies covered with hair—downy in their coats—since it is impossible to completely get rid of this gene.

Future owners of dogs of this breed should know:

  • Constant discussions around unrecognized dogs as individuals with fur led to a group of activists writing a petition to the cynological union.
  • A petition signed by breeders in many countries led to the recognition of this breed.

Features of this breed:

  • This is because it has no undercoat, so the dog does not shed.
  • The exception is the teenage period when the puppy's coat changes to that of an adult.
  • The coat is short and lies tightly to the body, completely covering the dog and without any unpleasant odor.
  • Another advantage is its smooth coat, no combing procedure and treatment with special creams to avoid sunburn.

Xolo downy tolerates car trips very well and loves to travel and walk with all family members.

Health and life expectancy

Despite the lack of hair, the Mexican hairless dog is a hardy, strong and healthy animal that can easily withstand heat and temperatures above -5 degrees. There are no hereditary diseases in the breed, but there are health problems that owners often encounter. First of all, dental and dermatological diseases caused by allergies or improper care. During adolescence (6-8 months), dogs often suffer from acne. Cosmetic lotions for problem skin or a product prescribed by a veterinarian can help combat them. Scrubs usually help get rid of blackheads.

Breeding Features

The gene responsible for hairlessness is dominant. Despite this, it is possible for two hairless dogs to produce puppies with fur. In addition, crossing hairless dogs contributes to the appearance of 25% of homozygous puppies that die in the womb or are born non-viable. Given the rarity of the breed and the impossibility of providing the necessary genetic diversity, the Federation allows the use for breeding (but not for exhibitions) of woolies with good anatomy that come from hairless parents.

Sometimes two hairless dogs give birth to a semi-powder coat - most of the dog's body is covered with hair, but there are large hairless areas, usually on the back, sides, and stomach. The appearance of such a dog cannot be called attractive.

Mexican hairless dog puppy

Mexican Xoloitzcuintle mini: sizes, photos

According to canine requirements, this unusual breed comes in different sizes: mini, medium and standard. The most popular is the mini standard, since its miniature dimensions - from 25 to 35 cm - allow you to take it with you everywhere. Here is a photo of this dog:

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  • Mexican Xoloitzcuintle bitches differ from cables in their size. They are slightly smaller, which is due to their reproductive functions.
  • The Xolo Mini's head is small and wedge-shaped.
  • Despite its small size, it has a strong jaw with a tight bite.
  • The tongue is usually pinkish, but may also contain black specks, which is typical for this breed.
  • The eyes, like those of a large dog, are almond-shaped, the color scheme varies depending on the skin tone.
  • The ears are bat-like and stand up when alert.
  • The Xolo especially attracts attention with its graceful and graceful neck.
  • Proportion and flexibility are emphasized by strong muscles.

When touched, the skin feels warm, smooth and soft, which requires additional care in the summer due to the lack of natural protection. Due to the lack of hair, this breed, even in extreme heat, occasionally breathes through its mouth, and sweat occurs through its paws.

Description of the Xoloitzcuintle breed

With a very long history, Xolos (Sholos) still remain very rare dogs. The main points of the breed description are as follows:

  • Xolo dog comes in three types: standard, medium and mini:
  • Only one person is recognized as the owner;
  • dogs sense an uninvited guest long before its active manifestation;
  • Families with small children are not recommended to have a breed;
  • the pet needs active walks;
  • training should be carried out creatively;
  • dogs are very smart and this must be taken into account when communicating with them.

Having decided to become the owner of this breed, you need to know how much a Xoloitzcuintle costs. The cost depends on the pedigree of the parents and the appearance of the baby. So a purebred representative with partial compliance with the standard can cost $160. Elite puppies will cost much more and the price can reach $2000. Such babies are used for breeding work or participation in various exhibitions.

History of the Xoloitzcuintle breed

Archaeologists have found evidence of the existence of these dogs during excavations of Mayan, Toltec and Aztec tombs dating back more than 3,500 years ago. At that time, they were used as guards and protectors, giving them superpowers. Representatives of the Mexican Hairless Dog were sacrificed and buried with the owner so that they would help the soul in its journey through the underworld.

Among ancient people, dog meat was considered a delicacy and was consumed only during holidays. Their value in ancient culture is confirmed by their frequent appearances on artifacts. Before European colonization, Xoloitzcuintles were considered sacred. Currently, the Xolo is the national dog of Mexico. There are people who believe that the breed is endowed with healing qualities and can help the sick.

Xoloitzcuintle standard

It is known that Xolos come in three types:

  • standard
    : height – above 50 cm, weight – more than 10 kg;
  • medium
    : height – up to 45 cm, weight – up to 10 kg;
  • mini
    : height – up to 35 cm, weight – up to 8 kg.

The Xoloitzcuintle dog breed has the following appearance characteristics:

  • the head is wolf-shaped and graceful;
  • ears set high;
  • almond-shaped eyes, color depends on coat color;
  • the jaws are equipped with a scissor bite;
  • the body is moderately stretched;
  • the chest is narrow and dropped to the level of the elbows;
  • the tail is thin, the tip is decorated with a tassel;
  • dry limbs, hare-type paws;
  • There is no hair, there may be a scruff and mane.

Mexican hairless dog Xoloitzcuintle

Character of the Xoloitzcuintle

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by a high level of intelligence, calmness and silence. Xolos are very vigilant and suspicious of all strangers. Alert to the approach of a stranger is expressed by the dog's fussiness. The breed is easy to train, reserved and balanced. A Xoloitzcuintle dog, if properly socialized, will get along well with other pets, but may show some aggression towards other people's animals.

The dog requires mandatory completion of an obedience course; the owner must be a leader and authority for him. The pet will be delighted with the trip or other accompaniment of the owner, because their affection subtly borders on obsession. If you cannot devote a lot of time to your Xolo, it is recommended to get a second dog of this breed. They will find a common language and will play without annoying family members.

Xoloitzcuintle color

The Mexican Hairless Xoloitzcuintle dog comes in the following shades:

Xoloitzcuintle dog breed: education and training

Xoloitzcuintle
The Xoloitzcuintle is one of the new breeds that is gaining increasing popularity. However, few know how to raise them and whether they can be trained. Here are some tips:

  • There are no difficulties in raising this breed of dog.
  • Their character is quite calm, but it is necessary to pay attention to her behavior from the first days of her appearance in the family.
  • Xolo has a human mind and responds well to various training methods.
  • It can easily be taught various commands, such as: sit, lie down, give a paw.
  • By using praise and treats during training, you can speed up the process of perceiving the required commands.
  • Special attention should be paid to controlling your intonation when executing commands.
  • The voice should be calm, demanding and convincing.
  • Don't forget that puppies love to play, so it is recommended to practice some commands in a playful way.

From the first days of the puppy's birth, training must be carried out every day to obtain the intended results:

  • The first step is to gain your pet's trust.
  • Don't lie or tease, as this will discourage compliance.
  • This breed of dog allows you to train it at home.
  • However, if you do not have the basic knowledge for proper training, you can contact a specialist and invite him to a few classes, or you can do some training together.

A feature of this breed is its hostile attitude towards strangers. But if you approach her upbringing correctly, the Xolo will not show pronounced aggression towards others. Love and harmony will allow you to grow your pet into a devoted family friend.

Xoloitzcuintle: care and maintenance

Xoloitzcuintle
Xoloitzcuintle is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds. But at the same time it is the best option for apartments. Keeping representatives of the Mexican naked does not cause any particular difficulties:

  • Xolos are quite active dogs, but they need less regular physical activity than other breeds.
  • Some owners teach their pets to relieve themselves in a special tray without taking them outside.
  • The “naked people” perceive this absolutely normally.

Due to the lack of hair, the main care for such dogs is related to the skin:

  • Although it is elastic, dense and resistant to damage and insect bites, it still needs to be taken care of carefully.
  • Using shampoos, Xolos are washed as they become dirty.
  • After the bath procedure, be sure to rub oil-based moisturizers into the skin to avoid drying out.

Important to know: In winter, at temperatures below -10 degrees , during snowfall or strong winds, dogs must wear protective overalls lined with plush or fleece. In summer, it is necessary to lubricate animals with sunscreen to avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

According to the standard, the ears of dogs of this breed should be vertically raised, but not cropped. To do this you need to do the following:

  • Starting from the age of three months, they are fixed in a raised state using a thin stick or a pen rod and an adhesive plaster.
  • The structure is left for 2 days, and then rest for a day.
  • The procedure is repeated until the full effect is achieved.

Treatment inside the ear and cleansing of the eyes is done weekly with cotton wool or a cotton cloth soaked in water. The claws of the Xtoloitzcuintle are trimmed as they grow. Due to incomplete dental formula, caring for this part of the body is especially important. For cleaning, use special brushes and anti-plaque sprays, and rawhide sticks.

Breed standard

The following breeds are defined:

  • in standard, medium sizes - guard dog;
  • in miniature - a companion dog.

The withers should be less than the body length at 9:10. Males are shorter than females. Dogs of this breed have a faint bump on the back of the head. The head looks like a wolf's.

The skull is wide, strong, and at the same time graceful, tapering closer to the muzzle. In profile, the upper lines of the muzzle and skull are almost parallel. Dark-colored dogs should have a dark nose; Bronze colored dogs have a brown or pink nose.

The jaws are strong. The teeth are incisors that close tightly into a scissor-shaped bite. The eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized, cheerful and observant. Eye color - black, brown, yellow-amber.

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Dark eyes are more valuable. The ears are large and prominent. The guards are always raised. Dogs with ears that are cropped or not erect are not allowed. The neck is relatively high, thin, elegant, strong.

The physique is generally strong and muscular. The top line of the back is absolutely straight. The croup in profile is slightly convex and rounded. Short legs are not acceptable. The chest is long in profile and touches the bend of the elbow. The ribs are not flat, slightly protruding.

Broad chest in front, without protruding sternum. Strong belly. The tail is long and thin. When walking, it is raised fairly up, not twisted. When stationary, the tail hangs down, ending in a small curve.

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Xoloitzcuintle age 2 years

When the tail is pressed between the legs, it is a sign of fear. The front legs are not short, straight, proportional, muscular, but graceful, which is noticeable with a beautiful, long, free step. The hind legs are straight, muscular, strong.

The toes are of medium length, located close to each other, and may even be overgrown with hair. It is advisable to remove the so-called fifth finger, a rudimentary process. Movement is confident, elegant, smooth.

Equally important attention is paid to the skin of dogs. It should be smooth, gentle, warm, pleasant to the touch. The skin must be especially carefully protected, because, due to the lack of hair, it is more susceptible to external influences and therefore more traumatic than that of “woolen” dogs.

And skin blemishes are punishable in the standards. The hair on the forehead and neck, which is present in small quantities, is not long and soft. Coarse hair covers the paws. The growth of these hairs is directed towards the tip of the tail. Dogs with long hair are disqualified.

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Male Xoloitzcuintle

The color varies in the following shades:

  • from black, black-gray, other variants of gray shades;
  • brown with a red tint;
  • bronze, golden yellow;
  • may be spotted with white spots.

There are 3 sizes of dog growth:

  • standard - 46-55 cm;
  • average - 36-45cm;
  • miniatures – 25-35 cm.

These sizes are standard for both male and female dogs. Animals whose size is outside the given limits will be disqualified. Disadvantages are any non-compliance with the standard.

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This is an overly wide head, a fearful or vice versa, an angry animal, a color outside the given norms, or too large white areas of spots (albinism), the skin is not smooth, with dewlap, dark eyes are too small or convex, a short tail, legs, thin, long body, etc.

Dogs will be disqualified if:

  • hair grows throughout the animal;
  • ears droop or cropped;
  • the incisors of the teeth are undershot or completely overshot;
  • growth beyond regulatory standards;
  • tail docked;
  • a long, not stiff crest, in the image of the Chinese Crested.

Mexican Xoloitzcuintle dog: health and disease

Xoloitzcuintle
Let's take a closer look at the health and diseases of the Mexican Xoloitzcuintle dog.

  • This dog breed is resistant to infectious diseases and has an enviable immunity.
  • But widespread “canine” ailments began to appear more and more often after the intervention of breeders in the development of the breed.

The following diseases occur in this breed:

  • The appearance of plaque on the skin with an unhealthy color and odor.
  • Weak cartilage (droopy ears effect).
  • Burns from direct sunlight.
  • Allergic rashes.
  • Tooth loss (increases with age).
  • Dermatitis, eczema - most often caused by sunburn.
  • Joint dysplasia - dislocation of the kneecap.
  • Gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis.
  • Colds - with hypothermia.

On average, the life expectancy of hairless Mexican dogs is from 15 to 20 years . This breed of dog thrives in any climate zone, but in cold areas it is required to wear insulated overalls to prevent it from catching a cold. The following should also be noted:

  • A feature of the Xoloitzcuintle's skin is its rapid regeneration from scratches and cuts.
  • Particular attention should be paid to the care of the skin and cartilage of large ears.
  • When playing outside, your dog can easily get scratches and cuts, which should be treated with antiseptic agents.
  • The puppy's ears should be glued so that they are stable by the time they are one year old.

Although the Mexican Xoloitzcuintle dog has a strong immune system, there is a chance that your pet will contract a dangerous infectious disease. To prevent this from happening, the dog must be vaccinated in a timely manner. Puppies from reputable sellers must be vaccinated according to schedule before being sold. This is indicated in the documents for the dog.

Xoloitzcuintle - pros and cons

The advantages of sholo include the following points:

  • exotic appearance;
  • graceful and dexterous movements;
  • high level of intelligence;
  • excellent guard qualities;
  • loyalty to the owner.

With all this, the breed is considered “primitive”, which means that it is similar to its wild ancestors in many ways. The Mexican dog has the following disadvantages:

  • great need for attention;
  • suspiciousness due to poor socialization;
  • sensitivity to stress and rough treatment;
  • love of digging or trying to climb over fences;
  • the need for quality skin care.

Xoloitzcuintle dogs: price of puppies in Russia

Xoloitzcuintle
The Mexican hairless dog Xoloitzcuintle captivates many with its unusualness. How much do puppies of this breed cost in Russia?

  • Often the price depends on the “noble” blood and titles of the parents, the requirements of the breeder or online seller.
  • Naturally, puppies with a pedigree from specialized foreign nurseries will cost much more than a representative of the breed without documents purchased through an advertisement.
  • On average, the price for a xoloitzcuintle is 40-50 thousand rubles . Although there are cheaper options - about 3 thousand . But there is no guarantee that a puppy purchased “on occasion” will have the appropriate appearance.

It is worth remembering: There is a mini-version of this breed (read above in the text). This does not affect the price in any way, but it can be confusing when purchasing.

Starting from 30,000 rubles, you can count on a pet that has all the necessary documents (metrics, veterinary passport), as well as a brand and a microchip. Although, if a representative of this breed is purchased not for exhibitions, but for friendship, it is also quite possible to choose a cheaper option.

How to choose a puppy

In Russia, the Mexican Hairless Dog is not as common as in other European countries or Mexico, so finding a reliable kennel is not an easy task. It is necessary to find out as much information as possible about the breeder.

When examining babies, it is worth noting the breeder’s communication style with them. The breeder is characterized positively by his willingness to provide documents, competent answers to the potential buyer’s questions and desire to be interested in the future fate of the puppy. The enclosure in which the mother and babies live must be clean, without drafts. Animals must be well fed and well cared for; It’s good if the puppy’s parents are in excellent health and have a balanced character.

Babies have a blunt muzzle, a plump and wrinkled body, rather clumsy and short legs, and the skin is covered with hairs. Over time, the puppy will acquire elegance and grace, so you need to choose the baby you like. As a rule, the best of the litter is the active and inquisitive cub, which is not embarrassed by the presence of a stranger. He shouldn't be too cocky. It is best to go by the parents, since puppies inherit their temperament, and loyalty is transmitted to both sexes.

Where are the Xoloitzcuintle nurseries located?

Xoloitzcuintle
The Xolo breed requires a careful approach to choosing a puppy. In order to choose the right purebred pet, you need to contact specialists who are professional breeders and have a veterinary or canine education. They will competently talk about this breed, habits, health, character and lifestyle.

Kinich Ahau nursery is one of the best in Russia:

  • This organization has all the necessary certificates and is registered with the International Canine Association.
  • She has many World and European champions in her collection.
  • Pets are winners of major exhibitions and receive excellent reviews from respected experts, demonstrating the beauty and grace of beautiful Xolos.

The RND HAIRLESS nursery is a monobreed and breeds standard size xolos:

  • This is a family-type kennel, that is, all dogs live permanently with their owners at home.
  • They prepare for each litter very responsibly and thoroughly. All pets must have a full range of vaccinations, branding and specialized documents.

Kennel GRIS MONTENEGRO:

  • Engaged in breeding miniature and medium-sized Xolos.
  • All dogs have excellent grades and titles, promising for breeding.
  • The main goal of the kennel is to produce beautiful, healthy dogs with adequate mental health.
  • Dogs and puppies of the kennel successfully perform at exhibitions, including special breed exhibitions, often taking the lead. They are worthy competition among the leading representatives of this ancient breed.

Remember: Choosing a pet is a responsible step, and therefore this procedure should be taken very seriously. A puppy is not a toy; it needs careful care, proper upbringing, health care and responsibility for its life in our world.

Xoloitzcuintle dog: reviews from owners

Xoloitzcuintle
The Xoloitzcuintle breed formed independently without human intervention, which is why these dogs are classified as primitive breeds. Such dogs are distinguished by good health, rarely have genetic diseases and are long-lived.

Here are reviews from the owners of these dogs:

  • Artem, 24 years old My Alejandro is wonderful. He doesn't shed at all, is friends with everyone, playful, loyal, obedient. I always take it with me on trips, on vacation, and when I go shopping. When I lie down on the sofa after work, he will quietly lie down next to me. The only negative about it is allergies, which appear on the dog’s skin in the form of rashes. It took me a long time to select food for him.
  • Nikita, 20 years old When my sister gave me a puppy, I immediately named him Baloo. He has a wonderful assortment in his wardrobe, and we constantly dress for walks in similar looks. Baloo is very smart, loyal, not picky about food, you can even talk to him, tell him about your experiences, and he looks straight at me with a knowing look and starts licking me.
  • Nikolay, 48 years old I’ll tell you from my experience, I love dogs, but I didn’t get them for only one reason, that’s because they shed. But my son was once looking up dog breeds on the Internet, and I saw this miracle. The decision was immediate and I bought a Xolo dog. And now Rose is a favorite pet not only for our entire family, but also for our neighbors. If you are eager to have a pet that will constantly delight you, welcome you home, lift your spirits and create comfort in your home, then buy a Xoloitzcuintle, you will not regret it.
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