The Xoloitzcuintle, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, has roots dating back to the period when Christopher Columbus found the Americas.
The dog was utilized for many things, including food & sacrifice, friendship & hunt, as a guard dog, and for medical purposes.
The dog is from Central America, namely Mexico. The dog is depicted on artifacts found in Aztec, Maya, and Colima Indian graves.
This dog breed has three sizes: standard, tiny, and toy. Despite the dog’s moniker of “hairless,” also there are coated variations. The “Xolo” is the name given to this breed.
Xoloitzcuintle History
“God of the Underworld” is what Xolo implies. The word “itzcuintli” means “dog.” This is a word from the Aztec language.
The moniker “Mexican Hairless” is derived from the dog’s origins in Mexico or the fact that the majority of Xolo is hairless. A Xolo has a long and illustrious history.
The “first dog of the Americas,” as he’s been dubbed. The Xolo has been around for a minimum of three thousand years. The Xolo was regarded as a food source and a sacrificed animal by the Aztecs and Mayans.
These tribes believed the dog possessed medicinal qualities because of its naturally warm body. Many people used the dog as a space heater, wrapping themselves around him for warmth.
He was also used to cure toothaches, sleeplessness, rheumatism, and asthma (much like a heating pad). The ancients thought dogs to ward off bad spirits, and they made good guard dogs.
The Xolo was most popular in the 1930s. A dog breed has indeed been depicted in pieces of art, including Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera. Still, it has since fallen out of favor, as well as the American Breed Standards has even removed the Xolo from their studbook owing to low numbers.
The United Breed Standard approved the dog breed in 1993. The Xolo was accepted into the Quasi Group of the American Breed Standards in 2011.
Xoloitzcuintle Characteristics
The Xolo is normally hairless, although there are some exceptions. There are three sizes of the Xolo: regular, tiny, and toy. Among the Xolo varieties, the bald is the most popular.
It is mostly hairless, except for tufts of hair on the head and tail.
A Xolo’s skin should be silky and smooth. The Xolo comes in a range of hues, including black, slate grey, grey, bronze, brindle, red, and fawn.
The skin might be a solid color, or it could be speckled. If your Xolo wears a coat, it should be short and sleek, like a Doberman’s.
How Big Can A Xoloitzcuintle get?
The Xoloitzcuintle would most likely grow to be little more than 11 inches tall and weigh just under 15 pounds.
How Long Can A Xoloitzcuintle Live?
The lifecycle of a Xoloitzcuintle is between 12- and 16.
How Much Does A Xoloitzcuintle Cost?
The cost of a Xoloitzcuintle is around 500$-800$. That covers the puppy; it does not include things like a cage, immunizations, vet visits, a collar, food, water bowls, etc.
In reality, the cost of a Xoloitzcuintle could be much more or cheaper. A genuinely excellent example may easily cost $1000. Similarly, you could be lucky to get one in your area for just a few hundred dollars.
Xoloitzcuintle Personality/Temperament
A Xolo is a breed of extremely clever, loyal, active, and affectionate dog. The Xolo forms a relationship with the person, or persons it believes are competent for its care & training; the family is asked to share responsibility for the dog, so it attaches to everybody in the family rather than just one person.
The Xolo is a protective dog by nature, and he is typically hesitant around strangers. The Xolo is simple to housebreak, but he requires rigorous discipline — if he ever does not believe his humans are leading him appropriately, the Xolo will rise to the front of the pack. The Xolo is sometimes referred to as a “Velcro dog” by its owners.
The Xolo will likely suffer from Little Dog Syndrome, which isn’t always due to the dog’s fault. To avoid developing harmful habits, people must remember to be tough and consistent with Xolos. In general, a Xolo is a cherished family pet.
Xoloitzcuintle Nutrition
Each day, a Xoloitzcuintle requires only 2.2 cups of dog food, which should be full of protein & carbohydrates.
How Do You Groom A Xoloitzcuintle?
While the Xolo is not a sensitive breed, the truth that he has almost no hair, no dandruff, & also no fleas make him ideal for very clean persons who suffer from allergies or asthma.
The Aztecs & Mayans believed the canines had medicinal abilities because they emanated a pleasant, calming, and healing heat. The Xolo, especially the hairless form, requires little maintenance.
Xolo should be bathed and lotion twice per month or even as needed.
Only apply sunscreen as needed. If the Xolo is over-lotion, he stands a chance of developing acne. In the winter, he is especially prone to developing dry skin.
More attention should be used to protect the delicate ears from the weather. To avoid gum disease and foul breath, trim Xolo’s nails twice per month and wash his teeth daily.
Xoloitzcuintle Activity Level
Frequent visits to the local park are a wonderful way to keep her well-socialized. If you go for walks or when a dog is not in a gated area, make sure she is leashed since she has a powerful prey drive or may run off to hunt a bunny, rat, cat, or another dog.
Xoloitzcuintle Health Concerns
One of the most crucial variables to consider when purchasing a dog is the pet’s health. Crossbred dogs are typically less healthy than mixed-breed dogs, leaving them more susceptible to health issues.
On the other hand, the Xoloitzcuintle is an outlier. This breed is relatively healthy, with only a few small health concerns to be aware of.
This breed is free of all diseases except for elbow and hip problems.
Similar Breeds To A Xoloitzcuintle
Best Dog Food for Xoloitzcuintles
The best dog food for Xoloitzcuintle is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. This Blue Buffalo food has been produced with rice and chicken as key ingredients. Chicken makes a good source of protein that ultimately improves the muscular health of your canine. Moreover, the recipe is free from wheat, corn, soy, and by-product meals.
- Removes tartar with the unique kibble food.
- Contains carbs that boost energy level and provide an active life.
- Increases mobility and joints health through glucosamine.
Best Puppy Food for Xoloitzcuintles
The best puppy food for Xoloitzcuintle is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food. This puppy food is crafted with healthy ingredients such as barley and savory chicken meal. It contains kibble food that has been designed for easy digestion of your little pup.
- Free from artificial ingredients like colors, preservatives, and flavors.
- Improves immunity with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Develops eyes, brain, and learning ability with added DHA.
Best Dog Crate for Xoloitzcuintles
The best dog crate for Xoloitzcuintle is the MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate has a fold-and-carry design that makes it easy to transport and relocate. While its strong wires provide a safe home to your pal.
- Equipped with a plastic pan.
- Higher security with slide-bolt latches.
- Grow your dog inside with a divider panel.
Best Dog Bed for Xoloitzcuintles
The best dog bed for Xoloitzcuintle is FurHaven Ultra Plush Oval Bolster Cat & Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This bed has cozy nest-style construction that provides a relaxing and comfortable place for your dog to sleep.
- Provides easy entry with front cutout design.
- Washable core and covers.
- Ultra-soft material to boost comfort.
Best Dog Harness for Xoloitzcuintles
The best dog harness for Xoloitzcuintle is Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim, Mesh Dog Harness. This harness has a breathable fabric that delivers maximum comfort during the walk.
- Includes 2D rings for attaching a leash.
- Snap-in buckles provide added security.
- Easy to put on due to step-in style.
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