Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli’s history is not written in books, but in ancient artifacts. Evidence of these dogs in Mexico dates back over 3,000 years, making them one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the Americas. Their name is a combination of “Xolotl,” the Aztec god of lightning and death, and “itzcuintli,” the Aztec word for dog. According to belief, the Xolo was created by the god Xolotl to guard the living and guide the souls of the dead through the dangers of Mictlán, the underworld.

These dogs were sacred to the ancient Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures. They served not only as spiritual guides but also as loyal companions and, due to the heat their bodies radiate, as healers for people suffering from ailments like arthritis and rheumatism. The breed faced near extinction following the Spanish conquest of Mexico, but it survived in remote mountain villages. In the 20th century, a dedicated effort by Mexican artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, who featured the Xolo prominently in their work, helped bring this national treasure back from the brink and into the global spotlight.

The Xolo temperament is one of quiet, intense loyalty. They are often described as “Velcro dogs” because they form an incredibly strong bond with their family and want to be physically close to them as much as possible. In their own home, they are calm, serene, and tranquil companions. They are not prone to needless barking but are excellent watchdogs, as they are naturally alert and watchful.

This deep bond means they can be aloof and wary of strangers. They are not the type of dog to greet every new person with a wagging tail. Early and extensive socialization is absolutely critical to ensure their natural caution does not turn into fearfulness. When a Xolo accepts someone into their circle, it is for life. They are highly intelligent and sensitive, and they do not respond well to harsh training methods. They have a more primitive, cat-like side to their personality—thoughtful, independent, but also playful and agile when the mood strikes.

Skin Care for the Hairless

The hairless Xolo doesn’t need brushing, but their skin requires special care. Because they lack a protective coat, their skin is vulnerable to the elements. They need regular bathing (perhaps once a week or every few weeks) to keep their skin clean and prevent clogged pores, which can lead to acne-like blackheads. After a bath, a light, dog-safe moisturizer should be applied to keep the skin from drying out. The most important consideration is sun protection. A hairless Xolo’s skin can sunburn easily, so dog-safe sunscreen must be applied before any prolonged time outside. In cold weather, they absolutely need sweaters or coats to stay warm.

Care for the Coated

The coated Xoloitzcuintli has a short, tight, single coat that is incredibly easy to care for. A quick brush once a week is all that’s needed to remove any loose hair. They are very light shedders.

Exercise Needs

Xolos have moderate energy needs. They require a good daily walk or a vigorous play session to stay happy. They are surprisingly athletic and agile, and many enjoy activities like lure coursing and agility. A securely fenced yard is a good outlet for their energy.

Training a Xolo requires patience and an understanding of their intelligent, sometimes stubborn, nature. They are eager to please the person they are bonded with, but they can be independent thinkers. Positive reinforcement, using treats and praise, works best. They are very sensitive, and their trust can be broken by harsh training methods.

Socialization is the most important part of their training. From a very young age, they must be exposed to a wide variety of people, sights, and sounds in a positive way. This helps them build confidence and overcome their natural wariness of strangers. Well-socialized Xolos are calm and discerning, not fearful. Puppy training classes are an excellent idea.

As a “natural” or “primitive” breed that developed without much human intervention, the Xoloitzcuintli is generally a very robust and healthy dog with a long lifespan. They are not plagued by many of the genetic issues seen in more modern breeds. The main health considerations are related to the hairless variety:

• Skin Issues: Sunburn, dryness, and clogged pores are the most common issues. These are managed with proper skin care.
• Dental Issues: The gene that causes hairlessness is linked to the gene for dentition. It is very common for hairless Xolos to be missing some teeth (especially premolars). This is normal for the breed and not considered a fault. Coated Xolos typically have a full set of teeth.

Life with a Xolo is a unique experience. They are not just pets; they are deeply bonded family members who will follow you from room to room. Their need for physical closeness is a defining trait. A hairless Xolo feels like a warm, living hot water bottle, and they love to snuggle under blankets with their people. You must be prepared to share your couch and maybe even your bed!

They are generally excellent with children in their own family, being gentle and protective. Because they can be wary of strangers, they do best in a calm household without a constant stream of new visitors. They can get along well with other dogs, especially if raised with them, but require careful socialization. Their quiet, calm nature makes them excellent housemates, as long as their need for companionship and warmth is met.