Xoloitzcuintle

The Xoloitzcuintle is very cheerful, balanced, and has a fairly calm character. The breed is a good enough guardian, vigilant and attentive to all strangers. And in general, to strangers will be indifferent, aggression without a particular reason you will not wait from the Xoloitzcuintle. She will be gentle and friendly with all family members, from small to large.

Breed Photos

Origin History

If we rely on some researchers and various sources, the Xoloitzcuintle is the oldest breed in the world. The origin of these dogs dates back to 5000-3000 years B.C. The ancient graves found on the territory of Mexico testify to it. There, too, were found special figurines with the image of Xoloitzcuintle. The name of the breed was formed literally from two words: the name of the Aztec God – Xolotl (also pronounced “Sholotl”) and “itzcuintli” – dog. The Indians believed that Xolo was an earthly representation of God. Therefore, the dog was often used in a variety of rituals and ceremonies. Unfortunately, the Xoloitzcuintle was so revered that it was also used as a meat source – it was considered a delicacy. People believed that the meat had rare healing properties.

The breed was described in detail by the naturalist historian Bernardino de Sahagun. In 1956, the Xoloitzcuintle was officially recognized in Mexico, and now the dog is considered a national treasure of the country. The breed’s standard has been changed several times and has varieties: Miniature, Medium, and Standard. By 1960 the Mexican Cynology Federation had registered 40 dogs as Xoloitzcuintles. In 2007, a new and interesting stage of the breed’s development began as another breed was added: the short-haired Xoloitzcuintle.

Appearance

The most distinctive feature of the breed is, of course, the absence of hair. That is why the choice of a Xoloitzcuintle as your pet is for the amateur. Naked dogs are devoid of hair completely; there is only a short, sparse Mohawk on the head. The color of the skin is uniform. The skin is supple and smooth. Four missing teeth follow the canines. And the short-haired Xoloitzcuintle is covered with a thin coat without an undercoat that barely covers the entire body. The woolly Xoloitzcuintle has a different dental formula; it should be full and have a straight bite. There are three variations in dog size:

• Miniature: 25-35 cm height, weight 4.5-7 kg;
• Medium: 36-45 cm height, weight 7-14 kg;
• Standard: 46-60 cm height, weight 14-25 kg.

Skull wedge-shaped, wide, tapering toward the muzzle. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped. Long, erect ears, slightly sloping forward. The tail is long. The body is well built, slightly longer than the height at withers (about 10:9). Females may be longer than males.

Character

The Xoloitzcuintle is very cheerful, balanced, and has a fairly calm character. The breed is a good enough guardian, vigilant and attentive to all strangers. And in general, to strangers will be indifferent, aggression without a particular reason you will not wait from the Xoloitzcuintle. She will be gentle and friendly with all family members, from small to large. Xoloitzcuintle is well suited for apartment living because the dog itself is very compact and docile.

Care

If a dog has no coat, it does not mean that its care is reduced to nothing. The skin without fur is not protected and therefore requires proper care. It is recommended to bathe with a special shampoo, not more than once a month. To avoid cracks and dry skin, lubricate it with a thin layer of nourishing cream or oil. The short-haired breed is taken care of in the same manner, but you must oil the open areas, not covered with wool. It is necessary to bathe more seldom; it is enough to bathe once in several months. The weak point of the breed is the teeth, so pay more attention to the oral cavity. Do not allow the formation of stones so that it does not lead to tooth loss. Also follow standard ear and eye care guidelines, cleaning as needed. Trim claws several times a month. You’ll also need a coat kit for your pet, as he’ll be freezing without fur in the harsh winter. Take care of the comfort and health of the Xoloitzcuintle and pick up a few kits at a pet store.

Training

Xoloitzcuintles have a good memory and excellent skills to learn different commands quickly. Quite often, Xoloitzcuintle dogs are used in freestyle and agility competitions.

Common Diseases

Although the breed is small, it has a robust immune system and is devoid of hereditary diseases. However, some diseases are characteristic of the breed:

• dental problems (malocclusion);
• dermatitis (various skin infections and acne);
• allergic reactions.

Nutrition

When choosing a diet, you need to consider that the Xoloitzcuintle is prone to gaining excess weight. Therefore, the pet’s diet must be balanced. In order not to harm the dog, it is better to consult with an experienced breeder. He will tell you what food is suitable for Xoloitzcuintle and will not cause any allergic reactions.