Xoloitzcuintlis

Description: These dogs are affectionate toward their own family/owners/handlers and get along well with children. Xoloitzcuintlis are intelligent, peaceful, noble and extremely adaptable. Cheerful with the family and reserved with strangers, these dogs are happy, though calm without fear. They make good alarm dogs - noisy only when necessary. They cannot bark, but instead let out a sound like a howl. This breed is not hard to train.

Xoloitzcuintlis are natural vegetarians, but convert to a meat diet quite easily. Other Names: Mexican Hairless

Height: Standard: 22 1/2 inches. Toy: Under 13" for the Miniature: 13"-18"

Colors: Hairless dogs may be black, charcoal, lighter gray, bronze, liver or red. Solid colors are preferred, but some do have spots. Coated dogs can be any color, or combination of colors.

Coat: Hairless dogs may have hair on head, feet and/or tail. Some will be completely hairless. Coated Xolos have short, course hair that sheds minimally.

Temperament: Calm, quiet dog, cheerful, attentive, alert. Suspicious towards strangers, good watchdog, excellent pet. The Xolo is exceptionally intuitive and affectionate with his family. Excellent with children, completely at ease with their sudden movements. Special Skills: Watchdog and family pet, taking his cues from his master's uneasiness with a situation or person. The smaller sizes are less likely to guard/protect.

Care and Exercise: Hairless Xolos tolerate sun quite well, though spots lack pigment and need sun block. Though the hairless Xolo does need greater protection from the elements, he is hardy and can tolerate even extreme cold for brief periods of time. Does not require much exercise. To play and romp will keep him content, but will also enjoy a walk on the leash.

Training: Early socialization and firm handling, without harsh correction or heavy handedness are imperative. Without these, the pup may grow to be fearful of new situations and insecure. This isn't a breed for permissive parents, or tyrants. Learning Rate: Very high. The Xolo wants to please his master.

Activity: Moderate to Low. Xolos do very well in apartments with daily walks as well in the country with room to run.

Living Environment: Xolos need to be involved in family life more than any other single thing. They will not thrive confined to the backyard for long periods of time without human interaction. A Xolo, even fully coated should be considered an indoor dog.

Health Issues: Xolos have no know genetic problems at this point. Some do have drug sensitivities, and caution must be used when using any chemical for the first time.

Life Span: 12 - 15 years.

Litter Size: 4

Country of Origin: Mexico History: The Xoloitzcuintli, also know as the Mexican Hairless, is among theoldest of purebred dogs. The breed was regarded as the earthly representative of the god Xolotl, from which its name is derived. His most important task may have been to accompany the souls of the dead to their final place of rest. However, he was also regarded as a source of food, protector of the home, family companion and healer of various ailments.