Consider These 29 Questions Before Getting a Xoloitzcuintle
The Xoloitzcuintle is an incredibly rare dog breed that is completely hairless, although you can get a coated Xoloitzcuintle but this variation is even rarer. The breed is also known as the Mexican Hairless dog. This unusual breed is known for being sensitive, affectionate and devoted, the Xoloitzcuintle is a companion dog with a big personality.
1. Are Xoloitzcuintles good for first-time owners?
No, Xoloitzcuintles are best suited to living with experienced owners who are aware of their specific needs. Xoloitzcuintles can be stubborn and independent which means they need firm and consistent training to avoid unwanted behaviours.
2. Do Xoloitzcuintles make good family pets?
Yes, they thrive in a home environment and are very family-orientated. Xoloitzcuintles are affectionate with their owners and love to cuddle. Keep in mind, these dogs do form strong bonds with their owners and don’t like to be left alone.
3. Are Xoloitzcuintles good with children?
Yes, these are loving dogs that are gentle and affectionate with their family, including children. Xoloitzcuintle have been known to form strong bonds with children and love to play, cuddle and protect young family members. However, Xoloitzcuintle do not like to have their tails or ears pulled so it’s important children know how to behave around these little dogs.
4. Are Xoloitzcuintles friendly?
Yes, they are friendly dogs but can be quite quiet and sensitive at times. When first meeting strangers or new dogs, Xoloitzcuintles can be reserved but they soon warm up.
5. What do Xoloitzcuintles look like?
These unique dogs are hairless with a sleek body, large ears and a long neck. They often have missing teeth and their skin is smooth and soft. The coated variety of the Xoloitzcuintle has a short coat that requires very little attention. This is a robust dog that is most known for its hairless appearance and large bat-like ears.
6. How big are Xoloitzcuintles?
Interestingly, Xoloitzcuintles comes in three different sizes. These are; Toy Xoloitzcuintle, Miniature Xoloitzcuintle and Standard Xoloitzcuintle. Toy Xoloitzcuintle can be between 25 - 35cm tall and weigh between 4.5 - 7kg. Miniature Xoloitzcuintle can be between 35 - 45cm tall and weigh between 7 - 18kg and Standard Xoloitzcuintle can be between 40 - 60cm tall and weigh between 15-27kg.
7. How much exercise does an Xoloitzcuintle need?
These are high energy dogs that love to be busy, especially when they are younger. Xoloitzcuintles need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day and plenty of playtime on top of that. Xoloitzcuintles are particularly active during the first few years and then they calm down and begin to enjoy a slower pace where they will spend time chilling out on the sofa or soaking up the sun. Xoloitzcuintles particularly enjoy interactive games and participating in dog sports.
8. Do Xoloitzcuintles shed?
No, they don’t shed hair as they are hairless. However, they still shed dander. Even the coated variety of the Xoloitzcuintle will only shed minimally.
9. How much grooming does an Xoloitzcuintle need?
This breed has low grooming required. As the Xoloitzcuintle is usually a hairless dog they don’t need to be brushed, however their skin requires care to keep them healthy and comfortable. Special care includes using gentle sunscreen and shampoo that won’t disrupt the skin's natural protective oils. The Xoloitzcuintles with hair only have a very short coat that doesn’t shed much so they also have very low grooming needs. Both haired and hairless Xoloitzcuintles need to have their teeth checked and nails trimmed periodically too.
10. How often do Xoloitzcuintles need to be bathed?
You can bathe a Xolo every couple of weeks if they need it. Bathing these dogs helps to keep their skin clean and in good condition. It is important not to bathe your Xoloitzcuintles too often as this will strip their skin of natural oils which can worsen their acne. If you’re unsure of when to bath them, do it when you notice their skin is oily or smelly.
11. Do Xoloitcuintles need to wear sunscreen?
Yes, particularly if they have lighter skin. If your Xoloitcuintles is going to be spending the day in the sun they will need some dog-friendly sunscreen to protect them.
12. Do Xoloitzcuintles bark a lot?
Some Xoloitzcuintles seem to enjoy the sound of their own voice and will bark at any noise they hear but this can be stopped with training. Once trained, these dogs are quiet and tend to only bark if they are excited about something or if they are alerting you to something suspicious.
13. Are Xoloitzcuintles intelligent?
Yes, they are highly intelligent and observant. These clever dogs have an independent mind and quickly work out how they can get their own way.
14. Are Xoloitzcuintles easy to train?
Training an Xoloitzcuintle often takes more patience than training many other dog breeds. Although they are intelligent and love to please their owner they are also stubborn and naturally independent making training a challenge for inexperienced owners. For training a Xoloitzcuintle to work, they need to respect you so require consistency in what you say.
15. How long do Xoloitzcuintles live?
On average, Xoloitzcuintle dogs live for 12 - 15 years. They are known to be hardy, healthy dogs.
16. Are Xoloitzcuintles good with other dogs?
Yes, although they can be a bit aloof at first. Xoloitzcuintles are rarely aggressive and are more outgoing if they have been well socialised from a young age.
17. Are Xoloitzcuintles good with other pets?
Yes, Xoloitzcuintles tend to be social and enjoy being around other animals. They need to be introduced to smaller animals such as cats carefully but generally get on well with them if they have been brought up together. Xoloitzcuintles do have a high prey drive so shouldn’t be trusted around unfamiliar animals.
18. Are Xoloitzcuintles good watchdogs?
Yes, Xoloitzcuintles are excellent watchdogs. They are known for being fearless and will bark if there is a stranger around or there is something they are suspicious of.
19. Are Xoloitzcuintles aggressive?
They are rarely aggressive, particularly if they have been socialised properly from a young age. However, they can be territorial and this could turn into aggression if Xoloitzcuintles have not been trained, handled and socialised appropriately.
20. Are Xoloitzcuintles good with strangers?
The Xoloitzcuintle tends to be quite aloof around strangers but will be friendly after the initial introductions. It’s not unusual for the Xoloitzcuintles to bark at strangers if they are unsure of them.
21. Do Xoloitzcuintles have a high prey drive?
Yes, Xoloitzcuintles do have a high prey drive so care should be taken when around unfamiliar animals.
22. Are Xoloitzcuintles playful?
Yes, Xoloitzcuintles love to play and enjoy interactive games with their family. This breed has a reputation for being mischievous and cheeky, Xoloitzcuintles enjoy entertaining their owners and quickly learn how to get their own way.
23. Can Xoloitzcuintles live in an apartment?
Yes, as long as they have enough exercise and mental stimulation Xoloitzcuintles are highly adaptable and can happily live in an apartment.
24. Can Xoloitzcuintles be left on their own during the day?
No, these dogs do not like to be left on their own. Xoloitzcuintles are best suited to homes where at least one person is with them at all times.
25. Do Xoloitzcuintles like water?
Yes, Xoloitzcuintles love water and enjoy swimming, particularly during warm weather.
26. What health issues are common in Xoloitzcuintles?
Although the Xoloitzcuintle is a robust breed they are still prone to a few different health problems. This includes hip dysplasia, luxating patella, acne, heart issues, dental problems and eye issues. The hairless gene can also affect the development and formation of teeth so it is quite common for hairless dogs to have missing teeth.
27. Are Xoloitzcuintles healthy dogs?
Yes, this is a healthy breed that does not suffer from the hereditary health issues that many other breeds suffer from. As they are hairless they do require some extra care to keep their skin in good condition and protect them from extreme weather. For example, a Xoloitzcuintle may need to have sunscreen applied to their skin during hot weather and wear a coat during cold weather.
28. Is the Xoloitzcuintle a good choice for allergy sufferers?
Although Xoloitzcuintles do not have hair, they do shed dander. This means they aren’t a good choice for allergy sufferers if the trigger is dander. However, if the allergy trigger is hair then Xoloitzcuintle may be a suitable option.
29. How much do Xoloitzcuintles cost?
A Xoloitzcuintle puppy can cost between £800 - £1500. The cost of food and insurance is usually around £60 per month.
The Xoloitzcuintle breed is unique and extremely rare. These hairless dogs are healthy with rich personalities and lots to say. There are 3 different sizes of Xoloitzcuintle dogs and they are increasing in popularity as people become more familiar with the breed. There is lots to love about the Xoloitzcuintle, but they need consistent training, lots of attention and need someone at home with them all the time. Xoloitzcuintles are great family dogs and are even valued as therapy dogs too.
