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Updated: May 12th, 2008 - 03:33:57 |
Description: The Xoloitquintle, also known as the Mexican hairless or Xolo is one of the oldest known breeds of dogs, dating back more than 3,000 years. Aztec ancestors brought hairless dogs with them when they arrived in Mexico from Asia. They were used primarily as companion dogs but the Aztecs saw value in them as bed warmers, food and sacrificial offerings. The warm body heat of the breed made it highly valued as an ancient hot water bottle. Aztecs noticed relief for stomach pains and rheumatic joints, and after awhile, people began to think the Xolo possessed healing powers. At the end of the 19th century Xolos became used primarily as companion dogs. Today they are wide spread throughout Mexico and South America and make great companions, agility competitors and show dogs. They are also used as therapy dogs, especially for the elderly.
Height: The breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard.
Toy height: 9 – 14 inches
Miniature height: 15 – 20 inches
Standard height: 20 – 30 inches
Weight:
Toy: 5 – 15 pounds
Miniature: 15 – 30 pounds
Standard: 25 – 40 pounds
Temperament: The Xolo is very intelligent, loyal, alert, athletic and extremely loving to its family. It is important that all family members play a role in rearing, training and feeding the Xolo, or it will bond to the one person or people who do. It is naturally protective and aloof to strangers. With proper socializing it is very good with company and children. The Xolo is not a yapper so when it does make noise, it is alerting its owner. Likes to stick close to its owner and can climb trees, fences and any other barrier to get to its person. Being a primitive breed, the Xolo has great survival skills.
Color: Black, slate, gray, bronze, brindle, red, fawn, solid or spotted.
Coat: The Xolo is a hairless dog. The haired variety has a short, sleek coat, much like a Doberman
Grooming: Bathing and moisturizing the skin are necessary once a month or as needed. Sunscreen should be applied, just as you would on your own skin, since the Xolo lacks a protective coat of hair. A mild exfoliating scrub helps get rid of dead, dry skin.
With Children: The Xolo is very protective and most are good with children of any age. Toy Xolos may be too small to feel comfortable or safe around rambunctious children. One owner claims that she had trouble getting her toddler to sleep in her own bed at night so her highly intelligent Xolo, sensing a problem, hopped into bed with the little girl (much to her delight) and returned there for several nights until the girl got used to sleeping in her own bed. Once the problem was solved, the Xolo returned to its owner’s bed, where it had been sleeping every night for years.
With pets: Good with other pets but may display dominant behavior. The Xolo likes to be in charge and has a mind of its own if not properly trained.
Training: This highly intelligent breed is easy to train but is very independent and may try to take charge. It is important, when training a Xolo, you make it understand who is the leader.
Exercise: The Xolo, like all dogs, needs a daily walk or it is likely to display behavioral problems. In cold weather, because it has no hair, a sweater or other protective clothing is necessary. Sunscreen should be applied every day to avoid sunburn on the hairless skin.
Health Issues: The hairless Xolo is rare and has changed very little from its original, ancient form. Therefore, it is a very hardy and healthy breed with no known health problems.
Housing: Suitable for apartment living as long as it has an opportunity to walk daily. Xolo puppies should have plenty of toys and things to play with since they are very active. As they get older they calm down and should never be kept outdoors; they’re too sensitive to extreme weather conditions and they will go to any lengths, perhaps putting themselves in danger, to be with their owners.
Life Span: 15 – 20 years
Country of Origin: Mexico
Group: Southern
(Sources: www.dogbreedinfo.com, www.xoloitzcuintles.com)
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