Description. The Xoloitzcuintli is a dog that comes in three different sizes being the standard miniature and toy. The Toy stands at 9-14 inches in height and weighs 5-15 pounds. The miniature stands at 15-20 inches in height and weighing 15-30 pounds. The standard Xoloitzcuintli is 20-30 inches high weighing 25-40 pounds. They also come in hairless or coated, so there are a lot of choices with his breed. The hairless will sometimes have a tuft of hair on their tail or head. Although the skin on the hairless is smooth and soft, it is quite hardy to the elements. The coated variety has clean sleek short hair similar to the Doberman. The hairless variety is probably the more popular, and they represent approximately 80% of the dogs in this breed. If a bitch were to have a litter of five puppies one would be coated and the other four hairless, as an average. This breed also tends to change colours as they get older. They are a hardy and robust breed with a black or skin coloured nose set upon its broad skull. Their eyes are dark and almond in shape. Their ears are very large and stand upright.

History. The Xoloitzcuintli is often known as the Mexican hairless. This is one of the oldest breeds in existence, and is considered very rare. Artefacts of this ancient breed have been found at Aztec and Mayan the site's, dating back some 3000 years. They are intelligent in loyal and were believed to have mystical healing powers. The Xoloitzcuintli we see today is practically unchanged. It is believed that the Aztecs used to keep these hairless dogs as pets, and bed warmers. It is believed that this is where the saying “three dog night” came from as on particularly cold evenings more than one dog would be used to warm the bed. Figurines of this breed have been found in tombs that date back as far as 300 AD. It is believed that the dogs would help the dead to have a happy afterlife. They have been a companion dog since about 1900.

Temperament. This is an athletic alert loyal and intelligent dog. Whilst they make excellent family pets it is quite important that all family members take part in the care training and feeding of this breed. They are a naturally protective dog and are often wary of strangers. As long as they are well socialised from a young age, they are excellent with young children. Another unusual quirk of this dog is that they enjoyed vegetables, although they are not vegetarian. The Xoloitzcuintli is very loyal to its owner and the family, they are reasonably easy to train, and are very unlikely to run away. It is important as with all dogs to establish the dogs’ position within the family. Whilst they are very good with young children is an idea to supervise them as the dog will not tolerate abuse. It is also very important to remember during training. Be firm but fair do not shout or chastise the dog when it makes a mistake, always praise it for a task well completed.

Health issues. A Xoloitzcuintli has no significant health issues, although care must be taken of their skin, so is not to deplete the natural oils. Their life expectancy is about 15 years, although it is not rare for them to live to 20.

Grooming. The hairless variety can be bathed once or twice a month using very mild shampoo is to avoid stripping the oil from the skin, skin lotions should be applied at this time also. It is important to use these as directed because overuse is just as harmful as under use. Mild baby bath products are quite good for the general bathing of the Xoloitzcuintli. The hairless variety will require sunscreen on sunny days.

Living conditions. This is an extremely active dog you will love to walk and play for prolonged periods of time. In the early days if you have a full-time job away from the house it may be worth considering doggie day-care. Having said that; these dogs will entertain themselves, with a variety of toys, whilst you are at work, when they are older. They would much prefer to come to work with you, but your boss might not like that. As an active dog they require mental stimulation as well, it is a good idea to buy them an almost endless supply of doggy toys, which will ensure they do not get bored. These dogs are not really suited to apartment life and the Xoloitzcuintli much prefers an active family with space around them.