Xoloitzcuintli
Description
Have you ever met a dog with a history stretching back over 3,000 years? The Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo for short, is one of the world’s oldest breeds, deeply rooted in Aztec, Mayan, and Toltec cultures. This breed was believed to protect homes from evil spirits and even guide souls in the afterlife. Xolos come in three sizes—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—and two varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless variety is famous for its smooth, tough skin and unique look, while the coated Xolo sports a short, flat coat. Xolos are calm and affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers. They’re smart and trainable, though sometimes a bit stubborn. Because of their strong prey drive, they might not be the best fit for homes with small pets. Their weight ranges from about 10 to 55 pounds, making them versatile companions for various living situations.
Grooming
How do you keep a Xolo’s skin healthy without a full coat? Hairless Xolos need weekly gentle baths to remove dirt and oils, followed by moisturizing to prevent dryness. Their skin is prone to sunburn, so daily sunscreen application is a must when they’re outdoors. Coated Xolos have short, flat fur that sheds minimally and benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hairs and keep the coat shiny. Here’s a quick grooming checklist for hairless Xolos: - Weekly gentle bath with mild shampoo - Moisturize skin after bathing - Apply dog-safe sunscreen daily when outside - Tidy nails and clean ears regularly - Check for skin irritations or dryness Pro tip: Use a hypoallergenic moisturizer designed for dogs to soothe sensitive skin and avoid human lotions that can cause reactions. For coated Xolos, a soft bristle brush once or twice a week keeps their short coat neat without overdoing it.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Wondering how much exercise a Xolo needs? They thrive on about 65 minutes of walking daily, usually in one solid session. This breed enjoys a steady pace rather than frantic bursts of activity. Their moderate stamina means they’re happy with a long walk or a mix of walking and light play. Try this simple routine: - Morning: 10-minute leash walk to stretch legs - Afternoon: 55-minute walk exploring the neighborhood or park This schedule helps keep your Xolo mentally engaged and physically fit without overwhelming them. Since they’re calm dogs, they don’t demand constant activity but do appreciate consistent outings to satisfy their curiosity and maintain muscle tone.
Boarding
What should you know when boarding a Xolo? Crate size matters—choose one between 42 and 48 inches to give them enough room to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Xolos have a calm playstyle but enjoy interactive enrichment like scent games and brain teasers during downtime. Avoid small-animal toys since their prey drive can kick in. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable routine to help the Xolo feel secure. Secure fencing is essential to prevent escapes, as these dogs are curious and can be surprisingly quick. Two active play sessions combined with scent or puzzle games keep them happy and mentally stimulated while away from home.