Description: Mexican Hairless
The Mexican Hairless, also known as Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo, is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world. Originating from Mexico, this breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, and two varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless variety, particularly noted for its smooth, tough skin, is more prominent and often sought after for its hypoallergenic properties. Xolos are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and calm demeanor, making them excellent companions. They possess a keen sense of awareness and are protective of their families. Despite their somewhat aloof appearance, Xolos are affectionate and make strong bonds with their owners.
Mexican Hairless ratings
Properties
The Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo, is a breed of hairless canine that hails from Mexico. This breed, one of the oldest and most unique dog breeds in the world, has been present in Mexico for over 3,000 years and has been revered by ancient cultures such as the Aztecs for its mystical and healing properties. The breed was considered sacred, believed to be a guide for the dead towards the underworld, and was often buried with their owners to fulfill this spiritual role.
The Xolo comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, and they can also have a very short coat if they are not hairless. This lack of fur makes them particularly popular among people who suffer from allergies. Since the Xolo has no hair to provide insulation, its skin can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, requiring protection from excessive sun exposure as well as cold weather.
Physically, Xolos are known for their bat-like ears, sleek body, and expressive eyes. They have a moderate level of activity and can perform well in various canine sports, including agility and obedience competitions. Despite their historical role as sacrificial animals, modern Xolos are gentle, loyal, and good-natured pets.
The temperament of the Mexican Hairless varies from one dog to another but typically, they are calm, friendly, and intelligent. They tend to form a strong bond with their family members and can be reserved around strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Training a Xolo requires consistency and gentle reinforcement; they are responsive to training but can show a stubborn streak. Early socialization is important for this breed to grow up well-rounded.
Health-wise, Xolos are generally considered to be a healthy breed with fewer genetic diseases compared to other breeds, possibly due to their ancient gene pool. However, their skin does require special care to prevent irritations or injuries, and dental care is also crucial because dental issues can be a concern, especially in the hairless variety.
The unique aesthetic and historic background of the Mexican Hairless make them not only pets but also a living piece of history. If you are considering adding a Xolo to your home, understand that they require careful attention to their physical and emotional needs but provide a strong, dedicated companionship in return.
Appearance
The Mexican Hairless, also known as Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo, is an intriguing and ancient breed known for its distinctive feature: the lack of hair. This breed comes in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, ranging approximately from 10 inches to over 23 inches at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from about 10 to 55 pounds.
The most striking characteristic of the Xolo is undoubtedly its smooth, hairless skin, which can be a variety of colors, including black, gray, bronze, and liver. Some Xolos may have a short, flat coat of hair, primarily if they are part of the ‘coated’ variety that occurs in the same litters along with the hairless. The skin of the hairless Xolo should be smooth and soft, without noticeable blemishes or excessive wrinkling.
Apart from its hairlessness, the Xolo's body is sleek and muscular with a broad, strong skull and a pronounced stop. Their eyes are almond-shaped, medium in size, and thoughtful in expression, typically conveying an intelligent and alert demeanor. The ears are another noticeable feature, being large and upright, adding to their keen alertness.
The breed's neck is slightly arched, flowing into well-laid-back shoulders and a level topline. Their chest is deep and wide with a moderate tuck-up. The legs are slender but strong, with hare-like feet, facilitating agile and brisk movement.
This breed often exudes a noble and primitive elegance, moving with a smooth, effortless stride. Being a naturally athletic and energetic breed, their movement is one of grace and agility, reflecting their physical abilities and alertness. The Xoloitzcuintli’s unique physical characteristics are not only fascinating aesthetically but are also adaptive traits that have allowed this breed to survive in the tropical regions of Central America through centuries.
History
The Mexican Hairless Dog, known officially as Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced 'show-low-eets-KWEENT-lee') or Xolo for short, is one of the world's oldest and rarest breeds. Their history dates back at least 3,000 years, to the early Aztec civilizations in Mexico. The breed's name, Xoloitzcuintli, comes from the Aztec god Xolotl, associated with lightning and death, and 'itzcuintli', which means dog in the Nahuatl language. According to Aztec mythology, Xolotl created the Xolo to safeguard the living as well as guide the souls of the dead through the underworld.
Xolos were considered sacred by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures, who believed that the dogs possessed healing abilities. Moreover, they were integral to rituals where they were thought to help cleanse the soul of evil spirits. Beyond their spiritual significance, Xolos were valuable in practical aspects of life as well, providing warmth with their body heat in the absence of hair, which made them excellent bed warmers. The breed's unique hairlessness is due to a genetic trait that makes them largely hypoallergenic, although some Xolos do have a thin coat of fur.
During the colonial period, Xolos were nearly lost to history. European colonizers failed to see the value in the breed, both spiritually and practically, leading to a significant decline in their numbers. However, they survived thanks to remote rural communities in Mexico who continued to cherish and breed them. The breed’s luck changed in the 20th century, when Mexican intellectuals began to appreciate the Xolo as a symbol of the country’s indigenous past, which sparked a renewed interest and effort to preserve the breed. The Mexican Kennel Club officially recognized the Xoloitzcuintli in 1956.
Today, Xolos are celebrated for their loyalty, intelligence, and calm demeanor. They come in three sizes - toy, miniature, and standard, and they are known for being protective yet calm household pets. Beyond the home, they have gradually gained popularity worldwide, recognized by major kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club in 2011. While still relatively rare, the Xoloitzcuintli continues to be a symbol of Mexican heritage and is revered not just as a pet, but also as a link to a rich, ancient tapestry of culture and history.