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Breed profile

Xoloitzcuintli

Ancient Mexican breed in toy, miniature and standard sizes, hairless or coated. Calm, alert and devoted to its family.

Standard-size hairless Xoloitzcuintli standing in profile on a sunny lawn
A standard hairless Xolo: sleek, upright ears, calm gaze.Photo: Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
4.5–25 kg10–55 lb
Height
25–58 cm10–23 in
Lifespan
13–18 yrs
Group
Utility / Non-Sporting
Origin
Mexico
Popularity
#123 US#160 UK · 2025

Known for: Low sheddingWarm climatesFlat-friendly

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Calm, Alert, Loyal, Sensitive.

Health problems to know about

  • Skin problems (acne, blocked pores) in hairless dogs
  • Missing teeth (hairless variety)
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily walks and play. Hairless dogs need sunscreen or a shirt in strong sun, a coat in cold weather and simple skin care; avoid over-bathing. Coated Xolos need a weekly brush.

A good fit for

Warm climates, flats and indoor homes, owners wanting a quiet, watchful companion.

Probably not ideal for

Outdoor living, cold climates without coats, and people who want a very outgoing dog with strangers.

Sources

  1. Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club
  2. Xoloitzcuintle | Wikipedia

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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