Xoloitzcuintli
Description
The Xoloitzcuintli is known by a few different names…Xolo, or Mexican Hairless are the most common names. The Xolo comes in three sizes to suit everyone’s personal choice. Toy Xolo’s stand 9 to 14 in. tall at the shoulder and weigh between 5 to 15 lbs. Miniature Xolo’s stand 15 to 20 in. tall at the shoulder and weigh between 15 to 30 lbs. Standard Xolo’s stand 20 to 30 in. tall at the shoulder and weigh between 25 to 40 lbs, and have been known to weigh as much as 60 pounds or more. The Xolo also comes in two coat types…the coated and the hairless. The coated variety has a very short, silky coat. The hairless have very soft skin, and can have a tuft of hair on his head and the tail. The Xolo comes in a assortment of colors…spotted, black to gray and all shade in between, bronze, brindle, red, and fawn.
Temperament
The whole family needs to take part in being responsible for training the Xolo, and for being his pack leader. He needs early socialization in order to become a happy well adjusted family dog. They are good with children if they have been raised around them, and the children are well mannered and responsible. The Xolo is intelligent and easily trained…including potty training. They are not vegetarians as rumors have it, but enjoy veggies as much as normal kibble.
Grooming/Exercise
The Xolo does have some very specific requirements as far as taking care of their skin. Over bathing and too much lotion can damage the skin and cause problems. You should only bathe and lotion the Xolo twice a month or as needed. They will need to wear sunscreen typically on days when you would wear it they should to. The products most widely used seem to be unscented or Johnson and Johnson baby products. The cold weather makes for dry ear tips which can be corrected and protected with Bag Balm or Udder Butter. If your hairless breaks out with a case of pimples gently exfoliate his skin with a gentle exfoliating scrub and a puff. The Xolo will need to be taken on long daily walks and have a secure and safe place to run and play in. Remeber if its sunny out protect his skin. They can do quite well in an apartment, but don’t like to be left alone while your gone working. Possible considerations is doggy day care.
Health
Life Expectancy is 15 to 20 years.
Possible Issues
The only health issue the Xolo can have is dealing with his skin. If it is not taken care of properly issues will develop.
