Xoloitzcuintle Mex Hairless Standard (Imported) Breed Information and Buying advice

Overview

The Xoloitzcuintle or the Mexican Hairless Dog is an ancient and distinctive breed originating from Mexico. Known for its hairless appearance, loyalty, and calm temperament, the Xoloitzcuintle, often shortened to “Xolo”, has been kept as both a companion and guardian for thousands of years. The Standard variety is the largest of the three recognised sizes. While affectionate and devoted to its family, the Xolo is naturally calm, observant, and sometimes reserved with strangers.

Physical Appearance

The Xoloitzcuintle is a medium-to-large, elegant and athletic dog with a distinctive hairless body.

Key physical characteristics:

• Smooth, tough skin with little to no hair

• Lean, well-proportioned build

• Long neck and refined head

• Large, upright ears

• Almond-shaped, expressive eyes

Skin colours include black, slate, grey, bronze, and liver, sometimes with spots or markings.

How big do Xoloitzcuintle dogs get?

• Height:

  • 46–60 cm

• Weight:

  • 18–25 kg

Character Traits

The Xoloitzcuintle is calm, intelligent, and deeply loyal. It tends to form strong bonds with its family and prefers a stable, quiet environment.

They are best described as:

• Devoted and attentive

• Calm and composed

• Independent but affectionate

Common personality traits

• Intelligence: High

• Affection: High with family

• Energy level: Moderate

• Loyalty: Very strong

• Playfulness: Moderate

• Aggression: Not aggressive, but reserved

• Trainability: High

• Guarding ability: Moderate

They are naturally observant and may be cautious around unfamiliar people.

Ability to Socialise

Early socialisation is important to ensure confidence.

• With other dogs: Generally good

• With children: Good in calm, respectful homes

• With cats and small pets: Usually manageable with early exposure

• With strangers: Reserved

They are not typically overly social but are stable when properly introduced to new people or pets.

Lifestyle Suitability

The Xoloitzcuintle suits calm, structured homes.

Best suited to:

• Owners seeking a loyal companion

• Homes with a consistent routine

• Owners prepared for skin care needs

Lifestyle considerations

• First-time owners: Possible with research

• Apartment living: Suitable

• Left alone: Tolerates short periods

• Noise sensitivity: Moderate

• Barking: Low

• Drooling: Very low

• Heat tolerance: High

• Cold tolerance: Low

Protection from cold weather is very important due to their lack of coat.

General Health & Health Issues

Average lifespan: 12–15 years

The breed is generally healthy, but considerations can include:

• Skin sensitivity (sunburn, dryness)

• Dental issues (common in hairless varieties)

• Occasional joint concerns

Routine care and proper environment management are important for this breed.

Exercise & Play Time

Minimum requirement: 45 to 60 minutes daily

Ideal activities for this breed include:

• Walks

• Light play

• Training sessions

They enjoy activity but are not overly demanding.

Nutrition & Feeding

A balanced, high-quality diet is recommended.

Feeding guidelines (approximate)

• Adults: 250 - 350 g per day

• Puppies require structured feeding

Monitor weight and adjust as needed.

Care & Maintenance

Grooming

While hairless, grooming is still required as well as a skincare routine, including:

• Regular skin cleaning

• Moisturising to prevent dryness

• Sun protection in warm weather

• Occasional bathing

Shedding is considered minimal for the Xoloitzcuintle.

Emotional Care

This breed forms strong bonds and thrives in calm environments, benefitting from routine and close companionship.

History of the Xoloitzcuintle

The Xoloitzcuintle is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with origins dating back over 3,000 years in Mexico. It was considered sacred by ancient civilisations and believed to have spiritual significance. The breed has been preserved through centuries and remains culturally important in Mexico today.

Interesting Facts About Xoloitzcuintle Dogs

• One of the oldest known dog breeds

• Name originates from the Aztec language

• Considered sacred in ancient cultures

• Naturally warm skin due to lack of coat

Getting a Xoloitzcuintle Puppy

You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your Xoloitzcuintle puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and assessing the breeder’s standards carefully.

More specifically, here is some Xoloitzcuintle puppy buying advice:

This breed has unique care requirements, particularly relating to skin and dental health. Buyers should ensure they fully understand these needs before purchasing; those who are not prepared to manage skin protection and grooming routines the breed needs should reconsider.

Because the breed is rare:

• Confirm Kennel Club recognition or appropriate registration/pedigree authenticity

• Verify health and lineage documentation

• Ensure the breeder understands the breed and breed-specific care

• Avoid undocumented imports

• Meet the mother and assess temperament

A well-bred puppy should be calm, confident, and comfortable with handling.

Average Costs

Owning a Xoloitzcuintle involves ongoing financial commitment.

Typical purchase price:
£1,500 - £3,500

Monthly food cost:
£50 - £70

Insurance:
£40 - £70 per month

Annual routine veterinary care (approximate):
£300 - £700

Additional skincare products may increase ongoing costs.

Other Reading and Responsible Ownership

For further guidance:

• The Kennel Club (UK): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk

• Dogs Trust: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk

• Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk

While this page focuses on responsibly buying a puppy, some owners may also explore recognised rehoming routes.