Non-Sporting group
Xoloitzcuintli
Mexico’s ancient hairless dog — calm, loyal and watchful.
Xoloitzcuintli (“show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee”, or Xolos) are ancient Mexican dogs that come in three sizes and in hairless or coated varieties. They are calm, loyal companions and alert watchdogs, with special skin care needs.
- Height
- 10–23 in25–58 cm
- Weight
- 10–55 lb5–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–18 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Origin
- Mexico
Coat: Hairless (smooth, tough skin) or short coated. Colours: Black, Grey, Slate, Liver, Red, Bronze, With or without markings.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Xolos are calm, attentive and deeply loyal to their families. They are usually quiet indoors and enjoy lying in the sun.
They are naturally wary of strangers and make good watchdogs. Puppies and adolescents can be energetic and destructive, and early socialisation matters.
Varieties
- Toy
- 10–14 in at the shoulder.
- Miniature
- Over 14 up to 18 in.
- Standard
- Over 18 up to 23 in.
Living with a Xoloitzcuintli
Exercise
About 30–60 minutes of walks and play daily, depending on size.
Grooming
Hairless Xolos need regular baths, moisturiser and sunscreen; coated Xolos need only occasional brushing.
Training
Intelligent but independent; patient, reward-based training works best.
Kids & other pets
Loyal with their own family; better with considerate children. Usually fine with other pets they know.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but prefers company; hairless dogs need warmth.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Xoloitzcuintli right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Xoloitzcuintli matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Xoloitzcuintli typically lives 13–18 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Dental problems
Hairless Xolos often have missing teeth; the gene for hairlessness also affects dentition.
Skin problems
Hairless skin is prone to acne, sunburn and dryness.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occur, especially in smaller Xolos.
Ask a breeder for
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
- Hip evaluation
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Xoloitzcuintli; Xoloitzcuintli Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Xolos have lived in Mexico for more than 3,000 years. The Aztecs believed they were created by the god Xolotl to guide souls through the underworld, and clay figures of the dogs have been found in ancient tombs.
The breed was nearly lost in the 20th century until Mexican and British enthusiasts revived it. Xolos are Mexico’s national dog, and the AKC recognised the breed in 2011. Dante, the dog in Pixar’s “Coco”, is a Xolo.
Did you know?
- Dante, the dog in Pixar’s “Coco”, is a Xoloitzcuintli.
- The Xolo is the national dog of Mexico.
- Hairless Xolos feel warm to the touch and were once used as bed warmers.
Library guides for Xoloitzcuintli owners
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Xoloitzcuintli.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Xoloitzcuintli breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Xolos hypoallergenic?
- No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but hairless Xolos shed almost nothing.
- Do hairless Xolos need sunscreen?
- Yes — their skin can sunburn.
- Are Xolos good family dogs?
- Yes, for families who socialise them well. They are loyal and calm.