Xoloitzcuintli
CalmLoyalAlert
Mexico · 13–18 years
About the Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced 'show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee'), often shortened to 'Xolo,' is one of the world's oldest and rarest dog breeds, dating back over 3,000 years to the ancient Aztec civilization. Named after the Aztec god Xolotl, they were believed to guide souls through the underworld. Xolos come in three sizes (toy, miniature, standard) and two varieties (hairless and coated). The hairless variety is most iconic, with smooth, warm skin that is often described as feeling like a living hot water bottle. Xolos are calm, loyal, and deeply bonded to their families.
Breed stats
- Height
- 10–23 in
- Weight
- 10–55 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–18 years
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Coat
- Hairless (smooth skin) or Coated (short, flat coat)
- Origin
- Mexico
Coat colors
- Black
- Gray
- Bronze
- Red
- Liver
- Fawn
- Slate
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Dental issues (hairless variety)
- Skin conditions (acne, sunburn)
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
Not every Xoloitzcuintli will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Xoloitzcuintlis eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, hairless Xolos absolutely need sunscreen on exposed skin when spending time outdoors. Their bare skin is as vulnerable to UV damage as human skin, and sunburn can be painful and increase skin cancer risk. Use a pet-safe, fragrance-free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all exposed areas. They also need protection from extreme cold, as they have no coat for insulation. The coated variety has a short coat and does not need sunscreen. Hairless Xolos may also develop acne, blackheads, and dry skin that benefit from regular moisturizing and gentle skin care.
- Hairless Xoloitzcuintli are among the best dogs for allergy sufferers since they have no hair to shed. However, it is important to understand that dog allergies are typically caused by proteins in dander, saliva, and urine — not the hair itself. While hairless Xolos produce less dander than most breeds, they are not completely allergen-free. People with mild to moderate allergies usually do very well with hairless Xolos. The coated variety sheds minimally but is not as allergy-friendly as the hairless. Spending time with a Xolo before committing to ownership is recommended for allergy sufferers.
- Xoloitzcuintli hold deep cultural significance in Mexican heritage. The Aztecs named them after Xolotl, the god of lightning, fire, and death, who was tasked with guiding souls through the underworld. Xolos were believed to have healing properties — their warm skin was used like a living heating pad for arthritis and other ailments. They were also sacrificed and buried with their owners to serve as guides in the afterlife. Archaeological evidence shows Xolos dating back 3,000+ years. Today, they are the national dog of Mexico and remain a living connection to pre-Columbian civilizations.
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