How to Identify a Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Tepezcuintli, the Mexican Hairless Dog, or simply the Xolo, is a versatile breed and part of the non-sporting group. [1] Xolos are thought to be the first breed of dog coming from the American continents, having been first bred in Mexico, where the breed is considered a national treasure. [2] Coming in several varieties and sizes, they may be easily confused with other dogs, though they have several distinct traits. By recognizing how they stand out as a breed, this wikiHow will help you identify a Xoloitzcuintli.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

  1. Xoloitzcuintin may be one of three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard. [3]
    • Toy Xoloitzcuintin are 10–14 inches (25–36 cm) tall and weigh 10–15 pounds (4.5–6.8 kg). [4]
    • Miniature Xoloitzcuintin stand at 14–18 inches (36–46 cm) in height with a weight of 15–30 pounds (6.8–13.6 kg). [5]
    • Standard Xoloitzcuintin have a height of 18–23 inches (46–58 cm), weighing 30–55 pounds (14–25 kg). [6]
  2. A Xolo's head resembles a wedge in shape as it tapers toward the dog's muzzle, where a unpronounced stop is present. It is of good width and denotes strength. When the dog is attentive, wrinkles should appear on the brow. [7]
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  3. The eyes of a Xoloitzcuintli are medium-sized and range in color from black to a yellow shade such as caramel, as long as both of the dog's eyes are colored the same way. They are shaped like almonds without seeming to stick out or sink in, and the rims are preferably dark but may sometimes be spotted or, in the case of dogs with coats of a light color, lighter. They help give the dog an expression of vivacity and nobleness while appearing both smart and thoughtful. [8]
  4. Xolos have expressive ears that lack fringe but appear large in size. Their thin leather makes them elegant in appearance. From their high-set position on the head, they are carried in an erect manner once the dog is one year old, especially when the dog is alert. However, this erect carriage should come naturally to the dog; the ears should never be cropped. [9]
  5. A Xoloitzcuintli's muzzle appears straight, and it is parallel to but a greater length than the skull. It has tightly fitting and thin lips that cover the strong jaws, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The nose's color depends on that of the dog, lighter dogs having more lightly-pigmented noses and darker dogs having noses of darker pigmentation. [10]
  6. The paws of a Xolo are identical in the front and back, and any dewclaws, if present, can be on the dog or removed. They are elongated hare feet and form arches at the toes, between which webbing appears. They have nails that vary in color from dark to light to correspond to the color of the dog, and they are thickly padded. [11]
  7. Starting at a low-set spot on the croup, a Xoloitzcuintli's tail is long and hits the dog's hocks. It is rather fine and carried relaxed and down when the dog is resting but in a curve gracefully when the dog moves. [12]
  8. Xolos are sturdy, clean, muscular yet lean, balanced, moderately boned, and a small amount longer than they are tall. They have a neck of long length that begins to form an arch, flat shoulders, oval-shaped ribs that are deep yet spacious, long and straight legs, a bit of a tuckup, and a level back and topline. Their gait is a trot of high speed, comprised of effortless movements, freedom, and decent drive and reach. [13]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

Xoloitzcuintin come in two varieties: hairless and coated. [14]

  1. A Xoloitzcuintli with a hairless coat as no or very little hair on its body. Its skin fits closely and smoothly on the body and feels a bit tough. Hair, if present, comes only in small amounts on the tail tip, paws, and top of the head and can be whatever color. [15]

    Did you know? A Xolo's warm, "hot water bottle"-like skin was believed by the Aztecs to have the power of healing. [16]

  2. The coated variety of Xolo has a coat that covers the entirety of the body. This coat is flat-lying and a short length, feeling smooth in texture. It lies close to the dog's skin. [17]
  3. Xoloitzcuintin are generally solid-colored, though some may have white marks or spots on their bodies. Their color is preferably dark but may be colors such as black, grey-black, a slate grey, or a shade of red, including bronze and liver. [18] Other colors sometimes seen include charcoal, seal, pariah, brown, or even black and tan or tri-color. [19]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Acknowledging Temperament

  1. Xoloitzcuintin are a highly sensitive breed that may react poorly in harsh or problematic households. They do best in tranquil homes without ongoing family issues. [20]
    • If they are trained harshly, they may become fearful. [21]
  2. Loving affection, Xolos need frequent attention in their households and enjoy taking part in family activities. Some form an especially close bond with one family member and require attention from them. [22]
    • They are especially prone to experiencing separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time due to this. [23]
  3. Known to be attentive, Xoloitzcuintin are not only always on the alert, but they are also aware of their family's needs. They are standoffish toward strangers and can make great watchdogs if trained to only bark when necessary. [24]
  4. Xolos are highly adaptable dogs that can excel in a variety of environments as long as their sensitivity is kept in mind. As long as they are alongside their families, they can live in different types of lifestyles. [25]
  5. As an intelligent breed, Xoloitzcuintin are clever and independent-minded, potentially using these traits for manipulative purposes. Though they need consistent training to prevent this, training should also be gentle and involve rewards. [26]
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      Tips

      • Give thought to DNA testing if the dog is your own. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Xoloitzcuintli.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloitzcuintli/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloitzcuintli/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloitzcuintli/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloitzcuintli/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloitzcuintli/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloitzcuintli/
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/mexican-dog-breeds-xoloitzcuintli-chihuahua/
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Xoloitzcuintli.pdf
      10. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/mexican-hairless-dog-xolo-varieties/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/xoloitzcuintle.html
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/xoloitzcuintli-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/xoloitzcuintli-temperament/
      14. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/xoloitzcuintle.html
      15. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/xoloitzcuintle.html
      16. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/xoloitzcuintli-temperament/
      17. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/xoloitzcuintle.html

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