Mexican Hairless
The Mexican Hairless Dog, or Xoloitzcuintli, is one of the world's most distinctive and ancient breeds, with evidence suggesting its existence in Mesoamerica for thousands of years.
Revered by the Aztec civilisation, which considered them sacred guides for souls in the afterlife, these remarkable dogs were also valued for their warmth and companionship.
11-27kg
Weight
12-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Mexican Hairless
The breed comes in three sizes, Toy, Miniature, and Standard, and exists in both hairless and coated varieties. The hairless variety features smooth, tough skin in shades ranging from black and grey to red and bronze, requiring daily moisturising and sun protection due to its sensitivity. The coated variety displays a short, flat coat. Temperamentally, the Xolo is calm and loyal, forming deep bonds with family members whilst remaining naturally reserved around strangers. These intelligent dogs respond well to positive training methods and have moderate exercise requirements that vary depending on their size. Overall, the breed enjoys good health with fewer genetic issues than many modern breeds, and many individuals live well beyond their typical 12 to 15 year lifespan. For those seeking an intelligent, affectionate companion with a truly unique character, the Mexican Hairless offers both historical fascination and genuine appeal as a family pet.
Mexican Hairless at a Glance
- Group
- Utility
- Weight
- 11–27 kg
- Height
- 40–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Mexican Hairless Characteristics
The Mexican Hairless requires significant daily exercise and outdoor time and picks up commands quickly and responds well to training. They are brilliant with children and aren't particularly needy and handle solitude reasonably well. The coat isn't too demanding but does need consistent brushing and keeps the hoover relatively idle. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Mexican Hairless Pros & Cons
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate, forming strong and meaningful bonds with their family
- Their unique, largely hairless coat means shedding is minimal, though skin care is essential
- Highly intelligent with natural instincts that can be channelled effectively through training
- Adapts well to both urban and rural living with adequate daily exercise
Cons
- Their skin requires regular moisturising and sun protection to stay healthy
- Slow to mature mentally, which means training requires extended patience
- A strong prey drive makes supervision around smaller pets important
- Prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviour and excessive barking
