Characteristics

Characteristics of the Xoloitzcuintle

XOLOS come in three sizes, from small to large (miniature, intermediate, and standard). The Miniature can be as small as 10 inches at the withers and the Standard as large as about 25 inches at the withers, which is the point where the neck meets the back of the dog at the shoulder blades.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: It is a very attractive dog, it's most interesting characteristic is the complete or almost complete lack of any hair and smooth soft skin. The Xolo body has harmonious proportions, chest is broad, rib cage roomy, limbs and tail long. XOLOS are not a totally hairless breed. There are many coated XOLOS with the same wonderful characteristics as the hairless. Most Xolos lack complete dentition.

What a Xoloitzcuintle IS NOT:

• Not a backyard dog
• Not a kennel dog
• Not low energy
• Not highly sociable with strangers
• Not able to thrive without training
• Not able to thrive with long hours alone
• Not able to thrive when neglected
• Not submissive to other dogs

What a Xoloitzcuintle IS:

• Tolerated by many allergic owners
• Adaptable to all styles of living
• Loyal, cheerful, attentive, happy companion
• Extremely intelligent (can be manipulative), can be pugnacious (hard headed and stubborn)
• Territorial/alert/protective
• Relatively calm, some are energetic, some fairly placid
• A dog who needs to be involved in your life
• Working dog mentality, they thrive with something "to do", they are eager to please and excel in agility
• Loving and affectionate, like to snuggle with favorite person(s)
• Very sensitive and expressive
• Get along with kids when properly socialized
• Devoted to “it’s person” (of Xolo’s choice)
• Some do not like to be touched by visitors and strangers
• Escape artists
• Many have a strong prey drive
• Make excellent therapy dogs, some naturally, some with training
• Some Xolos are used in a service dog capacity

WARNING: ONCE YOU HAVE A XOLO YOU MAY NOT BE SATISFIED WITH JUST ONE