Xoloitzcuintli
墨西哥無毛犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Xoloitzcuintli is Mexico's ancient hairless dog, a 3,000-year-old national treasure that comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes and in hairless and coated varieties — so the figures here span all three sizes. Calm, cheerful and famously tranquil around the house, it is a loyal, judicious watchdog that is aloof with strangers and takes its guarding seriously. Young dogs need substantial exercise and clearly defined boundaries; hairless dogs need sunscreen in strong sun and some skin care in adolescence.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 25–58cm |
| Weight | 5–25kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–18years |
| Breed group | AKC: non-sporting FCI: 5 |
| Role | Companion |
| Coat | Hairless |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 1/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Behaviour
Tranquil at home, serious watchdog
The AKC says Xolos like long walks and upbeat play but are famously tranquil around the house, though young dogs need a substantial amount of exercise and structured play to stay out of trouble. They take their watchdog job seriously but are judicious barkers who only speak when they have something to say, and are cheerful, affectionate pets with their own people.
Calm, cheerful, aloof with strangers — needs boundaries
The CKC describes a calm, cheerful dog that can be aloof towards strangers, with the larger sizes behaving as typical working dogs that need daily exercise and regular walks. The AKC stresses a consistent training regimen with clearly defined boundaries, plus early socialisation and puppy classes.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Xoloitzcuintli
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Xoloitzcuintli Standard (Non Sporting Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Xoloitzcuintle Mex Hairless Std Imp
Breed characteristics (size medium-large, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Xoloitzcuintle (standard no. 234, group 5)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Xoloitzcuintli — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Xoloitzcuintli Standard — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Xoloitzcuintle Mex Hairless Std Imp — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Xoloitzcuintle — FCI standard no. 234 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.