Xoloitzcuintle Temperament: What to Expect From This Ancient Breed

With a history stretching back over 3000 years to the ancient Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintle (pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lay") is a truly unique and fascinating breed. While still rare, these striking hairless dogs have been gaining popularity in recent years. If you‘re considering adding a Xolo to your family, it‘s important to understand the breed‘s distinctive temperament and needs.

The Basics of the Xoloitzcuintle Temperament

At their core, Xolos are intensely devoted companion dogs. They thrive on human attention and affection, and form incredibly deep bonds with their owners. Expect your Xolo to always want to be near you, following you from room to room. Many Xolos even insist on sleeping under the covers right next to their person!

This breed‘s loyalty and sensitivity is the stuff of legend. Xolos seem to be able to read their special person‘s moods and emotions. They will comfort you when you‘re feeling down, and celebrate joyfully with you in happy times. Once you have earned a Xolo‘s love and trust, you have it for life.

While all dogs are individuals, most Xolos are:

• Affectionate and cuddly with family
• Devoted and loyal to their special person
• Sensitive and in tune with their owners
• Reserved or standoffish with strangers
• Intelligent and quick to learn
• Independent thinkers
• Prone to separation anxiety

If you want a velcro dog who will adore you above all else, the Xolo may be your ideal match. They aren‘t the right fit for someone who wants a totally independent dog or who is away from home frequently.

Living With a Xoloitzcuintle

Before bringing home a Xolo, make sure you understand how their temperament and needs will fit into your lifestyle.

Socialization is a Must

Xolos tend to be suspicious and aloof with people they don‘t know. Without proper socialization starting from puppyhood, their natural wariness can become fearfulness or even aggression.

Exposing your Xolo to a wide variety of people, places, sights, and sounds from an early age will help them gain confidence. Reward your Xolo for having calm, positive experiences with the world around them. Don‘t force interactions, but let your Xolo approach new people at their own pace.

Even with extensive socialization, most Xolos will never be social butterflies who want to make friends with everyone they meet. Instead, they tend to politely ignore strangers and keep their affections reserved for family. Expect your Xolo to warm up to new people very gradually once they are assured of their good intentions.

Training Tips

Xolos are bright and catch on quickly to new commands. They often excel at obedience, trick training, and dog sports. However, this is an independent, sensitive breed who requires a certain approach to training.

Harsh corrections will cause your Xolo to shut down. Even just repeating a command in a frustrated tone is distressing to most Xolos. Instead, always use positive reinforcement methods. Praise your Xolo and offer treats or toys when they do what you want. Keep training sessions short and fun.

Xolos do best with calm and consistent training. Be patient and never scold your Xolo for making a mistake. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated, end the session and try again later. With time and practice, your Xolo will learn what you expect from them.

Exercise Needs

Xolos have moderate exercise needs that are usually easy to meet. Expect to provide at least 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity per day through walks, jogs, hikes, or play sessions. Without enough exercise, Xolos often become bored, anxious, and destructive.

The Xolo‘s hairless body makes them vulnerable to the elements. In hot weather, limit outdoor exercise to the cooler morning and evening hours. Apply dog-safe sunscreen to prevent sunburn. When it‘s cold, put a coat or sweater on your Xolo before heading outside.

Many Xolos also love swimming, which is great exercise. Just be sure to rinse off the chlorine or salt water after a dip in the pool or ocean. Check your dog‘s skin regularly for any signs of irritation.

Grooming a Hairless Dog

One of the Xolo‘s most eye-catching features is their hairless body. The Xolo‘s ancestral form was hairless, caused by a genetic mutation. At some point the coated variety was introduced, possibly by crossing hairless Xolos with small terriers. The coated dogs are known as "powder puffs."

Both hairless and coated Xolos shed very minimally, which many allergy sufferers appreciate. The hairless Xolos are often touted as hypoallergenic, although no dog is ever 100% allergen-free.

While the Xolo‘s grooming needs are minimal, their exposed skin does require some special care. Bathe your hairless Xolo every week or two with a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo. Avoid harsh products that could dry out or irritate the skin. Apply a dog-safe sunscreen if your Xolo will be spending time outdoors.

Coated Xolos just need brushing a few times a week and the occasional bath. Both varieties should have their nails trimmed regularly. Brush your Xolo‘s teeth daily if possible, using a dog-safe toothpaste.

Potential Health Concerns

Although Xolos are generally healthy dogs, there are a few issues to be aware of. Many Xolos are missing teeth, a trait that is genetically linked to hairlessness. Dental disease is also common in the breed. Feeding your Xolo a dental diet, brushing their teeth, and scheduling professional cleanings can all help keep their remaining teeth in good shape.

Skin problems are another concern in the hairless variety. Watch for signs like itching, redness, flaking or acne. Sunburn is also a risk. Using a moisturizing shampoo and applying sunscreen can help prevent many skin issues. Allergies are common in Xolos as well. Work with your vet to identify and avoid triggers.

Finally, Xolos love their food and are prone to obesity. Stick to a regular feeding schedule using measured portions, and limit treats. Extra weight is especially hard on this breed‘s joints.

Is a Xoloitzcuintle Right For You?

Xolos can make wonderful companions for the right owners. This breed is best suited for someone who:

• Wants a devoted, affectionate lap dog
• Enjoys having a dog attached to them constantly
• Has plenty of time to spend with a dog
• Is rarely away from home
• Understands and appreciates the Xolo‘s reserved nature with strangers
• Can commit to positive, patient training
• Will provide enough exercise and mental enrichment
• Doesn‘t mind occasionally needy, anxious behaviors
• Is prepared to provide the special grooming a hairless dog needs

An adorable Xolo may not be the ideal choice if you work long hours, travel frequently, have young children, or want a dog who loves everyone. With their intelligence and sensitivity, Xolos are often too much for first-time dog owners.

Finding a Xoloitzcuintle

The Xoloitzcuintle is still a rare breed, although they are gaining popularity. Expect to spend some time on a waiting list before a puppy becomes available.

Seek out a reputable Xolo breeder who performs health testing on their dogs. The Xoloitzcuintle Club of America is a good place to start. Beware of Anyone selling Xolo puppies for cheap prices or always seems to have puppies available.

Adult Xolos sometimes end up in rescues or shelters. Most are lovely dogs who landed there due to no fault of their own. Adopting an adult allows you to skip the puppy stage. You also get a better sense of the dog‘s temperament from the beginning.

Caring For Your Xoloitzcuintle

Once you bring your new Xolo home, it‘s up to you to help them thrive.

Feed your Xolo a high-quality, nutritionally complete diet. If you notice any skin or digestive issues, you may need to experiment with novel protein or limited-ingredient foods. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your individual dog.

Start training and socializing your Xolo from day one. Sign up for a positive puppy class as soon as your dog has the necessary vaccines. Teach basic manners like sit, down and come. Work on handling and grooming from a young age as well so your Xolo learns to accept it. If your Xolo ever seems anxious or uncomfortable in a situation, give them space and freedom to withdraw. Forcing the issue will only make them more stressed around that scenario in the future.

Once your Xolo understands some basic obedience, have fun teaching tricks and games. Many Xolos enjoy hide-and-seek, puzzle toys, learning specialized tasks, and accompanying their owners on all sorts of adventures. Keeping your Xolo physically and mentally engaged will result in a happier, better-behaved companion.

Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Because Xolos are prone to dental disease, your vet may recommend x-rays and cleanings under anaesthesia. Your vet will also keep an eye on your dog‘s weight, skin and joint health. Although Xolos have a relatively long lifespan of 14-17 years, some of them do develop arthritis in old age.

If you must leave your Xolo alone for more than a few hours at a time, work on building their independence gradually. Start by confining your dog to a safe area with some treats and toys for just a few minutes. Slowly build up the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Severe cases of separation anxiety may require help from a certified canine behaviorist.

Final Thoughts

The Xoloitzcuintle is a unique, ancient breed with a devoted following. With their loving, loyal temperaments and striking looks, it‘s easy to see why Xolos have endured over thousands of years. Although they are still rare, one look into a Xolo‘s soulful eyes is enough to understand their appeal.

Living with a Xolo is a special experience. Your life will forever revolve around your needy little shadow – but you‘ll never feel more loved. If you can appreciate the breed‘s quirks, you just may find that a Xoloitzcuintle is your canine soulmate. Few other breeds are quite so devoted to their favorite humans.

With the right care, training and socialization, Xolos make charming, affectionate companions. Just don‘t expect them to be the life of the dog park – your Xolo only has eyes for you!