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Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli
Origin
Mexico
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
Independent House
Ideal Weather
18º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Cost of buying
₹ 40,000 - ₹ 80,000
Top 5 Traits
Athletic
Intelligent
Protective
Loyal
Playful
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,550 - ₹ 5,400
Quick Information
The Xoloitzcuintli, often called "Xolo," is one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. Revered by the Aztecs and other ancient civilizations, they were considered sacred and believed to have healing powers. Available in three sizes—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—Xolos are hairless or coated, with the hairless variety being more common.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Adopt or Shop: The choice is yours!
Cost of buying
₹ 40,000 - ₹ 80,000
Buying or adopting are the two main possibilities if you're thinking about getting a Xoloitzcuintli for your house.
Prerequisites to pet a Xoloitzcuintli
Access to Groomer
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Lifestyle Compatibility
Financial Capability
Now that you know what it takes to raise a Xoloitzcuintli, are you ready to take the next step to pet one?
Research: Do a thorough review of the traits, requirements, and possible health problems of the breed. Ensure that the Xoloitzcuintli breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Nutrition
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 2,250 - ₹ 3,000
Calories per day
Puppies: 700 kcal
Adults: 400 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Fibre
Vitamins
Minerals
List of foods
Chicken
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Vegetables
Home made meals
The Xoloitzcuintli requires a well-balanced diet that provides a high-quality protein source to support their lean muscle mass, especially given their active lifestyle. Proteins such as chicken, fish, and fresh meat are excellent choices, ensuring their muscles remain strong and healthy. In addition to protein, healthy fats are essential to maintain their skin, particularly for the hairless variety, ensuring it remains moisturized and protected. Carbohydrates from vegetables and select fruits offer energy and help with digestion, while vitamins and minerals support their immune system, bone health, and overall wellness.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Selecting Good Quality Food
Feeding the Xoloitzcuintli with high-quality food is crucial for their long-term health and vitality. Opt for premium dry dog food that lists a high-quality protein as the first ingredient, such as chicken or fish, and ensure it is free from fillers like corn, soy, or wheat. These types of food are more digestible and offer the nutrients necessary to maintain their energy levels and skin health. For a more natural approach, home-cooked meals with a balance of lean meats, vegetables, and small amounts of fruit are excellent choices, as they provide complete nutrition while allowing control over the ingredients.
Never feed these foods to Xoloitzcuintli
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Almonds
Avocados
Cherries
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Dairy
Fruit seeds
Garlic
Grapes
Lemon
Milk Products
Mushrooms
Onions
Salt
Sugar
It's essential to avoid feeding the Xoloitzcuintli any food containing artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, as these can lead to allergic reactions or digestive issues. Additionally, low-quality dog foods that use fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy should be avoided, as they offer little nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain or other health problems. Foods that are high in fat, such as fatty meats or fried foods, should also be avoided since they can lead to obesity or pancreatitis in the breed.
Health
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 600 - ₹ 1,200
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Hip Dysplasia
Parasites
Canine Influenza
Heartworm
Leptospirosis
Skin Allergies
Well being
Exercise
Agility Training
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
High
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Medical Care
The Xoloitzcuintli is a generally healthy breed with a robust constitution, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is one of the more common concerns, especially in the larger Standard size. Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage this condition. As a hairless breed, they are more susceptible to skin-related issues such as sunburn and infections, so it’s crucial to protect their skin from extreme weather conditions by using sunscreen or protective clothing.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus
10-12 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
14-16 Weeks
DHPP, Rabies
12-16 Months
DHPP Booster, Rabies Booster
Every 1–3 years
DHPP Booster, Rabies
Recommendations to care for senior Xoloitzcuintli dogs
As the Xoloitzcuintli ages, regular veterinary check-ups become increasingly important, ideally every 6 months, to monitor for age-related health concerns such as arthritis, dental issues, or vision problems. Joint supplements can be beneficial in supporting mobility and reducing discomfort, especially for those experiencing early signs of arthritis. Regular blood work and screenings are crucial to catch any developing health issues early, allowing for more effective treatment.
Grooming
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200
Shedding Level
Low Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Teeth Care
Brushing
Eye Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents infections
Quality of life
Prevents Bad Breath
The Xoloitzcuintli is a low-shedding breed, making grooming relatively easy, especially for the hairless variety. Regular bathing is essential to keep their skin clean and prevent dryness, ideally once every two weeks using a gentle dog shampoo. For coated Xolos, occasional brushing helps maintain their coat's condition. Ear cleaning should be done weekly to prevent infections, and their nails should be trimmed every 3–4 weeks to avoid overgrowth. Teeth care is equally important, requiring brushing at least twice a week to maintain oral health and prevent bad breath. Consistent grooming ensures your Xoloitzcuintli stays clean, healthy, and comfortable.
Compare with similar breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the training needs for a Xoloitzcuintli?
Xoloitzcuintli are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Consistent, early training and socialization are important to develop good behaviour and obedience.
How intelligent are Xoloitzcuintli?
Xoloitzcuintli are highly intelligent dogs. They learn quickly and excel in obedience and agility training, but they also require mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
How often should I bathe my hairless Xoloitzcuintli?
Hairless Xoloitzcuintli should be bathed weekly to keep their skin clean and free from acne or other skin issues. Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo to avoid irritation.
