Are you one of those rare, proud Xoloitzcuintli owners? But, you have never actually wondered what stands behind the rich history of this ancient Mexican breed? Not even how many types of this breed are out there?
Great, because I’m about to give you some pretty cool facts about several different types of the Xoloitzcuintli dog.
And, the extra cool thing about each and every one of them is that all are within the AKC standard. So, let’s waste no more time!
Toy Xoloitzcuintli
The not-so-famous Xolo breed happens to have its own mysterious sub-categories. One of the most popular is the toy version of it!
Toy Xolos stand between 10 and 14 inches in height, and their average weight revolves between 10 and 15 pounds. The good thing about this specific type is that toy Xolos can brag about their high level of adaptability.
Still, regardless of their toy size, these pooches can be very protective of their family. But, in a cute way!
Miniature Xoloitzcuintli
Genetics has gifted this breed with the miniature version, too. And, the Xolo Club Of America has confirmed it as factual!
Unlike their toy counterparts, miniature Xolos happen to be up to 18 inches tall, and their average weight revolves around 15 to 30 pounds.
Even though they are significantly larger than their aforementioned cousins, this type of Xolo is the perfect addition to families with not-so-active lifestyles. They don’t require much exercise, nor do they need much space.
Standard Xoloitzcuintli
Here comes the most popular type of Xolo dog size-wise. Indeed, standard Xolo puppies happen to be the most represented in South America (particularly in Mexico), and also in all other parts of the world.
They get up to 23 inches in height, and they are 30 to 55 pounds in weight (on average).
You can find these canines in the United States, too, but my advice is to beware of scams! Instead of picking up a Xolo canine from an unreliable puppy mill or a shady kennel – go for a reliable breeder!
This is the only way to make sure your standard-sized companion will enter your home healthy and genetic-tested.
Hairless Xoloitzcuintli
Did you know that the Xolo was officially called the Mexican Hairless Dog only up until the 1960s? 1 That’s right. Even though their official name indeed means “a hairless dog”, these pooches vary in coat and hair length.
But still, the hairless version of a Xolo dog is, to this day, the most popular one! That’s why many people and inexperienced breeders perceive other versions as hybrid ones.
The hairless version of a Xolo dog can still vary in size. That being said, we can see this particular type in toy, miniature, and standard versions.
Short-Coated Xoloitzcuintli
Short-coated, or according to the Kennel Club, single-coated Xolos appear as low-maintenance, good family dogs. That being said, their short coat that mostly comes in a uni-colored pattern is quite easy to brush and maintain.
The thing that amazes me the most, and probably you, too, is that these pooches, even though not officially recognized as hypoallergenic, are indeed allergy friendly.
These short-colored pooches mostly come in bronze, black, brindle, and fawn colors. Still, the black variation is far more popular than all others together.
Tri-Colored Xoloitzcuintli
Even though this is the rarest type of Xolo dog color-wise, the tri-colored Xolos were indeed a thing. Nowadays, it is quite difficult to find this puppy in this type of coat, which is why breeders focus more on standard black coloration.
The most popular tri-color variants in this regard would be black, white, and brindle.
Despite their rare coloring, these pooches, too, date back all the way to the Aztec people. Take a brief look at this video and find out a little bit more about their colorful history!
Black And White Xoloitzcuintli
If I could tell you one thing with certainty, it would be that bi-colored Xolos are mostly seen in black-and-white variants. That’s why the color itself is so popular in this breed.
The interesting thing, though, is that neither this one or the previous color pattern are recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Black and white Xolos are mostly bred in their state of origin, Mexico, as they are not exactly popular in the U.S. The reason for this is their low representation among reputable breeders.
Be that as it may, black-and-white Xolos, despite their uniqueness and fashionable coloring, are still as much of a non-sporty breed as their other-typed counterparts.
They love to lay around their owner, and spend as much time as possible indoors, but they are not the biggest fan of exercising.
Erect-Eared Xoloitzcuintli
Again, the same as the hairless Xolo type, you may think that the erect-eared Xolo is a breed standard, but it’s actually not!
Even though you will see this type of Xolo in ninety-nine percent of the cases, they’re not exclusive, neither in Mexico nor in the U.S.
Aside from the fact that their erect ears make them indeed fashionable and terrier-like, erect-eared Xolos are true friends whose loyalty is surreal.
The reason, though, why they do not rank high on the list of the best family dogs in the world is the fact that there is little info about the breed worldwide.
Floppy-Eared Xoloitzcuintli
Some might say that the reason why some Xolos have floppy ears is because they naturally belong to the group of dogs that sleep the most, so they lose their ears.
As much as the first part of the previous statement is true, the second part is complete nonsense.
Floppy-eared Xolos are just another variation of this cute Mexican dog. They are rare, but they are out there!
The Most Popular Xolo Variation Is…
Size-wise, I can say with certainty that the standard Xolo is the most popular variation of this dog.
On the other hand, Xolos with erect ears are far more popular than their floppy-eared counterparts.
Last, but not least, I cannot say that either black-and-white or tri-colored Xolos rank high on the list of the most popular types of this breed. The black-colored version, though, is on top of the list.
Be that as it may – all of these variations are only physical, as the Xolo is quite an unchangeable breed in terms of temperament. They are loyal, friendly, affectionate, and quite fashionable, which is why they are more preferred by women, according to Wowpooch Press. 2
Honorable Facts
1. Oldest Dogs In The Americas
According to National Geographic, the Xolo breed has an ancient past of thousands of years. “Xolo” is the Aztec word that means “the god of lightning and death.”
They allegedly believed that the dog was created to guard and protect dead souls from the underworld.
2. They Do Great In Small Spaces
Xolos proudly hold the spot on the list of the best lap dogs in the world. Naturally, they don’t require much space, which is why having them in small apartments or studios is highly recommended.
3. The Breed Is Quite Healthy
They might not be among the top twenty healthiest breeds in the world, but the breed is quite healthy. They live long and prosper in life without any major condition. The average lifespan of the breed goes up to an unbelievable eighteen years.
Final Words
Have you found your favorite type of Xolo yet?
Well, I confess… it is quite hard, as all of these cute variations have their own unique traits that make us gasp for air.
Still, despite the fact that Xolos indeed vary in size, ear shape, and coat color, I must emphasize that each of these pooches have a uniformed, gentle temper, which makes the breed quite perfect for family life.
References:
- Parker, H.G., Harris, A., Dreger, D.L., Davis, B.W., Ostrander, E.A. (2017). The bald and the beautiful: hairlessness in domestic dog breeds. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. DOI
- Wowpooch Press. (2019). Xoloitzcuintli is a woman’s Best Friend. ISBN-10 : 1651352453