If you told your friends that you are interested in a Xoloitzcuintli, they would probably think that you are either talking about one of those Harry Potter spells or an exotic cocktail with ingredients that are as complicated as its name.
That is, if they could even understand what you are saying. But we understand you, and if you are interested in buying a Xoloitzcuintli, we are here to help you (unlike your friends) and settle any misconceptions you might have about the Xoloitzcuintli cost.
This article will go above and beyond in detailing all aspects of a Xoloitzcuintli’s price, including the upfront cost of buying a puppy and all the other expenses that will follow, like dog food and vet expenses, toys, collars, etc.
Basically, by the time you’ve finished reading this article, you will have a good approximation of the budget that you will need to buy and care for a Xoloitzcuintli dog.
Xoloitzcuintli Cost
The price of any dog can vary depending on a multitude of factors. Some dogs can be bought for a couple of hundred dollars, while others can set you back thousands. Additionally, there are, of course, ways to get a dog for free, like going to a dog rescue, but that option limits your choice in terms of breed, age, health, training levels, etc.
When it comes to a Xoloitzcuintli cost, they are one of the dog breeds whose price can’t be pinned down to a single number that easily. It is a very unique dog and there are many aspects that play a part in determining its price.
However, we can take all those aspects into account and come up with a decent estimation of an average Xoloitzcuintli price. Speaking in broad terms, a Xoloitzcuintli will cost you anywhere from $400 to $4,000, with first-year expenses adding up to anywhere between $2,000 to $7,500.
After the first year, you can expect your annual care costs to be in the range of $1,000 to $1,500.
While it doesn’t put Xolos high on the list of most expensive dogs in the world, it’s still a decent price.
Here is a table that breaks down all the predicted expenses of owning a Xoloitzcuintli, divided into first-year costs and the annual costs that come after the first year:
| Item | First-year | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy price | $400 to $4,000 | $0 |
| Vet checkups | $400 to $800 | $500 to $600 |
| Neutering/spaying | $50 to $250 | $0 |
| Training | $700 to $1,000 | $0 |
| Dog food & treats | $200 to $550 | $400 to $600 |
| Food & water bowls | $5 to $40 | $10 |
| Collar & leash | $15 to $60 | $10 |
| Microchip | $25 to $50 | $0 |
| Dog bed & crate | $50 to $200 | $0 |
| Grooming essentials | $50 to $300 | $25 to $150 |
| Toys | $30 to $100 | $15 |
| Dog license | $10 to $20 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | $50 to $100 | $50 to $100 |
| Total | $1,985 to $7,470 | $1,010 to $1,485 |
What Is a Xoloitzcuintli, Anyway?
Since Xoloitzcuintli is such a special and rare breed, there are probably a lot of people who don’t know much about it. That’s why we want to dedicate the next part of the article to explaining the main traits of the breed.
After that, we will use that information and relate it to the main subject of the article, which is the Xoloitzcuintli cost.
So let’s start with the most obvious one: how the heck do you even pronounce this breed name?
Well, you definitely need to hear it to be able to say it yourself, but the closest phonetic spelling would look something like this: show-low-eats-queent-lee. The name comes from the ancient Nahuatl language and is derived from two words: Xolotl, an Aztec God of fire and lightning who had a dog’s head and a human’s body, and itzcuintli, which literally means “dog.”
It’s also sometimes known as Xoloitzcuintle, Xoloitzquintle, or simply Xolo, for short. For obvious reasons, that is the term we will mostly use in this article.
The Xolo is one of the oldest living dog breeds on the planet, with the first records of its existence dating back over 3,000 years when the Aztec Indian people believed that they protected their houses from evil spirits. That was just one of the interesting facts from their remarkable history.
It was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as part of its non-sporting breed group in 2011 after the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America was formed to promote this beautiful breed.
Xoloitzcuintli Appearance
The main visual trait of Xolos, and the first thing that anyone notices, is their hairlessness, which is a trait they share with the American Hairless Terrier and only a few other hairless breeds.
In the case of the Mexican hairless dog – as they are sometimes called – this is a dominant genetic trait that emerged as a spontaneous mutation a long time ago, but there are still instances of Xolos that have a coat.
Actually, the coat was an original feature of all Xolos before the mutation happened and, in modern times, there are occasions when the same litter contains both hairless and coated puppies.
They are generally considered to be small dogs, but actually, when it comes to size, Xolos are divided into three different categories, Toy, Miniature, and Standard.
Toy Xolos grow up to be between 10 and 14 inches (25.4 and 35.6 cm) in height and 10 and 15 pounds (4.5 and 6.8 kg) in weight; Miniature Xolos have an average height of 14 to 18 inches (35.6 to 45.7 cm) and an average weight of 15 to 30 pounds (6.8 to 13.6 kg); while Standard Xolos are the largest variety, with heights of 18 to 23 inches (45.7 to 58.4 cm) and weights of 30 to 55 pounds (13.6 to 24.9 kg).
Generally speaking, it has a very elegant body and graceful posture, but that doesn’t take anything away from its strength and durability. Its face is well-proportioned and noble, highlighted by a forehead that visibly wrinkles when the Xolo is deep in thought.
Xoloitzcuintli Temperament
They are praised for their incredibly calm, focused, and sensitive demeanor, as well as for their superior intelligence and hunting skills. They make great watchdogs, but are also affectionate enough to enjoy playtime with all of the family members.
They are a great example of a primitive breed that has had millennia of natural evolution, which has allowed them to hone their skills and become very well-defined and proud dogs. They have all the attributes that make them great for hunting and being a part of rescue groups.
Xolos enjoy pleasing their owners and being obedient is something they thrive at. However, it’s important to note that they need a lot of training while they are growing up. During their puppyhood, they are packed with energy and they don’t really know what to do with it.
That’s why it’s important to teach them obedience and proper manners while they’re young, and the best way to do that is by being patient and rewarding them with positive reinforcements.
How long do Xoloitzcuintli live?
According to the AKC, a Xoloitzcuintle’s expected lifespan is between 13 and 18 years, which doesn’t necessarily put them among the longest-living dog breeds, but it still guarantees a relatively long and healthy life.
So, if we use the values from the price chart and do a bit of math, we come to the conclusion that, over the course of its life, owning a Xolo will cost you between $14,105 and $32,715. That’s a pretty penny, but, for such a great dog, we think it’s definitely worth it!
How Much Do Xoloitzcuintli Puppies Cost?
After giving you the general values in the price chart above, it’s time to talk about the expenses of owning a Xolo in more detail.
We begin with the very first expense that you will have if you intend to adopt a Xolo puppy, and that is the price of buying the puppy itself.
Factors That Determine The Price Of A Xoloitzcuintli Puppy
As you’ve probably noticed, Xolo puppy prices can vary and it’s not so easy to predict how much it will cost you to buy one.
There are multiple factors that influence the final cost, and each of them needs to be taken into account. If you want the best possible estimate of the cost of a Xolo puppy before going to the breeders, then you should learn as much as you can about these factors and how they relate to your situation. Essentially, you need to know if you are financially ready to own a dog.
Let’s talk more specifically about how each of these impacts the price of a Xoloitzcuintli puppy.
Age
In most cases, people want to get a dog that’s as young as possible. The prices reflect this, so the younger the puppy is, the more expensive it will be.
For example, a grown-up 12-month-old Xolo will be significantly cheaper than a 6-week-old puppy, but buying it will mean that you miss out on the most important period of socialization, training, and development.
Bloodline And Purity
Typically, purebred dogs will command higher prices than mixed-breed dogs, and that is the case with Xoloitzcuintles.
Furthermore, if the puppy’s parents, grandparents, etc. are also purebred – and particularly if they are show dogs – the price will be towards the high end.
Not only are these puppies rarer, but the breeders will usually invest a lot of their own money into the breeding process and the puppy’s development, so they will look to recoup that.
Health
Health is the most important element that you need to consider when adopting a puppy, not only because of its effect on the price, but also because of the way it will impact the level of care the puppy will need.
Dogs that have predispositions for certain genetic conditions or health defects, like hip dysplasia, will be cheaper to buy, but the cost of veterinary care over the course of their life will be higher than usual. Not to mention how emotionally tough it is to take care of a dog that tends to get sick a lot of the time.
Xolos are normally extremely healthy as a breed, so the risk of getting one with poor health is not as big as it is with some other breeds. There is very little record of human-led selective crossbreeding in their 3000-year-old history, which is always a sign that points to good health.
However, reputable breeders will put their puppies through rigorous testing and ensure that they have all the necessary paperwork. Detailed records of exams, vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping are things you should always ask for when enquiring about a dog.
It will make the upfront costs a little higher, but it will give you peace of mind and significantly reduce the number of future visits to the vet.
Training And Socialization
You can either buy a puppy that has already been through proper training and socialization or do it yourself afterward.
Buying a fully trained and socialized puppy will cost you more at first, but it will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to pay for training classes yourself.
Coat Color
Even though you wouldn’t necessarily think that Xolos, hairless or not, come in a huge variety of colors, they actually have a number of different hues.
Usually, they fall somewhere on the gray spectrum, but they can also come in black, brindle, bronze, dark brown, fawn, liver, red, white, slate, or palomino. Not only that, but they can also be single-colored or multi-colored, which leads to a myriad of possible combinations.
Naturally, some of these colors are rarer than others, and, as with everything in life, the rarer something is, the more expensive it gets.
Location
Supply and demand will always play a big role in determining the price of anything. If there aren’t many Xolo breeders in your area, then chances are that the ones that are there will increase their prices because they have no fear of competition.
Just like Chihuahuas and Chinese Crescent Dogs, Xolos originated in modern-day Mexico, so they will naturally prefer a warmer climate. It’s only logical to assume that there will be more breeders in such areas.
See Also: Why Are There So Many Mexican Street Dogs?
First Year Costs
After going through all the elements that dictate the initial cost of buying a Xolo puppy, now we can focus on all the expenses that come after you’ve actually brought the pup into your home.
The first year of the pup’s life is typically the most expensive one. They will generally have more vet visits during this time, as they might have to be taken for exams, vaccinations, etc.
Additionally, it’s at this time that you will be buying all the toys, grooming products, and the rest of the equipment that you will be using for the foreseeable future.
Veterinary Costs
Medical costs are probably the biggest expense that you will have throughout the dog’s life, aside from paying the breeder at the very beginning.
Veterinary costs can differ depending on a lot of factors, and some of those we’ve touched upon in previous parts of the article. For example, if your puppy hasn’t been vaccinated pre-purchase, then you will have to take care of that.
Also, if you choose to spay or neuter it, that can also be pretty costly, so make sure that you only do it when all the signs point out that it’s necessary.
And of course, in addition to these couple of examples, there are numerous others that will pop up here and there during the puppy’s first year. It’s a time of growth and development, and there can be some growing pains.
Training
Depending on whether or not your puppy has been through training and socialization before you bought it, you might have to pay for a dog trainer yourself during the puppy’s development months.
And they can get pretty pricey – some of them cost around $150 per lesson, which almost feels like you’re putting your Xolo through college!
You can try doing it yourself, but what happens if you, for example, get a six-month-old dog that hasn’t even been potty trained yet? At that point, you might want to consult a professional.
Toys & Equipment
This might sound self-explanatory, but once you start listing all the things that you need to buy, the dollar amount adds up pretty quickly.
Chewing toys, tennis balls, dog beds and crates, collars and leashes, poop bags, plus a whole bunch of grooming products, such as brushes and nail clippers. None of these are particularly expensive on their own, but they can add up.
Luckily, most of these things you only need to buy once, and then you’re set for life.
Recurring Annual Costs
Apart from the one-off purchases and expenses that you need to make in the puppy’s first year, there are those that are recurring.
Buying dog food and expendable grooming products is something you need to do regularly. And in addition to that, you should also develop the habit of taking your Xolo to the vet for a routine checkup at least once a year.
We’ve already talked about the various medical expenses that you will encounter, so let’s use this opportunity to focus on dog food and grooming needs.
Dog Food Costs
Xolos come in three different sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. And the bigger they are, the more they will eat.
Let’s say an average adult Xolo is 21 inches tall and weighs 45 lbs. A medium-sized adult dog like that will eat around 230 pounds of dog food per year without risking obesity. In monetary terms, that is around $150 to $350 per year, depending on the brand.
This is without buying any treats, by the way.
Even if we take into account that Xolos will eat significantly less during their puppyhood (around 10 to 12 lbs per month), that still amounts to a decent expense.
In any case, any budget planning for your dog has to have food at its center, because that is the most pressing and frequent expense.
Grooming Costs
If your Xolo is of the hairless variety, then the grooming needs are obviously minimal. You won’t have to take it to a professional groomers, you won’t even have to do any hair cutting yourself.
All you really need is some good sunscreen because the lack of hair makes their skin extra sensitive to the weather.
However, if you own a Xolo of the coated variety, then you will need some grooming products like shampoo and brushes. Its needs are still minimal since the coat is very short and requires very little upkeep.
It’s nothing you can’t do at home by yourself, just make sure to buy the proper products that suit your dog’s hair and skin. Head and Shoulders might be okay from time to time, but it shouldn’t be your go-to.
Additional Costs
Let’s just say that you should always expect the unexpected.
There will always be some expenses that you couldn’t have predicted. Maybe your dog suffers an unfortunate injury or a health issue, maybe it misses you so much one day that it takes it out on its bed and shreds it into smithereens.
For reasons like these, you should always have a little breathing room in your budget that you can use when an unexpected expense arises.
The Conclusion
So there, that was the ultimate Xoloitzcuintle cost guide. We’ve covered everything from puppy prices and other upfront costs to recurring yearly costs necessary to make your Xolo’s life the comfortable fairytale that it deserves.
If you’ve just watched Pixar’s Coco and it inspired you to get yourself a dog like Dante, you should first educate yourself about all the costs related to owning such a dog and make sure that you can afford it. Especially if it’s your first time owning a dog.
Hopefully, this article does a good job of explaining everything in clear and simple terms so that you can use it as a reference point.