Xolo History
Pronunciation: sho-low-itz-queent-li
The Xoloitzcuintle is an ancient breed with statues and imagery dating back over 3500 years. In ancient times, the breed was regarded as a guardian and protector, thought to have healing properties, and often the dogs were sacrificed and buried with their owners to help guide their souls into the underworld. In the mid-1900s, the breed was on the verge of extinction, but thanks to the 'Xolo Expedition of 1954" the breed bounced back. The official dog of Mexico, the breed became recognized by FCM in 1956. In AKC, they became the 170th breed in 2011. Still rare and primitive, Xolos have gained popularity the world over between FCI and AKC recognition.
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Country of Origin: Mexico
Group: Non Sporting
Three Sizes Per AKC: Standard, Miniature, Toy
Height: Standards - 18"-24", Miniatures - 14"-18", Toy 10"-14"
Longevity: 14-17 years average
In AKC, the Xoloitzcuintli is recognized as coming in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. All sizes show together in AKC. In addition to the hairless version, the breed comes in a coated variety as well. Fox13, the gene responsible for the breed's breeds hairlessness, is the same as Chinese Cresteds. This gene is embryonic lethal when a dog has two copies. In other words, a hairless Xolo can only have one hairless gene. Any puppies with two copies would die in utero. Even hairless x hairless breedings can produce coated puppies. The Xolo breed comes in a wide range of colors and coat lengths/types when fully coated, some are more acceptable than others. The ideal coated hair type is a tight smooth coat. It should also be noted that coated dogs should have full dentition, however, their hairless counterparts most often do not due to the nature of the Fox13 gene.
Temperament
The Xoloitcuintli is a rare and primitive breed, understandably they can have some variation in overall disposition. The typical Xolo temperament is more akin to a working dog. Reserved and wary, a natural guardian who is always alert to their surroundings. They miss nothing. Xolos should not be timid or aggressive. Your typical Xolo will be deeply bonded to their person/persons but likely aloof with strangers. It is often found that the coated variety is more friendly with strangers.
Health
As a hardy primitive breed, they are not known to have many health issues. However, it is still important to be sure that you ask for parents health testing and other applicable health questions when researching breeders.