Xoloitzcuintli—Say What?

Written by Lauren Benton | September 27, 2010 at 5:02 am

Pronounced “show-low-its-queent-li,” this strange canine is popular amongst dog lovers. Ever heard of the Mexican Hairless?

The “Xolo” comes in three standard sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. There are two varieties: the coated and the hairless. The hairless is more popular; its skin is soft and smooth, while the coated Xolo will have a full coat, like a Doberman’s. In an average litter of five, four will be hairless and one coated. Its most notable characteristic is its large, bat-like, ears.

The Xolo is very intelligent, loyal, alert, athletic, and extremely loving to its family. All family members must play a role in leadership, rearing, training, and feeding or the pup will bond to the one person who does. These dogs are naturally protective and aloof to strangers. With the right kind of socializing, it is good with company and children.

These strange canines also love veggies! Although they are not vegetarians, they will eat the occasional vegetable. They are easy to house train and learn quickly. You must be the “pack leader” or the Xolo will take over that role for you.

These dogs are cunning escape artists, getting out of places like a magician just to be where their owners are. Stories of Xolos are quite funny when it comes to how they will “follow their owners like puppy dogs.”

These dogs are perfect for people with allergies, elderly couples, and extremely clean folks that don’t want fur or pet dander in their house.

Written by J. Lauren Benton