

The Xoloitzcuintle is a highly intelligent, sensitive exotic—a watchful primitive breed that has developed for thousands of years with almost no human interference; it is fiercely loyal to its family but deeply suspicious of strangers.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Club für Exotische Rassehunde e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Xoloitzcuintle fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
13–18 yrs
Shoulder height
25–60 cm
Weight
4–20 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Xoloitzcuintle, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Xoloitzcuintle — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
The nature of a Xoloitzcuintle is often more reminiscent of a cat than a classic dog—it doesn't push itself on you, but observes everything from a safe distance until it decides you have earned its closeness. Once you have earned its trust, it becomes your inseparable shadow, but it remains aloof to the rest of the world.
The Xoloitzcuintle, also known as the Xolo or Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world. This fascinating breed is bred in three sizes: Miniature, Medium and Standard, with each size having its own unique personality and use. The most famous and striking feature of the Xolo is its hairless skin, although there are also hairy varieties. The skin is smooth and firm and often has darker pigmentation that contrasts sharply with the dog's typical skin color. Xolos have almond-shaped eyes that vary in color from yellow to dark brown to black. They have a strong, elegant build and are slightly muscular. The Xoloitzcuintle belongs to FCI Group 5, which includes archetypes and pointed dogs.
The Xoloitzcuintle is a remarkably versatile dog. Its personality varies depending on size, with the smaller Xolos often being more lively and alert, while the larger ones are calmer and more balanced. Regardless of size, Xolos are known for their affection and deep bonds with their humans. They are very people-oriented and love being close to their family. As a result, they may have difficulty staying alone and benefit from the company and interaction with their humans. Xolos are intelligent and alert, making them excellent watchdogs. They are often reserved towards strangers, but they are not aggressive. Instead, they prefer to observe from a distance and sound the alarm if they notice anything suspicious. Xolos are also very playful and enjoy various games and activities. Despite their vigilance, xolos do not necessarily exhibit strong hunting or prey-catching behavior. They are more interested in their people and their home than in hunting. However, they should always be supervised when outdoors as they can sometimes give in to the urge to chase small animals. In terms of their energy and activity, Xolos can be described as moderate to active. They enjoy walks and games, but also need enough rest and relaxation time. As with all dogs, they benefit from a healthy mix of physical activity and mental stimulation. It is important to note that although the Xoloitzcuintle is a loveable and affectionate dog, it also requires a fair amount of care and attention. Its hairless skin is sensitive to the sun and cold, and it requires protection in the form of sunscreen or clothing to prevent skin damage. Xolos can also be prone to skin problems and require regular skin care and checks. Despite these challenges, the Xoloitzcuintle is an incredibly rewarding breed. Its unique appearance, its amazing character and its deep bond with its people make it an unforgettable companion. With proper care and attention, the Xolo will become a beloved member of any family.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Xoloitzcuintle is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world? They were already revered by the Aztecs, Maya and other indigenous peoples of Central America and are considered national heritage in their native Mexico.
The Xoloitzcuintle or Mexican Hairless Dog is known in many countries as a breed with extreme breeding characteristics due to its nudity. This nudity is also accompanied by misaligned teeth.
The Xoloitzcuintle is definitely suitable as a city dog. They are generally calm and balanced and adapt well to different living conditions as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. Xolos are very people-oriented and love being close to their family. They generally get along well with children, but like any dog, they should always be supervised. Xolos can also get along well with other pets, including cats, provided they are properly introduced and socialized.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Xolos are intelligent, alert dogs that love to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are capable of learning a variety of commands and tricks. It is important that training is carried out consistently and patiently as they can sometimes be stubborn. Despite their calm temperament, Xolos require regular physical and mental stimulation. Games that stimulate their thinking skills, such as search or fetch games, can be very satisfying for them. However, it is important to be careful not to "over-busy" the dog as they also need rest and relaxation times. When it comes to training impulse control and frustration tolerance, Xolos are generally well balanced. But as with any dog, it can be useful to incorporate such exercises into your training to promote balanced behavior.
The Xoloitzcuintle's diet should be well balanced and contain high quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. They are not known to have any special nutritional needs, but as with any dog, their diet should be tailored to their age, weight, size and activity level. A veterinarian or qualified nutritionist can provide helpful recommendations. When it comes to care, Xolos are relatively easy to care for compared to many other breeds because they don't shed. However, they have bare, sensitive skin that requires special attention. Regular baths and skin checks are necessary, and sunscreen is a must for sunny days. In colder climates, such as Germany, it may be necessary to dress them in a coat or sweater to protect them from hypothermia.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid
Health grade
In the Xoloitzcuintle, the primary focus is on orthopedic risks such as hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation (PL), as well as breed-specific characteristics. The Club für Exotische Rassehunde e.V. therefore mandates screening for HD (maximum HD C, mated only with A or B), PL (grade 0 to 1, grade 1 only with 0), as well as a mandatory tooth and bite evaluation for breeding. Health-oriented breeders additionally screen for elbow dysplasia (ED) and test for progressive retinal atrophy. Have the official test results for HD, PL, and the dentition of the parents presented to you, and ensure that in the case of progressive retinal atrophy, a carrier is mated exclusively with a clear partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In everyday life, you should protect its sensitive skin from sun and dryness, keep an eye on its weight to protect its joints, and regularly check the status of its teeth.
Responsible breeders mandatorily screen their dogs for hip dysplasia (HD), patellar luxation (PL), and dental defects, and voluntarily test for elbow dysplasia (ED) and progressive retinal atrophy.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 reflects the tests Club für Exotische Rassehunde e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Club für Exotische Rassehunde e.V. requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Not health tests, but required for breeding: the club asks for these results too. They don't count toward the risks or the rating.
DNA-Identitätsnachweis
Required by Club für Exotische Rassehunde e.V.
Acceptable result: result on file
Dental and bite evaluation
Required by Club für Exotische Rassehunde e.V.
Acceptable result: Bestimmung des Zahnstatus mittels CER-Zahnschema
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Xoloitzcuintle costs around ~€160 per month (€80 – €290, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,490 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (15.5 years) it comes to about ~€33,210.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€150 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€160
In the first year
~€5,490
Across the dog's life
~€33,210
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €2,000 – €3,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
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Illustrative imageThe history of the Xoloitzcuintle goes back more than 3,000 years. The breed comes from Mexico and is named after the god Xolotl and the Aztec word for dog, "itzcuintli." Xolos were revered as companions, guard dogs, and even sacred animals by the Aztecs, Mayans, and other pre-Columbian peoples. Xolos were believed to accompany the souls of the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. Over the centuries the breed was close to extinction, but through the efforts of dedicated breeders it was revived. The Xoloitzcuintle was officially recognized as a breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1956. Today, the Xolo is still a rare breed but is valued worldwide for its uniqueness and heritage.
The Xoloitzcuintle was kept by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as a companion and guard dog and played a role in religious ceremonies.
Mexico
Antike
Owners describe the Xoloitzcuintle as a very affectionate, almost catlike companion that is usually calm indoors and likes to stay right next to its people. Many stress how sensitive these dogs are: they pick up on the mood at home immediately and bond closely with their family. That close bond is often felt to be a double-edged sword, though. Many owners report that being left alone is one of the biggest hurdles, and some Xolos develop real separation anxiety if they aren't gently and gradually taught to stay alone from puppyhood.
With strangers, owners describe the dogs as very reserved and watchful, which is typical of primitive breeds. They often keep an eye on visitors from a distance with some suspicion and reliably bark to announce them, without being aggressive for no reason. Outdoors the breed is considered active and alert, but owners agree that the Xolo is not a dog you keep on the side: its primitive nature calls for a lot of time, sensitive handling, and a family that accepts it will stay reserved with strangers.
In accounts of training, owners regularly point to the breed's intelligence and how quickly it catches on, but they warn against treating it like a classic working dog. As a primitive type, the Xolo likes to question whether a cue makes sense and shows a noticeable independent, stubborn streak. According to owner reports, trying to train with harshness or heavy pressure almost always leads to the dog shutting down or losing trust.
What works, owners say, is calm, confident leadership and positive reinforcement. Most Xolos respond very well to food rewards, but they ask for patience and consistency from their people. Owners often point out that thorough, early socialization to the wider world is essential. Without it, some dogs' watchfulness and wariness can leave them overwhelmed and insecure in new or busy situations.
When it comes to health and care, the hairless skin gets most of the attention among owners. Many describe a learning curve at the start: Xolos are especially prone to blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes during adolescence. Opinions on a care routine differ. Some owners use special mild baths, scrubs, and moisturizing lotions, while others swear by doing as little as possible so they don't upset the skin's natural balance.
Owners agree that bare skin needs active protection from the weather. In summer, light patches of skin have to be protected from sunburn, and in a cold, wet fall and winter a fitting coat or sweater is basic equipment, since these dogs get cold quickly without an extra layer. Owners also mention the incomplete set of teeth as a health quirk. The missing teeth are genetically linked to hairlessness; owner reports mostly describe this as harmless, but it does mean keeping a regular eye on dental hygiene.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Xoloitzcuintle is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Xoloitzcuintle is 13-18 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Xoloitzcuintle grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Xoloitzcuintle can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Xoloitzcuintle comes in these colors: Black, Grey, Red, Liver, Fawn, Piebald, Brindle, Merle, Black and tan. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
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