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Xoloitzcuintli breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the 5,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, today a loving companion and vigilant watchdog.
It comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes and in two varieties. The hairless has tough, smooth, close-fitting skin and the coated a short, flat coat. Both run in dark colors from black and slate to red, liver or bronze.
Temperament
The face is thoughtful and intelligent. A Xoloitzcuintli's forehead wrinkles when it is deep in thought. Xoloitzcuintli are famously tranquil around the house, though they like long walks and upbeat play.
They take their watchdog job seriously but are judicious barkers that speak only when needed. They need a consistent training regimen and clearly defined boundaries.
Lifespan
Xoloitzcuintli live 13 to 18 years. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and eye disorders.
Care
Coated Xoloitzcuintli have an easy-care short coat that needs only occasional brushing. Hairless adults need minimal grooming, though younger dogs may suffer adolescent acne, when the skin may need special care.
Young Xoloitzcuintli need a substantial amount of exercise and structured playtime to stay healthy, happy and out of trouble.
History
Xoloitzcuintli are national treasures in Mexico, with a history that goes back at least 5,000 years. The journals of Columbus and other European explorers mention strange hairless dogs.
The ancient Aztecs named the breed for their dog-headed god Xolotl and held Xoloitzcuintli sacred. They were often sacrificed and buried beside their owners to serve as protective guides to the next world.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 4 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 4 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 1 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |