Buying or Adopting a Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Interested in the Xoloitzcuintli? Read each post on this page. Make sure the breed is right for you (and that YOU are right for the breed). Decide on sex and age. Then begin the exciting adventure of finding and evaluating breeders and rescue groups and selecting the right Xolo. Don't be in a hurry!
Don't set your sights on the Xoloitzcuintli until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Xoloitzcuintli the right breed for you?
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless) Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
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Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Xolo?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- Standard size: No very small dogs in the household
- Standard size: No cats in the household
- Toy size: Extra safety precautions – ongoing supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your Xoloitzcuintli, being careful where you step or sit, not allowing leaps from high furniture, keeping small objects off the floor so the dog can't choke, closing all gaps in fences and gates, etc.
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Xoloitzcuintli stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Xoloitzcuintli are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Xolo to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Xoloitzcuintli, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Xoloitzcuintli?
The Xoloitzcuintli is not a common breed in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, the Xolo ranks 139th. It can be hard to find this breed.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might occasionally find a Xoloitzcuintli available from a Dog Rescue group affiliated with the breed's national club. An owner might give up a Xolo because he doesn't like the look or feel of a hairless dog as much as he thought he would. Or perhaps the dog has a higher activity level than he expected.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
I've never heard of a Xoloitzcuintli found in an animal shelter. Hairless dogs, yes, but there are other hairless breeds (Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid). So a hairless dog at a shelter might be mislabeled as a Xolo or Mexican Hairless.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Xoloitzcuintli from a show breeder, who breeds Xolos to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Xoloitzcuintli from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Xoloitzcuintli are not seen very often in pet shops, but it's possible. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Xoloitzcuintli Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Xoloitzcuintli puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Xoloitzcuintli puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.
My best-selling books – now available FREE on my website
Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy is for puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Click here to read for free.
Teach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Click here to read for free.
11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy helps your dog live a longer, healthier life. Get my honest advice about all 11 Things before you bring home your new puppy, because some mistakes with early health care cannot be undone. Click here to read for free.