| Xoloitzcuintli: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Xoloitzcuintle personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Xoloitzcuintle, including these excerpts:
"The elegant, animated Xoloitzcuintle moves lightly and gracefully, runs swiftly, and jumps and climbs with agility. His webbed toes are somewhat prehensile, allowing him to grip toys (or your neck!) with dexterity.
Tranquil in the home, the Xoloitzcuintle is exceptionally attentive to his owner and needs a lot of personal interaction, pining or acting out when left too long without the companionship of people or other pets.
Wary of strangers, the Xoloitzcuintli makes an alert watchdog, exceedingly aware of his surroundings. Some Xolos are high-strung and/or timid of new people and new situations. Early and frequent socialization will help build a confident, stable temperament.
Still somewhat primitive in behavior, the Xoloitzcuintli is most content with structure and consistency in his life. He often reacts based on instinct, and his reflexes are lightning fast.
Though independent, he is smart and sensitive and responds best to gentle, reward-based obedience training. Harsh discipline only frightens him.
Because of his athleticism and ingenuity, your fences should be high and secure. Don't allow barking to become established."
History
In ancient Mexico and Central and South America, the Xoloitzcuintle was used as a bed-warmer, especially for sick people, and also fattened for consumption by the native people. His skin and flesh were believed to have curative powers for physical ills. Considered "the dog of the god Xolotl," he was often sacrificed at Aztec burials so he could guide the human soul to heaven.
Size
Miniature: 10-14 inches and 7-15 lbs. Intermediate: 14-18 inches and 15-40 lbs. Standard: 18-23 inches and 40-80 lbs. |
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Xoloitzcuintles
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Xolos, and placid Xolos.
- Hard-headed Xolos, and sweet-natured Xolos.
- Serious Xolos, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Xolos, and Xolos who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Xoloitzcuintle puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Comes in several sizes, from small to medium
- Has an exotic, elegant appearance, like that of a small deer
- Is mostly hairless, needs no brushing, and doesn't shed
- Moves with light-footed grace, runs swiftly, and jumps and climbs with agility
- Is high-spirited, smart, and sensitive
- Makes a keen watchdog, but not a guarddog
- Is usually peaceful with other animals
A Xoloitzcuintle may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- A somewhat highstrung, emotional, dependent personality that demands much attention and will bark or act destructively when left too long without companionship
- Timidity or suspiciousness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
- Independent thinking (mind of his own)
- Emotional sensitivity to stress, loud voices, rough handling, and abrupt changes in schedule
- Tendencies to climb or dig to escape from confinement
- Barking
- Housebreaking difficulties
- Vigilant care of the hairless skin, which is sensitive to sun, cold, rain and sleet, chemicals, and hard sleeping surfaces
A Xoloitzcuintle may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Xoloitzcuintle... |
My major concerns would be:
- Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, the Xoloitzcuintle needs a great deal of companionship and does not like being left alone for more than a few hours. Bored Xolos become anxious, which they express by destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.
- Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Xoloitzcuintli need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with.
| Xoloitzcuintle puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Xoloitzcuintle puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Xoloitzcuintle adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result. |
- Mind of his own. Xoloitzcuintles are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and can be stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
- Emotional sensitivity. Be honest...is there tension in your home? Are people loud or angry or emotional? Are there arguments or fights? Xoloitzcuintles are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up with digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors if the people in their home are having family problems. Xolos are peaceful dogs who need a harmonious home.
- Housebreaking problems. The Xoloitzcuintle is considered a "primitive" breed, not far from its wild roots. All of the primitive breeds are difficult to housebreak. Consistent crate training is mandatory. Sometimes a doggy door is necessary. And some owners never do get their Xoloitzcuintles fully housebroken. Territorial marking (unneutered males lifting their leg to pee in your house) is a common problem.
- Fence security. Many Xolos climb like monkeys and dig like gophers. You may need higher fences than you might imagine for their small size. You may also need to sink wire into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging.
- Barking. Xoloitzcuintles are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them so they don't turn into yapping nuisances.
- Skin care. The Xoloitzcuintli has delicate skin that must be protected from sunburn and freezing temperatres and frequently washed and moisturized. Xolos need soft blankets to curl up in.
| If you're considering an adult Xoloitzcuintle... |
There are plenty of adult Xolos who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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