Xoloitzcuintle - description of the breed and character of the dog

Xoloitzcuintle (as well as Xolo or Mexican naked) is an extremely rare breed of dog. About three thousand years ago, during the existence of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, Xolo was bred in Mexico as a cult breed in temples. The name of the breed of these animals is made up of the name of the god of the Aztecs - Xolotl and Itzkuintli, which means “dog of the god Xolotl”. When it was necessary to conduct ceremonies at the temple, used the meat of Mexican hairless dogs. With regards to other breeds, Xolo differs from them in that its sweat glands are located all over the body, and the molars are missing.

Mexican nude is a branch of a breed that sometimes appears in the same litter where puppies appeared,having a coat. They are famous for their excellent guard abilities and are excellent companions.

Breed origin

This breed is unique in that for many centuries it was formed independently, regardless of human participation. At the core of its development is natural selection. It is not possible to definitively determine what caused the appearance of dogs that are deprived of hair, but it is considered that the case is genetic mutations that are spontaneous.

Archaeologists were able to find evidence that the most ancient ancestors of Xoloitzcuintla came to America after being brought there by pioneers who crossed the Bering Strait.

According to the legends, it was Sholotl who sent these extraordinary animals to the planet to protect people from all kinds of hardships, and after the death of a person, they could escort him to the gates to the next lands. The burial ritual ended with the killing of a Mexican naked dog. It is worth noting that in Mexico - the historic home of Xolo - these dogs are the property of the nation.

Xolo appearance

This is a dog with an extraordinary appearance, with a powerful build and proportional physique. Xolo has developed limbs, a strong chest and a long tail. There are several types of Xoloitzcuintle, depending on their growth. The smallest dog is usually not taller than 35 cm at the withers, the average can reach 45 cm, and the standard large variety is about 60 cm tall. The species of breed of these animals that has hair coat usually has short hair that is dense adjacent to the body. Cover color can be any.

Naked Mexican has a strong and elastic skin that perfectly protects it, being the result of centuries of evolution. She is not susceptible to a variety of injuries, bites of annoying insects and sunburn.

Xoloitzcuintle has characteristic and peculiar folds between the eyebrows, and other skin areas are distinguished by good tension. At the same time, Xolo puppies are usually very spotted with wrinkles, which creates a feeling as if they gradually grow to mature skin.

The skin of Mexican naked can be completely different colors: yellow, blackish, gray or brown, nutty.A monochrome dark color is usually most preferred. In addition, the skin may appear and spots of different colors, and the color of the eyes is in full accordance with the color of the skin.

The most ancient and well-established characteristic of Xoloitzcuintle is their thin and rather long tail, which the dog, when walking, carries rather high, but does not twist to the back.

A number of Mexican hairless dogs often have short hairs on the area of ​​the forehead, the end of the tail and on the fingers, but fragments of fur on the body are a minus of the breed.

Xolo breed standard

To the standard description of the dog include the following characteristics:

1. The shape of the animal's skull resembles a wolf, while it is more elegant. The head is decorated with a flat forehead, a clear line of transition into the face. The back of the head is very weak, the jaws are powerful, partly narrowed.
2. The muzzle has a flat and flat back of the nose, the muscles on it are well developed, and the lips are tight.
3. The teeth of dogs of this breed are strong, white in color, only bite of the correct shape is allowed. Sometimes the standard allows you to not have molars.Some individuals may not have teeth at all, and they are considered to be pure breed animals, but they are not allowed to breed.
4. Xolo's nose is rectangular, beautifully developed. The lobe usually matches the color.
5. The eyes are almond-shaped, medium in size. Eyelids pigmented, fairly dense. The disadvantage is the partial color of the century.
6. Ears are natural, raised up, rather large. If Xoloitzcuintle is interested in something, the ears are raised and can turn slightly forward.
7. The body of Xolo is slightly elongated, the neck is delicately bent. The musculature is well developed.
8. The chest is barrel-shaped, if the ribs are excessively flat - this is considered a defect. Withers and nape are almost not pronounced, the back is flat and flat, rather wide.
9. Limbs strong, proportionate.
10. The tail near the base is thicker than the tip.

Any dog ​​of this breed can acquire the so-called “zero” type of pedigree if, after evaluation of the standard, it meets it. This is even positive, as there are not so many representatives of the breed.

Characteristics of the Xoloitzcuintle character

Xolo is distinguished by a fairly high level of intellectual development, tranquility and relative silence. At the same time, dogs are very alert and treat strangers with suspicion. A dog can give itself without reserve to its owner and all members of his family, she is very faithful and devoted, trying to find even an emotional connection with the owner.

The breed is easily trained, their temper is balanced and restrained. Xolo are the real owners, with particular trepidation regarding the fact that they are expensive - toys, food, bed or the owner. They are great guards, coping well with their guard functions. In a situation that requires the protection of the owner or the house, Xolo will certainly show courage and determination.

Dogs can carry a guard warning their owner that strangers appeared in sight. At the same time, they practically do not use the voice to notify, but begin to fuss and actively move. Often these dogs are used for therapy, as Xolo is very attentive to those who are loved, and very balanced.

Sometimes adult dogs of this breed may show a certain aggressiveness byrelation to other animals, but within the same family get along well with other pets, including dogs.

Note! For naked Mexican, early socialization is important, otherwise, after adulthood, she will show fear or, conversely, excessive aggression towards other dogs or strangers.

For Xoloitzcuintle, it is necessary to complete an obedience course, and the owner will need to turn into a true leader and authority for his pet.

It is also important that all family members take part in raising and training a pet, only this will allow the puppy to become a “talkative” and open dog. If these processes are placed on the shoulders of one of the family members, then Xoloitzcuintle will be most strongly attached to him.

Animals of this breed are happy if they have to accompany their owner everywhere, and only then can they feel real comfort. Such a desire to follow the owner everywhere and take part in everything that happens in his life turns Xolo into a slightly obsessive dog. In order for the pet to be extremely happy and happy, the owner is required to use every chance to spend time with him.

Sometimes, unfortunately, those people who plant Xolo make a huge mistake if they do not have enough time for their pet. Such a dog will begin to experience a regular lack of attention, and to be left alone for him is extremely unbearable. Therefore, the best option would be if there is a child in the family who will be an excellent playmate for Xolo. Or there is another option - to have two dogs of this breed at once. They can perfectly find a common language with each other and play together if the household is not in the apartment.

Xolo Care and Content

Xoloitzcuintle does not need special care for the skin. After water treatments, you can use moisturizers to lubricate the pet's skin. Given the fact that Xolo's skin developed, being under the influence of the sun in the trails, it does not need sunscreen.

If Xoloitzcuintle has wool, then grooming procedure is required, allowing the dog hair to remain elegant, beautiful and soft. Suchxolo will need to be washed approximately once a month.

Mexican hairless dog is very simple and convenient to keep in the conditions of the apartment. It rarely happens that the household has an allergy to them, Xolo never leaves a shred of wool anywhere and does not have fleas, as well as an unpleasant smell.

Xolo training

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by high intelligence and are always ready to happily communicate with the owner, therefore they are easily subjected to training and teaching commands. At the same time, sufficient firmness and leadership qualities are required from the owner; in the reverse situation, problems may arise in the behavior of an adult dog.

Mexican hairless dogs are very intelligent, have an excellent memory, so usually there are no difficulties with mastering standard commands. Start training a puppy should be immediately, as soon as he gets into the apartment. He needs to understand where his place is, he should learn the devil for not giving a voice, approaching a family member if he calls him by his nickname. If Xoloitzcuintle is not properly raised, this can be a serious problem. In addition, the uncontrollability of an adult dog and excessive curiosity can cause damage to the dog itself.

Sometimes among the animals of this breed there are enough evil individuals, and such a character trait must be suppressed. It should not be allowed to pet into fights with other dogs, because its skin can be damaged, which will lead to the appearance of scars in the pet.

Dog health

Given that the formation of the breed occurred in the wild, independent of human participation, it is not surprising that the Mexican hairless dog has a strong physical health, but even they sometimes have the following diseases:

• external damage;
• allergic reactions;
• dermatitis (which leads to improper feed or care).

Xolo Nutrition

• confectionery;
• fish products;
• chicken or beef;
• egg products;
• soy.

But this does not mean that allergies will manifest by all means. You can enter these products in the diet in minimal quantities, and if there is no negative reaction, then after a while you can try to give the dog another food.

However, some products still have to be abandoned, because they can cause damage to Xolo's body:

• food that has expired;
• fatty foods;
• bakery products;
• potato;
• smoked, salted foods and food with spices;
• products with synthetic additives.

You need to understand that Xolo is a carnivorous dog, and, therefore, more than half of the products in their diet should be meat. If you offer a dog raw meat, it is necessary to pre-divide it into small pieces.

Cost of Xolo puppies

Xolo is a huge rarity for Russia, which determines the relatively high cost of puppies. If we consider the rejected puppies, then one individual can cost in the range from 500 to 5000 dollars.

Video: Xoloitzcuintle dog breed