Mexican Hairless

People usually look up the Mexican Hairless (the Xoloitzcuintle) when they’re trying to decide if a hairless dog will actually suit their home: the skin care, the dental quirks, the way the breed watches strangers, and the reality of living with a dog that feels the weather on its body.

The Xolo can be an unusually calm, steady companion, but it isn’t a “set and forget” pet. The details matter—especially sun safety, early socialisation, and choosing the right size—so the notes below stay close to recognised breed standards and practical veterinary guidance for hairless dogs.

At a glance: Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintle)

• Other names: Xoloitzcuintle, Xoloitzcuintli, “Xolo”, Mexican Hairless Dog
• Coat: Hairless or coated (short, flat coat). Hairless dogs may have small tufts on the head, feet and tail.¹
• Sizes: Toy, Miniature, Standard (height measured at the withers).^{2, 3}
• Typical temperament: Calm, alert, intelligent; can be reserved with strangers and makes a good watchdog (not meant to be aggressive).⁴

History and origins

The Xoloitzcuintle is an ancient Mexican breed with deep roots in pre-Columbian culture. In traditional stories and archaeological evidence, Xolo-type dogs are tied to spiritual beliefs and ceremony, and the breed’s name itself links to the Aztec god Xolotl and the Nahuatl word for dog.⁵

In modern pedigree terms, the Xoloitzcuintle is formally recognised by major kennel bodies, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).^{2, 6}

Physical characteristics (and why the “hairless” part matters)

Xolos come in three sizes, and you’ll see different size labels depending on the registry. In Australia, Dogs Australia describes three sizes within the breed, with the same overall outline: lean, sturdy, well-muscled, with a rectangular profile.⁴

For quick size checking, the AKC lists these height ranges:²

• Toy: 10–14 inches (about 25–36 cm)
• Miniature: 14–18 inches (about 36–46 cm)
• Standard: 18–23 inches (about 46–58 cm)

Weight varies widely with size and build. Expect anything from a small, light toy dog to a solid standard; a broad AKC guide range runs roughly 10–55 pounds (about 4.5–25 kg).⁷

Hairless vs coated

The breed occurs in both hairless and coated varieties. Hairless Xolos have smooth skin with limited hair in a few areas; coated Xolos have a short, close coat and look much like the hairless dogs in structure and movement.¹

Temperament and day-to-day behaviour

A well-bred, well-raised Xolo is often quiet in the house and watchful outdoors—an animal that notices changes before it reacts. Dogs Australia’s breed standard describes the Xoloitzcuintle as calm and intelligent, possibly suspicious toward strangers, and “never aggressive”.⁴

This natural reserve is not a flaw, but it does mean the breed benefits from steady, early social exposure. Without it, the dog can default to distance: stepping back, holding still, watching closely.

Grooming and care (skin first)

With hairless dogs, “grooming” is mostly skin management. Dirt, sweat and oils sit directly on the skin surface, and sun exposure is a genuine risk.

Sun and heat safety

Australian sun can burn pets, and repeated sunburn can contribute to skin cancer risk. RSPCA Australia recommends shade and notes pet sunscreen can be an option, especially for light-coloured animals and those vulnerable to sunburn.⁸

• Prioritise shade (especially in the middle of the day) and choose early/late walks in summer.
• Use pet-specific sunscreen on exposed areas if your vet agrees it’s suitable for your dog’s skin and habits (many dogs lick what’s applied).
• Watch for early sunburn signs: redness, flaking, tenderness, or the dog rubbing/scratching at exposed skin.

Bathing and moisturising

Keep bathing gentle and practical: lukewarm water, a mild dog shampoo, and no over-washing. Many hairless dogs do best with light moisturising when the skin is dry, but products should be chosen carefully (fragrance-free, dog-safe, and patch-tested).

Nails, ears and the coated variety

Coated Xolos are low-fuss: a quick brush and routine hygiene. Both varieties still need the basics—nails trimmed, ears checked, and teeth cared for.

Health concerns to know about

No dog is “problem-free”, and with Xolos the standout issues are tied to the hairless gene.

Dental differences in hairless Xolos

In hairless varieties, missing teeth and other dental abnormalities can occur as part of the same ectodermal traits that affect hair. In practice, that means some hairless Xolos need closer dental monitoring than you might expect for a lean, athletic breed.⁹

Skin sensitivity

Hairless skin can be reactive: sunburn, contact irritation, and dryness are common themes. The goal is not perfection—just a steady baseline, with quick attention to new rashes, pustules, or persistent itch.

Joint and general health

Like many breeds, individuals may experience orthopaedic issues. Keep puppies lean, avoid excessive jumping during growth, and choose breeders who health-test and share long-term outcomes.

Training and socialisation

Xolos tend to learn quickly when training is quiet and consistent. Harsh methods often backfire in a breed that can be naturally cautious.

• Start early: gentle exposure to visitors, noises, different surfaces, and handling (paws, ears, mouth).
• Keep sessions short: a few minutes at a time, folded into daily life.
• Reward calm behaviour: especially when the dog notices something unfamiliar and chooses to settle instead of escalating.

Living conditions: apartment or house?

Xolos can suit apartment living if their needs are met: daily walks, a safe place to retreat, and enough mental work to keep the dog from inventing its own entertainment. What matters more than the floorplan is routine—consistent exercise, consistent boundaries, consistent social contact.

Xolos in art and popular culture (a quick correction)

Xolos appear in Mexican art and cultural imagery, including work associated with artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.¹⁰

One common mix-up: in Harry Potter, “Fluffy” is a giant three-headed dog, not a Mexican Hairless, and “Dogmeat” in Fallout is typically portrayed as a German Shepherd-type dog rather than a Xolo. It’s a breed that’s more often seen in galleries and on the street than on-screen.

Final thoughts

The Mexican Hairless is a study in quiet contrasts: spare skin over strong muscle, a calm house companion with a sharp eye, a dog that asks for very little grooming—then asks for you to take the sun seriously. Choose a reputable breeder, meet adult dogs if you can, and be honest about your climate and routine. The right match is unmistakable.

References

1. Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – XOLOITZCUINTLE (Breed No. 234)
2. American Kennel Club (AKC) – Xolo Breed Varieties (sizes)
3. United Kennel Club (UKC) – Xoloitzcuintli Breed Standard (height ranges)
4. Dogs Australia – Xoloitzcuintle Breed Standard
5. Encyclopaedia Britannica – Xoloitzcuintli
6. American Kennel Club (AKC) – Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed Information
7. American Kennel Club (AKC) – Breed Weight Chart (Xoloitzcuintli range)
8. RSPCA Australia – Keeping your pet safe during the heat (shade, sunburn and pet sunscreen)
9. Merck Veterinary Manual – Congenital and inherited anomalies of teeth in dogs
10. Encyclopaedia Britannica – Frida Kahlo (background and recognised works/context)