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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — An amendment to the name change from the Mexican Hairless to the Xoloitzcuintli was approved, see the CKC Article: Update: Recognition of New Breeds for details. (11 November 2005)
** — From the April 2006 AKC Board Meeting: The Xoloitzcuintli will be eligible to compete in Companion Events (Agility, Obedience, and Tracking) effective January 1, 2007.
*** — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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The Mexican Hairless is known as the "Xoloitzcuintli" (pronounced: show-low-eets-queent-lee) after the God Xoloti and is one of the world's oldest and rarest breeds. The breed's history is not well known. Some believe them to be African dogs developed in South America. Others believe that the breed originated in China. Clay likeness of the Mexican Hairless have been uncovered in ancient Mexican archaeological sites dating back more than 5,700 years. The first Mexican Hairless was shown in the United States in 1883 and was recognized fully two decades before the Chihuahua. However, in 1959, the AKC withdrew recognition to the breed due to the low number of registered dogs in the U.S. The AKC now lists the Xoloitzcuintli as part of the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Program. As early as the 1840s, Hairless Dogs were common in Mexico. The breed was formally recognized by the FCM (Mexican Kennel Club) in 1956 and by the United Kennel Club on 1 January 1993. The breed has now been designated as the official dog of Mexico.
There are two varieties and three types of Xoloitzcuintli: the hairless and the coated in either Toy, Miniature, or Standard. The hairless has a total or almost total absence of hair but may have a tuft of short, coarse hair on the head and nape as well as on the feet and tail. His skin is smooth, firm and sensitive to the touch. The coated variety has a short, flat coat with no bare patches. Colours of the coated variety can range from black to grey, red, liver, or bronze to golden yellow.
He has a clean and graceful look, combining the elegance of a sighthound with the strength and proportions of a terrier. His expression is thoughtful and intelligent with distinctive wrinkles being seen when at attention. His eyes are almond shaped and can vary from yellow to black.
The Mexican Hairless Dog, or Xolo as he is commonly known, is one of the best known of the rare breed hairless dogs. All three varieties are excellent family companions. They are relatively calm but also make good watchdogs in that they will announce the approach of strangers. They are intelligent, cheerful, attentive, alert and loyal.
The breed was developed strictly as a companion dog — a bed warmer. The Mexican Hairless, like other hairless dogs, has a higher than expected body temperature.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a Mexican Hairless puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Grooming Information:
Due to their hairless bodies, the Mexican Hairless must be protected from excessive sunlight, heat and cold. They are hypoallergenic, odourless and flealess, again due to their lack of hair.
- Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your Mexican Hairless, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada.
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